Antinuclear

Week to 4 May in climate and nuclear news

Well, ya can’t get away from it. It’s always the pandemic! This week, the news moves on to considering the future.  Biodiversity scientists warn that future pandemics are on the horizon, if we don’t stop our rapid destruction of nature. With increasing human population, encroaching on wild habitats, there’s increased risk of pathogens transferring between animals and humans. 

But also, the pandemic is showing us how our trashed world can heal.

Amidst the continuing propaganda for the (still non existent) new “cheap ” small nuclear reactors, comes the sobering fact that the nuclear industry is in trouble, in this time of pandemic.  It’s not just nuclear’s unique  safety problem, but now the business problem. As wind and solar power thrive , nuclear power is going down the drain, with low prices and slumping demand.

A bit of good news –  Hole in the ozone layer is now closed.

AUSTRALIA

Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) continues attacks on ABC .

Rampant, unmonitored use of water by Australia’s coal industry in time of drought!.

NUCLEAR. Australia: Epidemiology on nuclear radiation?  

Flinders Local Action Group want a new process for disposal of Australia’s nuclear waste.   South Australian group calls –  ” No to radioactive waste on agricultural land in Kimba or South Australia.”  Dr Helen Caldicott explains the (virtually eternal) problem of toxic nuclear waste. Beyond Uranium Canberra. Group calls for an end to Kimba waste plan, wants Inquiry into nuclear waste management.

CLIMATE  Emissions Reduction  Minister Angus Taylor, refuses to release findings of ‘expert panel’ into emissions reductions Australia’s govt betting on a fossil-fuel led recovery – despite expert advice on renewable energy. Why does the Morrison govt hear the experts on coronavirus, but ignore the experts on climate change?

RENEWABLE ENERGY

• AEMO lays out “action plan” to manage 75 pct wind and solar by 2025 .  Another record month for rooftop solar, but Covid-19 likely to hit in May.
•  Want an economic tonic, Mr Morrison? Use that stimulus money to turbocharge renewables.  Paralysis by analysis: Absurd regulatory regime is burying energy transition. Major contractor quits Australia solar market after huge losses on projects.  ARENA told to strengthen processes, as decisions on future loom.  Deep dive: Why “step change” to high renewables grid will deliver low cost, reliable grid.
• South Australia winemaker completes shift to 100% renewables with solar car park.
•  Zero contact and zero emissions: “Covid safe” electric taxis to launch in Sydney.  Cherry Tree wind farm delivers first generation to Victorian grid.

INTERNATIONAL

The nuclear pandemic.  Nuclear Issues and Epidemiology.    Low Oil Prices May Kill Off The Next Nuclear Boom Before It Begins.

New START is the only U.S.-Russian nuclear treaty still in effect. Time to renew it.

Petersberg Climate Dialogue to be held virtually this year.  Climate change: lakes and rivers will become drier, increasingly infectious and toxic.

Solar and Wind Cheapest Sources of Power in Most of the World   Solar heating.

May 4, 2020 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina reviews