Interview at COP30 — Lucas Cardoso Rodrigues, International Relations Student, Federal University of Pelotas

At the Net Zero Nuclear Pavilion at COP30, we spoke with Lucas Cardoso Rodrigues, an international relations student from southern Brazil, about what it means to grow up next to the Angra nuclear power plant — and how firsthand experience can reshape the conversation around energy, safety, and climate ambition.

As someone raised in a village neighbouring Brazil’s only operating nuclear power station, Lucas has seen nuclear not as an abstract concept but as part of his daily life. His reflections offer a grounded, community-level perspective at a moment when countries worldwide are expanding nuclear in their net-zero strategies.

Key Themes from the Interview

A Childhood Shaped by Proximity to Nuclear

Lucas described how living near Angra felt completely normal to him and his community. The plant was not viewed with fear; it was a familiar landmark and a source of stability. His father’s work at the site further embedded nuclear into the family’s daily rhythm, offering him early exposure to the realities of plant operations and safety culture.

This lived experience created a sense of trust in nuclear technology — a trust grounded not in theory, but in decades of incident-free operations and the presence of skilled local workers.

Community Perceptions and Local Benefits

Far from being a source of anxiety, the Angra plant was widely seen as a provider of economic opportunity, quality employment, and reliable energy. Lucas noted that many families in the surrounding area have ties to the facility, making nuclear an integral part of community identity.

He also highlighted how nuclear energy contributes to Brazil’s broader clean energy mix, supporting the country’s hydropower system during dry periods and ensuring grid stability.

Nuclear Education and Career Influence

School curricula, community discussions, and his father’s profession all contributed to Lucas’s early understanding of nuclear technology. Rather than encountering stigma, he grew up hearing about safety procedures, technological advances, and the plant’s environmental role — sparking his interest in international energy policy and eventually leading him to study international relations.

Responding to Global Misconceptions

Lucas shared that when people express concerns about nuclear energy, he often speaks from personal experience — emphasising the plant’s strong safety record, the professionalism of its workforce, and the reality that communities living closest to nuclear sites often feel the most confident in their safety.

His message underscores the power of lived narratives in countering misinformation and fear-driven assumptions.

Brazil’s Role in Global Nuclear Momentum

With nuclear energy now gaining visibility at COP events and in national climate strategies worldwide, Lucas expressed optimism that Brazil can play a larger part. Initiatives like the Declaration to Triple Nuclear by 2050, new technologies, and international cooperation create opportunities for countries with established infrastructure — like Brazil — to expand their role in the global transition.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that nuclear development remains socially inclusive and economically beneficial to local communities.

Looking Ahead to COP31

Lucas echoed a theme heard across the Net Zero Nuclear Pavilion: the need to translate commitment into action. For nuclear to grow as part of global climate solutions, he believes countries must continue investing in public engagement, education, and transparent dialogue — so that more people can understand nuclear the way he does: through lived reality rather than distant headlines.

Watch the Full Interview

View the full conversation on the World Nuclear Association’s YouTube channel to hear Lucas Cardoso Rodrigues’s insights on nuclear energy, community perspectives, and the role of local voices in shaping a fair and effective global energy transition.