Chernobyl at 40: Is nuclear power back in fashion?

From The Climate Question by BBC World Service

April 26, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of the Chernobyl disaster on the nuclear power industry and its relevance in today's climate context.

In 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear accident devastated the Soviet Union and shocked the world. But, 40 years on, are we now seeing a nuclear renaissance? And what does that mean for the climate? Climate Question host Jordan Dunbar has just visited the most contaminated place in the world for a BBC World Service documentary. He tells co-host Graihagh Jackson about the ghostly atmosphere in the former Chernobyl control room and the huge dome that now covers the remains of the nuclear reactor that exploded. Jordan and Graihagh also discuss how the disaster set back the nuclear power industry for decades. Now, however, nuclear is firmly back on the international agenda because of rising power demand and concerns about energy security. With around 40 countries now aiming to build more nuclear power stations, what will this mean for the climate and the world’s goal of keeping global warming under control? Got a question or a comment? Email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com Presenters: Jordan Dunbar and Graihagh Jackson Producers: Simon Watts and Diane Richardson Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts Picture credit: Getty Images

People in this episode

Host: Jordan Dunbar

Guest: Graihagh Jackson

Topics covered

nuclear power
Chernobyl
climate change
energy security
nuclear renaissance

Keywords

Chernobyl
nuclear power
climate change
energy security
nuclear renaissance
Soviet Union
power demand

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service

Places: Chernobyl, Soviet Union, Chernobyl control room, nuclear reactor, 40 countries