Finnish Green Party Says Yes to Nuclear Power for Climate

Finland's Green Party, known as De Gröna, has embraced nuclear power as a crucial element in achieving a fossil-free energy future, a position that starkly contrasts with their Swedish counterparts. Atte Harjanne, a member of the Finnish Parliament for De Gröna, explained that the party sees nuclear energy as a necessary tool within a broader strategy to combat climate change.

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We see nuclear power as part of a fossil-free energy system.

"We see nuclear power as part of a fossil-free energy system," Harjanne stated. He elaborated that this pragmatic approach stems from a long-standing internal discussion within the party, which has gradually shifted its stance. While not advocating for aggressive phase-outs, the party has moved towards a "technologically neutral" viewpoint, recognizing the role nuclear energy can play alongside renewables.

Harjanne, who has an engineering background and researched climate risks, highlighted that the climate crisis is not the sole consideration. He pointed to environmental aspects, emphasizing that energy production must respect planetary boundaries. This includes not only eliminating fossil fuels but also managing biomass consumption and, consequently, deforestation. "We can't burn too much biomass, and therefore can't cut down too much forest," he noted, underscoring the need for nuclear power in this context.

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It is a big shift, but there has always been a certain pragmatism in the party.

Addressing concerns about non-renewable resources required for nuclear power, Harjanne acknowledged that all energy production involves resource extraction. He pointed out that solar panels and wind turbines also require mining and land exploitation. "There is no way to produce energy without extracting resources from the earth," he concluded, suggesting a balanced approach is necessary for sustainable energy solutions.

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There is no way to produce energy without extracting resources from the earth.