RantCrush Top 5: May 22, 2017

Switzerland is moving toward using only renewable energy sources, and yesterday, citizens voted in favor of a ban on any new nuclear plants. Instead, billions of dollars will go to subsidies for renewable energy sources. Nuclear power is being used less frequently in Europe–Austria completely banned it decades ago and Germany is phasing it out. The 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima played a big part in this shift.

Politicians said renewable energy sources would also make Switzerland more independent and less reliable on foreign sources. The small country only has five nuclear plants, and one will close by 2019. The rest can keep running as long as they meet safety standards, but no new plants will be built. Although 58 percent of voters agreed with the plan, critics said energy costs will become much more expensive for ordinary families and that wind and solar power can be unreliable.

Referendum : Switzerland bans construction of new nuclear PPlant and goes renewable. 57% approuval of the bill. Historical.

— Roger Nordmann (@NordmannRoger) May 21, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.