Environmentalists have long promoted renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind farms to save the climate. But what about when those technologies destroy the environment? In this provocative talk, Time Magazine “Hero of the Environment” and energy expert Michael Shellenberger explains why solar and wind farms require so much land for mining and energy production, and an alternative path to saving both the climate and the natural environment. 

Michael Shellenberger is a Time Magazine Hero of the Environment and President of Environmental Progress, a research and policy organization. A lifelong environmentalist, Michael changed his mind about nuclear energy and has helped save enough nuclear reactors to prevent an increase in carbon emissions equivalent to adding more than 10 million cars to the road. He lives in Berkeley, California. 

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Michael Shellenberger: Why renewables can’t save the planet | Michael Shellenberger | TEDxDanubia

Why renewables can’t save the planet | Michael Shellenberger | TEDxDanubia

author, energy and environmental policy expert

Addressing climate change with renewable energy faces hurdles: solar and wind's land use conflicts and unreliable supply.

Transitioning to nuclear power offers a high-energy, low-waste alternative that could redefine our approach to clean energy.

The shift from renewables to nuclear could accelerate clean energy adoption, challenging preconceptions about environmental care.