Fukushima getting worse, except for a new windmill.

[queenmandy85]

5. What is the alternative?

Renewable energy is insufficient to meet the needs of an exploding population. Nuclear power is the only means to generate electricity without a large carbon foot print. If we transition to nuclear, there will be accidents. Over the next century, perhaps 1000 people may die. That is the result of accidents. Fossil fuel generation of energy, if produced according to the manufacturers' instructions will result in the worst mass extinction since the permian event. Thorium is the most promising fuel. It is 10 times more efficient than uranium, it will not melt down, has no military application, and produces a lot less nuclear waste. China has been leading the development of thorium reactors and is creating a stockpile of fuel while the US is burying potential fuel in concrete.
Thorium was the original proposed fuel for nuclear power in the US but it was discarded in favour of uranium for military reasons.
If you want to rely on solar only, you will need to dramatically reduce consumption. The population will be increasing in the meantime. Can we feed 12 billion people without ample energy?