Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Proof_Device_8197 t1_iy7xi71 wrote

Reply to comment by Lost_in_Limgrave in Qatar and Germany sign long-term natural gas agreement by dragon8811

One the BIGGEST issues with nuclear is that it’s a strongly supported cause by the people, but no one wants it in their backyard.

16

Lost_in_Limgrave t1_iy7ycmd wrote

I understand that, but how is that different from most forms of fossil fuel energy generation? I’d be a bit miffed if a coal-fired plant was belching smoke over my town too

10

Proof_Device_8197 t1_iy7zixl wrote

Sure, coal is absolutely terrible in that regard, and if anything a lot more unsafe. Nuclear has a stigma, (i.e: Chernobyl, Fukushima, Three Mile Island in the US), and even though it’s a lot more green than any other mining taking place to harness energy, it’s reputation and PR is still the worst.

9

Lost_in_Limgrave t1_iy81ioq wrote

True. Still, it’s disappointing that German lawmakers would make such an irrational decision as to close the plants when they, like other West European nuclear plants, had operated without incident since the first one came online in 1969. From the looks of it they’ve had pause to reconsider closing the last of their stations this year though.

4

Proof_Device_8197 t1_iy83rya wrote

It is a shame, but it’s not like it can’t be reversed. This a voting issue full stop. If the German people want nuclear they should demand it. There were a lot of protests back then, but it was a different time, and the political climate was not the same as it is today. It can absolutely start up again at any time, it just needs to be supported and offered to the public with as much transparency and public education as possible.

8