Advancing Nuclear Energy to Help Address Climate Change and Air Polution - by Jim Hansen

China’s leaders have done a remarkable job in raising more people out of poverty than any case in Earth’s history.  Yet that progress is now threatened by the twin scourges of air pollution and climate change. Two of the days I was in Beijing were “red alert” days, with air pollution so bad that school was cancelled.  Unlike my experience in Ningbo, I avoided an asthma attack with the help of a good face mask – any sleeplessness was only the result of an 11-hour time zone shift.

A crucial requirement for cleaning up the air and environment is abundant affordable electric power for all citizens, allowing replacement of many polluting activities.  Chart 1 here is Chart 44 of my Tsinghua University presentation, which is available at Beijing Charts (pdf).
...
China may be the best hope for the rapid progress needed to save the future of young people, given the U.S. and Europe situations, despite the fact that China is responsible for only 10% of cumulative fossil fuel emissions that cause climate change (U.S. and Europe are each responsible for >25%). 

Read more at Wanning Workshop + Beijing Charts + Year-End Comments