AlanK: Very thoughtful comment. But. Hubris? Ok, quantum theory tells us that there is a non-zero probability of say a black hole emerging at the reactor core at Vermont Yankee at any given moment, and a somewhat greater probability of a pyroclastic event at the same spot (see, e.g. Paricutin, 1943). But a plausible, realistic worse case other than a Richter 9 seismic event? If anything, its the antithesis of hubris to admit I can't come come up with one.
I was aiming the hubris comment at George Monbiot, not you. But you inspired me to go read some of his commentary on the subject. I found a lot to like in it. He is attracting criticism, of course, but I would not use "hubris" to describe his thinking.
