Antinuclear

Climate news, nuclear news, to 17 November -Australia

Today, the UN climate negotiations in Bonn, Germany, are wrapping up. The world’s diplomats discussed and developed national pledges, with USA’s Michael Bloomberg pledging American action by cities and States, in defiance of President Trump. Scientists reported that the plans are not enough to meet the Paris climate goal of holding the global temperature increase to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. It is still worth acting to prevent extreme changes, but climate change impacts are already locked in.

To give an example of the kind of climate feedback mechanisms  that might be happening, China has this year increased its carbon emissions, largely because of less availability of hydropower.  Hydropower was in short supply because of drought, which, in itself, was probably exacerbated by climate change.

You would think it hardly possible that tensions could ratchet up any further around North Korea, but they have. China has sent a diplomat to North Korea, and has asked USA to stop the naval military drills around the Korean peninsula.

AUSTRALIA

Australian government helps business lobbies, while punishing charities.

Australia sells weapons to countries like Saudi Arabia, that perpetrate human rights abuses.

CLIMATE. Among 56 countries studied – Australia is close to worst on climate change action.  Pacific Islanders call on Australia and other nations, as climate change submerges islands. Australian World Heritage sites at special climate change risk .

NUCLEAR. Lucas Heights is the obvious place for a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility. High level nuclear wastes, planned for South Australia dumping, but not mentioned by Australian Government. Federal radioactive waste in South Australia : three sites, two years, one message.   South Australian government: local Aboriginal community has final veto on nuclear waste suppository Australian Aboriginal concerns will now be addressed in Scotland discussions on destination of reprocessed nuclear wastes.

Senator Cory Bernardi’s Nuclear Fuel Cycle (Facilitation) Bill – joins Tony Abbott in pro-nuke fervour.

Western Australia: Supreme Court begins Judicial Review of Environmental Approval for Yeelirrie Uranium Mine.

ENERGY. The Adani Carmichael Coal Mine: Introduction To A Special Five-Part Series. Financial peril for Adani’s Carmichael mine company.  Australia’s dirtiest industry dealt another blow as Commonwealth Bank rule out new coal projects.

Australian Solar Council launches campaign againstQueensland’s Liberal National Party.  Canberra homes battle to be energy champions. More at REneweconomy.com.au

November 18, 2017 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina reviews