In the wake of the inconsequential COP26, where some governments made sweeping new promises and others (China) made clear their plans to keep ramping up emissions through 2030, this week’s World Nuclear Energy Day is an excellent opportunity to recognize that there are paths forward for making our energy cleaner, and nuclear energy has a big role.

For decades, nuclear power has been an important part of our energy mix. Producing about 20% of America’s annual electricity, nuclear power is carbon-free, cheap, and reliable. Unfortunately, climate activists have long worked to limit nuclear power. Even today, they shut down nuclear power plants, largely on the misguided premise that nuclear power is dangerous (it’s much safer than some other types of energy). Ironically, shutting down nuclear power plants often increases the use of natural gas or coal power in the region, in turn increasing carbon emissions.