Nuclear, Climate, Coronavirus news to 3 August

As the anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing approaches, there is “Psychic numbing” about the world’s suicidal nuclear weapons race.

This week there’s a striking example of how interconnected everything is. It’s Florida. Florida is struck with two, – possibly three – awful calamities threatening this state all at once. There is Hurricane Isaias, threatening Florida with flooding and destruction, at the same time as the state is overwhelmed with a record toll of coronavirus illnesses and deaths.

Possibly in the path of the hurricane are FPL’s two nuclear reactors 1,600-MW Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station located two miles east of Homestead, Florida, and about 25 miles south of Miami. There’s also FPL’s FPL’s 1,880-MW St. Lucie Nuclear facility located further up the Florida coast on Hutchinson Island. Their output could be cut, or in a worse scenario, radioactive pollution could result, in the case of flooding.

California also suffers from record coronavirus deaths. At the same time, California is afflicted with wildfires, again raising the possibility of radioactive pollution at The Santa Susana site – America’s Secret Chernobyl.

So here, in two USA States, we have the conjunction of global heating effects, with increased extreme weather events, with the global pandemic’s effects, and the third, – very real radiation risks from the nuclear industry.

A bit of good news – Renewables output outpacing coal and nuclear in USA.

AUSTRALIA

NUCLEAR. National radioactivw waste dump plan

Brief note on today’s Senate Committee hearing about the Nuclear Waste Bill.

Black lives DO matter, but not apparently, to ANSTO and Australia’s nuclear lobby. Nuclear waste dump site selection process has made the Barngarla people “aliens in their own country”.

Nuclear waste for Napandee: transport, double handling, safety? Should South Australians get a vote on this? Doubts that a Kimba nuclear dump will really bring jobs to the area. ABC Radio interview focused on Kimba nuclear waste dump plan. Reflection on Jeff Baldock’s presentation to the Senate Hearing on Napandee Radioactive waste Dump plan. Barry Wakelin speaks to the Senate Inquiry on Napandee nuclear waste dump plan.

The Australian government continues its war on the national broadcaster, the ABC.

CLIMATE

Biden presidency could put Australia back in ‘naughty corner’ over lack of climate action. Victoria delays setting interim emissions targets, again, as Covid digs in. Gas lobby’s leaked power grab for post Covid subsidies sparks outrage. A student is suing the government over the financial risks of climate change.

RENEWABLE ENERGY – for lots of news go to https://renew economy.com.au/

INTERNATIONAL

The WHO says coronavirus is a once-in-a century crisis that will impact lives for decades. Next type of coronavirus may be on its way.

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement urges all nations to end the nuclear era. Never mind about Hiroshima – a nuclear arms race is on – in space!. BOOKS on The New Nuclear Threat. Hiroshima survivor, Setsuko Thurlow, 88, continues her fight for a nuclear weapons-free world. US-Russia launch talks in Vienna on nuclear arms control.

Global heating – “best case” scenario is a scary rise of two and a half degrees. As sea levels rise globally, we need to start planning now. Need for Prediction of Marine Heatwaves.

Environmental injustice is rampant around the world.

Julian Assange: Denied Lawyer Access and Failure of Transparency International –Assange appears in court, as lawyers warn case may be delayed by new US indictment.