Celebrate Earth Day by Going Nuclear
“Our power, our planet” is the theme for the celebration of the 55th Earth Day, which is today. The organizers are calling for “renewable energy generation, globally, to be tripled by 2030.” Consequently, they urge the billion or so Earth Day celebrants to “support and adopt the rapid transition to renewable energy sources now, be it solar, wind, hydro-electric, tidal or geothermal.” Their goal is to cut back on burning coal, oil, and natural gas that emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, where it contributes to man-made climate change.
Entirely unmentioned by the earnest Earth Day activists is the emissions-free energy produced by “magic rocks,” a.k.a. uranium, that fuel carbon-free nuclear power. Nuclear power plants currently produce about 9 percent of the world’s electricity. Globally, nuclear energy is the second-largest source of carbon-free electricity, following hydropower. Nuclear power plants supply a steady stream of electricity, unlike intermittent solar and wind power.
To get some idea of the advantages of nuclear power, let’s compare electricity production in Germany vs. France. In a ridiculous overreaction to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, Germany chose in 2011 to begin closing down 17 perfectly fine nuclear power plants. The last three were shut in 2023.
Conversely, next-door-neighbor France announced in 2022 that it would build six new plants and perhaps as many as eight more. France is currently the world’s largest net exporter of electricity due to its very low cost of generation, and brings in over 3 billion euros per year from this, according to the World Nuclear Association.
The carbon dioxide emissions of both countries have been dropping, but largely as a result of their differing polices with respect to nuclear power, France emits 4.1 metric tons vs. Germany’s 7.1 metric tons pe
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
