Antinuclear

Nuclear news, and some climate news – to 5 June

It is clear that the climate crisis is the greatest threat to humans and other species. This week, Dahr Jamail and others have spelled out the intensity of the effects of ever accelerating global warming. One report gives a harrowing scenario analysis of how human civilization might collapse due to climate change.

Nevertheless, at this stage, I’ve decided to focus on the original purpose of this weekly summary – nuclear news.

Why?  Two reasons:

1, I can’t keep up with the variety of climate change impacts happening, and with the overall understanding of communicators such as Dahr Jamail,   climate researcher Paul Beckwith , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9NvCwVDmFI and Radio Ecoshock.

2. The global nuclear lobby is peddling the untruth that nuclear power is essential to save the climate.  And – journalists, politicians, and other influential people are buying into this fiction, without troubling to look into the full picture. The information on the climate chaos is out there, and its effects are visible (e.g. the melting ice).   The lies about “new nuclear”, about “harmless , even benign” ionising radiation are being allowed to prevail in the media.

AUSTRALIA

Julian Assange a victim of torture: Australian government just let it happen.  Swedish court rules in favour of Julian Assange: he will not be extradited to Sweden.

Australia joins with Japan and USA in urging North Korea to return to nuclear talks.

Concerns about the safety of 5G mobile network technology.

NUCLEAR. New Labor leader Anthony Albanese supports UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty : News Corpse doesn’t like him!   Queensland National Party MPs keen for nuclear power in Australia.    Anthony Albanese keeps Mark Butler in climate and energy portfolio, as COALition  renews call for nuclear.   Australia’s uranium lobby imports a very unreliable “radiation expert” to spruik at Adelaide conference.  Vimy Resources managing director Mike Young talks up uranium industry, despite its gloomy market.

Rare Earths.  Lynas still struggling to deal with its Malaysian radioactive waste problem.

CLIMATE.

• Morrison government fails first climate test – Greens demand answers on missing emissions data. Resources Minister Canavan enthuses for coal, Labor leader Albanese points out coal market problems.  Galilee Basin “carbon bomb” about to explode as coal and gas developers rush in.
•  Adani edges closer to coal mine start as Queensland accepts plans for endangered finch. COURT STATEMENT: WANGAN and JAGALINGOU COUNCIL – on the Adani coal project and Aboriginal rights.   Adani coal project has a doubtful financial future.  Clive Palmer’s plan for new coal-fired power station in Galilee Basin. Why the coal lobby has misled Queensland on value of thermal coal.
• Australian companies, later, governments, may face legal action over climate issues. Rising seas threaten Australia’s major airports – and it may be happening faster than we think.

RENEWABLE ENERGY  Western Australian councils urge state to step up on clean energy . Relief as “common sense” and Supreme Court prevail over Queensland solar rule change .     Off the grid: AEMC paves way for stand alone systems to replace poles and wires. Wind energy sets new records as strong investment and windy weather combine.

Energy transition has only just begun, but solar has already changed the game.  New APVI solar tool shows daily, time-based forecast for each state.  .Solar farms push 2019 PV tally past 1.5GW.  Electricity emissions fall sharply as renewable energy continues heavy lifting.    AEMO pushes solar register as rooftop installations head to 56GW.   Gupta secures China EPC contract for $350 million Cultana solar farm.  Two new solar farms connect to the grid in Queensland.  Queensland electric super highway will soon have 50+ EV chargers. Mirvac taps Melbourne start-up for shared solar at new apartments.

INTERNATIONAL

Nuclear industry and governments colluded to obscure the health effects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident.  “Energy for Humanity”, “Nuclear Pride” – the greenwashing of Fukushima, Chernobyl, and the global nuclear industry.  Nuclear Pride Coalition and Michael Shellenberger: Greenwash and Propaganda 2019.  Panicky nuclear lobby produces a propaganda book, desperate to win public support

Nuclear power, useless against climate change, is itself threatened by climate change‘s weather extremes.

Nuclear weapons even more risky in this age of Artificial Intelligence, Cyberattacks.

Ionising radiation in space will kill astronauts headed for Mars.

Record viewing of HBO miniseries “Chernobyl”.  Breathtaking series on Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe.   Accuracy of HBO’s “Chernobyl” mini series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wk9JRbTTqc

Problems in nuclear fusion, radiation risks – some active wastes, intermittency.

Continuing glum lookout for the uranium market.

Edward Snowden warns of greatest social control scheme in history .

Volcanoes not the major cause of global warming.  A new way to remove CO2 from the air – (perhaps – or too good to be true?)

June 4, 2019 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, Christina reviews