Harald Lesch denounces nuclear energy and rebukes AfD politician Tino Chrupalla
Astrophysicist Harald Lesch called nuclear power an outdated technology and sharply criticized AfD politician Tino Chrupalla for his remarks on the summer.
Harald Lesch, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and regular TV commentator, labeled nuclear power a "completely outdated technology" and said no sensible person would construct new reactors today. He highlighted the large water requirements of nuclear plants and referenced French reactors that faced shutdowns due to water shortages. Lesch also attacked AfD politician Tino Chrupalla for his remarks on the summer, demanding that the scientific community respond with data.
He warned that climate change is likely to intensify droughts, glacier melt, permafrost thaw and ocean warming, leading to less rainfall and more extreme rain events across Europe. Consequently, he urged policymakers to prioritize water storage projects and climate-adaptation strategies. Finally, Lesch criticized scientists who stay out of political debate, calling such silence dangerous in a time of rising populism.
Why it matters
The critique highlights growing debate over nuclear energy and climate policy in Germany.
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