# Status of Human-Made Radioactive Materials in a Biophysical Constrained World

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the impact of human-made radioactive materials on the Earth system and highlights the need for a cautious approach to nuclear energy and weapons.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the lack of attention to radioactive materials in the Planetary Boundaries framework and advocates for the precautionary principle.

## Key findings

- Radioactive materials have significantly influenced the Earth system due to nuclear weapons and accidents.
- The Planetary Boundaries framework does not adequately address radioactive materials.
- A world free of nuclear weapons and cautious use of nuclear energy is recommended.

## Abstract

The discovery of
nuclear fission nearly a century ago not only
caused the production of significant quantities of radioactive materials,
but also purposefully brought naturally occurring radioactive substances
from the Earth’s crust to the surface through mining. The use
of these materials, particularly in nuclear weapons, has profoundly
influenced our understanding of the Earth system, driven by the military’s
need to study the effects of nuclear explosions. This introduced the
alarming possibility of irreversible, severe consequences on a global
scale within a very short time frame. Despite their critical significance,
radioactive materials are scarcely addressed within the Planetary
Boundaries framework. This oversight may stem from the challenge of
defining control variables or safe operating spaces for the two most
consequential release pathways: nuclear power plant accidents and
nuclear explosions. Applying the precautionary principle in this context
would advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons and a cautious,
well-considered approach to the use of nuclear energy.