What matter is if these factories polute the drinking water of those around them or if they burn dirty coal and pollute the breathing air.

The main value is the message: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” — especially when it comes to energy. Environmentalists who don’t focus on energy issues often think of wind and solar power as “free.” Of course, serious solar advocates (and I’m one) recognize that there are advantages and disadvantages to all energy sources.

To the extent that people come away from the article (and the study its based on) with a new understanding of this general principle, it’s a very good thing.

But, next comes the more difficult problem of weighing the pros and cons associated with each energy source.

Coal is abundant. Downside: it kills thousands every year from respiratory illnesses and releases tons of GHGs.

Nuclear power generates tremendous amounts of electricity with relatively little carbon released during the entire fuel life cycle. Downside: Expensive — and then there’s the nuclear waste problem.

Just my 2 cents.
@thephoenixsun