The tagline on this advertisement for German Atomic Forum ("founded in 1959 to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Germany") is "CO2 Emissions = Zero."

Your support powers solutions-focused climate reporting — keeping it free for everyone. All donations DOUBLED for a limited time. Give now in under 45 seconds.
Secure · Tax deductible · Takes 45 Seconds

Stories like this don’t tell themselves.

Make others like it possible. Your support powers solutions-focused climate reporting — keeping it free for everyone. Give now in under 45 seconds.
Secure · Tax deductible · Takes 45 Seconds

See how they did that? They put the nuclear power plant behind some windmills and farmland, and it's a beautiful, clear day! In your mind, you're like "nuclear power, that's as German as female prime ministers and sound fiscal planning."

First, it's worth noting that wind farms are now the de-facto symbol of all that is good and right in the world of energy. Score. And second, it's worth noting that new nuclear power plants aren't exactly carbon neutral or, for that matter, renewable.

To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist. Here's How