Words are weapons in pro nuclear marketing war
Two examples in today’s news. The words “National Park” make it sound as if no uranium mining will happen in Arkaroola Wilderness Sancuary. But in fact, if Arkaroola did become a National Park – uranium mining could still be permitted there. (- just a bit of “spin” to make the Rann government look good?)
Then there’s the federal government’s announcement on closing the Green Car scheme. A family style electric car is being developed. Good. But what does “green” mean? Does it mean powered by renewable energy? (Or does the government count nuclear as “green”)
Another way to use words is to leave out the important one. On the front Business section of today’s The Age. A glowing article about Rio Tinto’s copper mining in Mongolia. Hard to find a mention here that in fact, it’s uranium that is the big thing n this project. ( The word “uranium” might put off a few investors? But even then, several “ethical” funds, count uranium as “ethical”)
S.A. govt should come clean on Arkaroola uranium mining policy
Creating a national park would give the SA Premier a boost in the polls, with mining in the sanctuary highly unpopular among voters. However, converting the land to national park would not affect the mining lease. Marathon was recently granted a 12-month extension to its licence at Arkaroola.
National park rumours take toll on SA uranium miner | The Australian, Verity Edwards and Damon Kitney February 21, 2011 1 The value of controversial mining company Marathon Resources has fallen by $4.9 million amid speculation the Rann government will declare the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary a national park. Continue reading
Japanese tax-payers being asked to fund troubled USA nuclear plant
Toshiba and Tokyo Electric Power are looking to for loans, in order to rescue a troubled two-reactor South Texas Nuclear Project……..Overall, this looks like a bad deal all around: for Texas, for the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and for Japanese taxpayers.
Why Japan Should Say ‘No’ To Funding U.S. Nuclear Plants, Change.org News, by Zachary Shahan · February 18, 2011 Nuclear energy, even if it were the cleanest, greenest, safest thing on the planet (which it is definitely not), is extremely financially risky. Continue reading
Electric car to go ahead, though Australia’s Green Car Fund closed
PROTOTYPE OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST MODERN FAMILY-SIZED ELECTRIC CAR Five local companies have joined forces to build prototypes of Australia’s first modern large electric car. Supported by the Australian Government, the consortium hopes to produce a family car which could revolutionise the Australian car industry. Continue reading
Nuclear power plant delayed in Egypt
Unrest delays Egypt nuclear power plant tender.larabia.net 20 Feb 2011 The instability in Egypt has delayed the tender for the country’s first nuclear power plant, a state-owned newspaper reported on Saturday.”It has been decided to postpone the international tender for the construction … of the first nuclear power plant in al-Dabaa until the stabilization of the situation in the country,” al-Ahram said…….The ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces warned on Friday that it will no longer tolerate protests that disrupt Egypt’s economy…..Unrest delays Egypt nuclear power plant tender
1 This month
of the week – Disrupting War & Militarism in Oceania. Active solidarity. Radical practice.
Antinuclear 