Final answer:
Increased use of nuclear power is advocated for its potential to reduce carbon emissions, a major contributor to climate change, since nuclear plants do not emit carbon dioxide while generating electricity. However, nuclear power also poses threats, including waste management, proliferation risks, and environmental contamination concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nuclear power advocates argue that increased use of nuclear energy can help reduce carbon emissions, which are a significant factor contributing to climate change. Nuclear power plants operate by using fission to generate electricity without emitting carbon dioxide during their operation. As such, this energy source does not contribute to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, unlike fossil fuel-fired power plants which are a major source of carbon emissions. It's important to acknowledge that while nuclear power may offer advantages in the context of climate change, it also comes with concerns such as the production of dangerous waste, risks of nuclear proliferation, and the potential for environmental contamination from accidents or deliberate attacks.