The European Parliament has now "endorsed labeling some gas and nuclear energy projects as 'green.'" This designation will now enable these energy projects to have "access to hundreds of billions of euros in cheap loans and even state subsidies." Indeed, certain "critics of the proposal contend [that] classifying gas and nuclear projects as sustainable is in itself 'greenwashing.'" This decision by the European Parliament and the ensuing reaction illustrates several important issues currently animating the debates concerning sustainable energy policies and corresponding regulations. Second, this decision and debate also demonstrates the equivocal role played by nuclear power in addressing climate change.

Source: New York Times July 08, 2022 02:57 UTC