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It's more long term thinking from me: I know that we can reach 100% renewables in 20 or so years, but I'd rather that it's wind/solar/hydro than something like

It's more long term thinking from me: I know that we can reach 100% renewables in 20 or so years, but I'd rather that it's wind/solar/hydro than something like nuclear, that is more volatile in nature and requires continuous maintenance from a capable overseer. For example, what if a negligent person is promoted to maintenance overseer at a power plant that's several cities across? I have no control over that at all. I'm literally in the passenger seat with nuclear. I have to trust that a handful of people in charge of that plant are exceptional at their job, otherwise we all have a really bad day, and there are no safeguards or precautions that any of us can put in place that will protect us from a meltdown. That's a source of anxiety for me. Worst case solar power disaster, the lights go out or something like that and I don't personally get seriously hurt.

phtrivier 5y ago
Ok, I get the problem with "surrending control." Although, to be fair, we all do it constantly. What if a bad actors at your local water plant decides to poison your tap water ? Or at the local Coke factory, to poison your local Coke ? What if your next plane pilot is suicidal ? Etc... As stated in xkcd, that fact that most people are not homicidal psychopath is an often forgotten element of our safety system.
arp242 5y ago
The problem is that "100% renewable in 20 years" is practically impossible. It might be technically possible, but for various political reasons I think 20 years is far too optimistic. Even 50 years is. The only realistic option I see it nuclear power, although it's kind of too late for that really (should have done this 20 years ago). > I have to trust that a handful of people in charge of that plant are exceptional at their job, otherwise we all have a really bad day, and there are no safeguards or precautions that any of us can put in place that will protect us from a meltdown. It's not that bad; you can design systems with safeguards in place to prevent Chernobyl-like idiocy from happening, and modern reactors will just shutdown instead of meltdown on cooling problems. Also remember that both the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents actually had very low casualties and injuries, comparatively speaking. Loss of control is always scary; that is why airplanes are more "scary" than cars, even though cars are far more dangerous. This is something education can help with. I appreciate it can feel scary but if it's not actually then, well... I don't think we can make such important decisions on the basis of feelings, even though I don't want to dismiss them.

phtrivier 5y ago

Ok, I get the problem with "surrending control." Although, to be fair, we all do it constantly. What if a bad actors at your local water plant decides to poison your tap water ? Or at the local Coke factory, to poison your local Coke ? What if your next plane pilot is suicidal ? Etc... As stated in xkcd, that fact that most people are not homicidal psychopath is an often forgotten element of our safety system.

arp242 5y ago

The problem is that "100% renewable in 20 years" is practically impossible. It might be technically possible, but for various political reasons I think 20 years is far too optimistic. Even 50 years is. The only realistic option I see it nuclear power, although it's kind of too late for that really (should have done this 20 years ago). > I have to trust that a handful of people in charge of that plant are exceptional at their job, otherwise we all have a really bad day, and there are no safeguards or precautions that any of us can put in place that will protect us from a meltdown. It's not that bad; you can design systems with safeguards in place to prevent Chernobyl-like idiocy from happening, and modern reactors will just shutdown instead of meltdown on cooling problems. Also remember that both the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents actually had very low casualties and injuries, comparatively speaking. Loss of control is always scary; that is why airplanes are more "scary" than cars, even though cars are far more dangerous. This is something education can help with. I appreciate it can feel scary but if it's not actually then, well... I don't think we can make such important decisions on the basis of feelings, even though I don't want to dismiss them.