Nuclear power? Still no thanks
Responding to today's reports (1) that leading Greens are re-thinking nuclear power, the Leader of the Green Party said:
"There is no need for anyone to panic themselves into thinking nuclear power is a possible solution to climate change.
"Yes, we have an urgent need to drastically reduce emissions. Yes, we must put the economy on something like a war footing to organise the necessary effort fast enough. But it takes many years to build a new nuclear power station, so even if nuclear was the right answer there simply wouldn't be time. On the other hand, we can organise a massive programme of energy-saving measures for every home and business in the UK starting right now. We can get renewable energy sources into place rapidly if we unclog the planning system and set up the kind of incentives used so successfully in Germany and Spain."
Dr Lucas added, "Do all this quickly, and we will also help tackle the recession. Green energy creates far more jobs per megawatt than nuclear."
She concluded: "Of course the government and the nuclear lobbyists will try to use fear of climate change to divide the Green movement and argue for nuclear power. But we must hold our nerve. We have the science, we have the technology, we can have a zero-carbon economy soon enough - all that's needed to make it happen is the political will."
Note:
1. The Independent, 23.2.09: "Nuclear power? Yes please... Exclusive: leading greens join forces in a major U-turn," by Steve Connor, Science Editor.
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