A rather sobering read from CNBC: What ‘transition’? Renewable energy is growing, but overall energy demand is growing faster

Basically, it says that demand for energy is growing so fast that our emissions are going to keep rising even with the growth of renewable energy.  So, we're in trouble then, right?  It says that governments aren't spending enough on renewable energy to meet targets, so the obvious solution is that governmens need to spend more.  But it also mentions problems with the growth of renewable energy (it's not available all the time, it requires metals that are in limited supply and in China).  

To me, this seems like another reason why climate activists need to start embracing nuclear power.

With that in mind, this strikes me as good news.  From Bloomberg: China’s Climate Goals Hinge on $440 Billion Nuclear Buildout: China is planning at least 150 new reactors in the next 15 years, more than the rest of the world has built in the past 35.  I thought this was an interesting and well-balanced article that went through the pros and cons of nuclear power.  Yes, the thought of radiation leaks are scary, but, at the moment it's a far better choice than coal, and more reliable than renewables.

Last Week Tonight has a video about how difficult it's going to be to update the Power Grid for renewables (but also how much we need to do it).  

The Power Grid: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

(Possibly this is another reason why nuclear power might be necessary?)

But in more hopeful news, this article by climate scientist makes a very good point: It is climate inaction that will lead to people living more difficult lives: In the past year we’ve seen climate change-fuelled extreme weather to rival Revelations.

To borrow from the iconic film The Usual Suspects, the greatest trick the fossil fuel industry ever pulled was convincing the world that climate action would require sacrifice, for just the opposite is true.

It is climate inaction that will lead to people living more difficult, less prosperous lives. Action on climate means more jobs, quieter transport, cleaner air, better access to affordable energy and a more equitable society.

Michael Mann is on twitter HERE.  Follow him and retweet him to boost his message.