More Power, Less Nukes: How Thorium Energy Could Decrease the Current
Threat Level of Nuclear Warfare

The argument I present is that greater investment in thorium energy will result in a decrease in the threat of nuclear warfare and a revolution in clean energy production. The first and most important piece of evidence to aid this argument is recognizing a side effect of thorium’s non-fissile nature: it cannot be used as a weapon. To further emphasize how revolutionary thorium is, under 3 metric tons of thorium can power cities with populations of over 22 million for over a year. These would be major population centers such as Mexico City, Mexico, or Cairo, Egypt, to provide a sense of perspective. In short, nuclear weapons proliferation in reference to thorium energy is scientifically impossible. This work will give a new definition to the long-misunderstood name of nuclear energy. The reputation of such a pure and powerful form of energy has too long been sullied by preventable tragedies. Should thorium be further researched, and the correct steps to build thorium energy infrastructures be taken, the world would have a less pollutant, and even more effective form of energy. According to the Thorium Energy Alliance, thorium is not only safer to mine but more environmentally friendly. In addition, thorium is not concentrated heavily in one geographic location. This means that instead of importing non-renewable energy sources from foreign governments, thorium may be mined and turned into energy domestically, creating a new industry and thousands of well-paying jobs for citizens. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) coordinates cooperative action between 176 member states to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Moreover, the IAEA encourages sharing information between experts in the field of nuclear sciences regardless of nationality. Perpetuating shared values and goals such as these encourages further state interaction and strengthens international bonds.