Greta Thunberg describes the possible shutdown of nuclear power plants in Germany as a mistake

The Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg thinks it is wrong to switch off the still active nuclear power plants (NPP) in Germany and instead rely more on coal power. "If they're already running, I think it would be a mistake to turn them off and turn to coal," said the founder of the Fridays for Future movement in an interview with "ARD" talk show host Sandra Maischberger, which will be broadcast on Wednesday evening on the first . The recording of the conversation was available to the German Press Agency in advance.

Thunberg explained that it was "a bad idea" to rely on coal as long as "the other" still existed. The activist was referring to the federal government's crisis strategy of withdrawing coal-fired power plants from the reserve in order to reduce electricity generation from gas. Two of the three remaining nuclear power plants are also to remain connected to the grid as an emergency reserve beyond the actual shutdown date at the end of the year - but only until mid-April 2023 at the latest and only under certain conditions.

When asked whether the nuclear power plants should be switched off at all after the current crisis phase, Thunberg said: "It depends on what happens."

There are other alternatives to the reuse of coal power. “I believe there are other ways forward. With renewable energies.” She warned against continuing to invest in fossil energy – even if she understands the need to protect citizens from excessive energy costs, said Thunberg. But people have also “made themselves dependent and created a society in which we are unable to see more than a year into the future. It's not sustainable!” said the 19-year-old activist.

Thunberg criticized that the climate crisis is still not being treated like a global emergency. The corona pandemic has shown that this is possible. From their point of view, the consequences of the climate crisis should not be lost sight of even in times of war. “Every war is a disaster. On many levels. But we have to be able to deal with different things at the same time.”

Thunberg also gave a rare insight into her emotional world. In an interview with Stern magazine, she said: "Sometimes it seems strange to me because I know that the climate crisis is making many people depressed. But I am happier than ever. Maybe because I feel a purpose.”

But she often finds it difficult to make decisions. "Sometimes I toss a coin or ask people without context: yes or no?" said the 19-year-old. “But the exciting thing is: The bigger the decisions, the easier it is. What troubles me more are the small decisions. For example, which socks to wear in the morning.”

Her life in a shared flat in Stockholm changed her, Thunberg continued. “I went from someone who never speaks to someone who hardly ever shuts up. Somehow I now want to have people around me all the time.”

Thunberg has Asperger's, a form of autism that she describes as a strength. Those affected by this autistic developmental disorder may experience limitations in social interactions. For five years, she only spoke to a handful of people.

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