Print the page
Increase font size
Germany’s Resolve Coal-lapses

Posted November 08, 2023

Matt Insley

By Matt Insley

Germany’s Resolve Coal-lapses

In August 2022, we reported Germany’s decision to postpone the shutdown of the country’s last three nuclear-power plants.

It was a “belated outburst of rationality,” Reason claimed at the time, even though nuclear power accounted for just 6% of the country’s energy consumption last year — down from 11% in 2009.

But every little bit of electricity generation counts since Germany sanctioned Russian oil (not to mention the mysterious bombing of the Nord Stream natural-gas pipelines). 

Chart of Primary energy consumption

Source: AG Energiebilanzen, Reason
Click to article

Nevertheless, come April 2023, Germany’s literal powerbrokers decided to shut down the three remaining nuke plants.

Send your opinions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com

Your Rundown for Wednesday, November 8, 2023...

Germany’s Resolve Coal-lapses

As a matter of fact, Germany totally disregarded a letter signed by “a collection of esteemed scientists, including two Nobel laureates and professors from the likes of MIT and Columbia,” CNBC says, urging the government to keep the reactors running.

“For me, as a climate scientist, the whole thing is incomprehensible,” says Hans von Storch of the Institute for Coastal Research. “This out-phasing of nuclear, with existing plants… it is not a wise decision.”

Thus, even though the scientific community agrees nuclear power is a clean source of energy, irrational policy makers won out in Germany.

Now, a little over a week into November — when the average temperature in Berlin is 37.4°F — irrational policy continues to win the day.

And that’s just the average temperature.

In October, “a cold snap took hold of northern Europe,” says Bloomberg, “with temperatures plunging below seasonal norms in a first test for the region’s energy infrastructure.”

The upshot? “Germany has fired up a refurbished coal unit to help meet energy needs as the region’s first cold spell takes hold.” (Emphasis ours)

Let that sink in.

“While that poses a setback for the government’s plans to curb harmful emissions, it’s part of its strategy to contain price increases for consumers during the heating season.”

Yeah, but… Clean nuclear energy?

So much for “trust the science.”

Market Rundown for Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023

The S&P 500 is at 4,378.38.

Oil’s down 0.84% to $76.72 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is up 0.07% to $1,972.10 per ounce.

And Bitcoin’s at $35,414.90.

Send your comments and questions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com

 A Mass Carbon-Emissions Compromise

A Mass Carbon-Emissions Compromise

Posted December 04, 2023

By Matt Insley

Automakers Reverse Course on EVS
You Can’t Afford to Ignore Small Caps

You Can’t Afford to Ignore Small Caps

Posted November 29, 2023

By Matt Insley

“While other investors are obsessed with mega-cap tech stocks,” says Zach Scheidt, “small caps provide a compelling opportunity in today’s market.”
Battling 142% Inflation Will Take a ‘Milei Miracle’

Battling 142% Inflation Will Take a ‘Milei Miracle’

Posted November 20, 2023

By Matt Insley

It’s against the backdrop of staggering 142% inflation that election results show Javier Milei won Argentina’s presidential election over the weekend.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T the Rally

R-E-S-P-E-C-T the Rally

Posted November 13, 2023

By Matt Insley

“Investors don’t necessarily have a good reason to buy,” says Zach Scheidt, “they just have less of a reason to sell.”
 A Bounty of Buyout Benefits

A Bounty of Buyout Benefits

Posted November 06, 2023

By Matt Insley

Plus, Gold’s Long-Term Prospects
Gold’s “Triple Crown” October

Gold’s “Triple Crown” October

Posted November 03, 2023

By Matt Insley

“Central banks worldwide hold gold as part of their reserves,” says Sean Ring. If central bankers believe in the security of gold reserves, you should likewise.