Are Environmentalists the Fossil Fuel Industry’s Useful Idiots?
The Germans are often held out as a success story when it comes to powering a modern industrial economy on renewables. The Germans are also hellbent to close all of their nuclear power plants. However, the closing of nuclear power plants and government-subsidized renewable energy powerplant construction has not led to less carbon emissions from the country.
Germany moved away from fission in favor of renewables and has actually increased its carbon emissions. This is in conjunction with setting records for renewable power generation. The reasons for this are clear and obvious. Unfortunately, when there is no wind or sun, then electricity must be generated by oil or natural gas or COAL! Yes, the Germans are putting NEW COAL plants into operation.
Whether environmentalists wish to accept it or not, the need for a new coal-fired electrical powerplant in Germany is directly related to shutting down nuclear reactors. Environmentalists must accept the need for nuclear fission and buy into an agenda for its development. Environmentalists have a role, as watchdogs, to make sure corporations and bureaucrats do not cut corners at the expense of the environment and safety. Fission is really the only option for always available industrial amounts of power, but we all understand it is not perfect.
