Nuclear lobby a powerful influence on Nuclear Non Proliferation decisions
The big pitch to get “nuclear security” (now there’s another oxymoron) is being taken up by the nuclear lobby, with fervour. Let’s get new gee-whiz reactors that can use the old nuclear weapons fuel!
The world still ends up with even more toxic waste from these reactors. And the transport of the enriched uranium and plutonium? Still plenty of scope there for somebody to get hold of it and make a bomb. Even a “dirty bomb” will do. – our theme for April – Nuclear Power and Peace
Australia’s forgotten soldiers, victims of Maralinga atomic bomb testing
he was required to sign the official secrets act when returning from Maralinga, which prevented him from talking about the site for 30 years.
McGee’s lost men forgotten in fallout , Adelaide Now, Bryan Littlely, April 24, 2010 FRANK McGee is looking for the lost men of Maralinga, but fears most of his lads have died without recognition for the work they did cleaning up our nuclear disgrace
- The former Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant commanded a party of 35 airmen whose task it was to collect, bury and salvage items from the Maralinga atomic test sites over two years from 1966. Continue reading
USA Climate Change Bill: nuclear lobby bought politicians
Coal, nuclear, big oil defy the odds, Politico, 22 April 2010, By LISA LERER “….coal companies, the nuclear industry and Big Oil — have not only elbowed their way into seats at the table; they are poised to reap windfalls from climate proposals working their way through the Senate. .. Continue reading
Cameco uranium miner told aborigines that radiation is not harmful
Phoebe Clark from the Punmu community says company representatives told locals that radiation is not harmful to people.
Miner accused of misleading radiation claims , ABC North West WA – Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 23 April 2010, A Canadian mining company has been accused of giving misleading information to traditional owners during a community workshop in the Pilbara. Continue reading
Finland increasing renewable energy sources
“This addition of renewable energy is equivalent in scale to three big nuclear power plants.”
Finland Announces Plans to Use More Renewable Energy Greenfudge.org, by Arkisaeo, 23 Apr 2010 Finland announced plans to step up and meet EU requirements on cutting greenhouse gas emissions this week.
The EU requirement is to raise the share of renewable energy to 38% of energy consumption by 2020. In order to meet this goal, Finland must raise renewable energy production by 38 terawatt hours. How do they plan to reach this goal? …. Finland also plans on adding wood-based and wind energy systems, plus increasing the use of biofuels and heat pumps. Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, stated:
“This addition of renewable energy is equivalent in scale to three big nuclear power plants.” … “In terms of scale, this is a massive solution.”
If all of these energy forms are put into action, it will cut Finland’s annual CO2 emissions by 7 million tons. Reducing coal use on top of that would cut an extra 2 million tons off their emissions….
Tony Abbott would dump the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Abbott wants lead role for troops in Afghanistan, The Age, MICHELLE GRATTAN, April 24, 2010, “………In his first major foreign policy speech as Opposition Leader, he …… said he would drop Australia’s bid for a Security Council seat; scuttle Kevin Rudd’s pursuit of an Asia-Pacific community, and likely dump the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament that Australia set up. Foreign aid would be focused on the Asia-Pacific region, and uranium sold to India……Abbott wants lead role for troops in Afghanistan
Record Growth for Wind Power in USA
U.S. Wind Energy Industry Reports Growth in 2009 , An Annual Report from the AWEA Reports Record Growth Green Chip Stocks, By Hilary Stingley , April 23rd, 2010Amidst a slowly improving economy, the wind energy industry saw a lot of growth and movement in 2009.An annual report released in early April by the American Wind Energy Association showed the addition of more than 10,000 MW of new wind power across the U.S.-bringing the total to more than 35,000 MW overall.Wind continues to be the leader among renewable energy resources, accounting for more than 39 percent of new power sources added to the grid.Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA, said in a statement that the wind energy industry is “on the verge of explosive growth if the right policies-including a national Renewable Electricity Standard-are put in place.”….
Within the last year, Iowa became the first state to get more than 10 percent of its electricity from wind.Neighboring states North Dakota and Minnesota were close to the 10 percent mark, while Texas remains the leader in wind farms…..The AWEA’s report called for a national Renewable Electric Standard and infrastructure updates to connect nearly 300,000 MW of proposed wind projects that await interconnection to the electric grid. U.S. Wind Energy Industry Reports Growth in 2009
Australian govt undermining nonproliferation: uranium sales to Russia
“The spread of weapons grade material is the dark underbelly of the
uranium mining industry,”
Fernando de Freitas, 24 April 2010, The Federal Government’s decision to allow uranium exports to Russia will harm Australia’s credentials as a leading international voice against the spread of nuclear weapons, according to the Australian Greens. Continue reading
India in now way able to safeguard radiation materials
The radiation mishap has exposed the unpreparedness and ill preparedness of the nation.
Government on defensive on Delhi radiation exposure | CalcuttaTube New Delhi, April 20 While asserting that adequate safeguards would be put in place to prevent a recurrence, the government Tuesday found itself on the defensive in the Rajya Sabha as members across the spectrum questioned how people had been exposed to radiation in Delhi.
The government also admitted to the need for tightening registration procedures for scrap dealers and for a law to compensate victims in an incident of the kind that occurred in the capital’s Mayapuri scrap market that has left seven people battling for their lives….. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was present in the house, sat silently through the hour-long discussion….
‘The minister’s statement is not convincing,’ Raja said, adding: ‘The radiation mishap has exposed the unpreparedness and ill preparedness of the nation. There has been a regulatory failure and lack of professional competence.’ Government on defensive on Delhi radiation exposure | CalcuttaTube
Australian uranium companies scouting for investment from India
Australia looking for investors in infrastructure sector, Thaindian News Kolkata, April 23 (IANS) Australia wants India to share costs with it in infrastructure projects required to support the mining expansion projects in that country, an official said here Friday.Damian Papps, director for investments, department of trade & economic development of South Australia, said the country was scouting for investors in India for this. Australia looking for investors in infrastructure sector
India’s nuclear authorities responsible for poor radiation security
Delhi radiation case: AEC, AERB also culpable, Rediff.com India News, Dr A Gopalakrishnan, April 22, 2010 The Atomic Energy Commission and its subordinate organisations have the mandate to put in place a comprehensive plan to ensure nuclear safety in the country, but that does not seem to have been done, writes Dr A Gopalakrishnan, former chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. Continue reading
1 This month
of the week – Disrupting War & Militarism in Oceania. Active solidarity. Radical practice.
Antinuclear 