Nuclear news – week to 15 March
Some bits of good news – Climate-resilient coral species offer hope for the world’s reefs How China uses renewable energy to restore the desert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uv-Yw9MZFE Solar-Powered Desalination Device is a Game-Changer: Requires Only Cheap Common Materials and Sunlight.
I’m sorry, people, but they’re putting it over us big-time, on the root causes of the current Ukraine disaster.. This week, I am shocked at the propaganda blanketing all media . Universally we are brainwashed with the depiction of Putin as an evil madman, and of the need to buy ever more weaponry from the big USA, UK and German corporations. No – Putin is not a nice man, and Yes, the attack on Ukraine is illegal , cruel and wrong.
BUT – there is never a mention of genuine negotiation, which would accept Russia’s genuine cause to not be surrounded by NATO and its missiles, not have Ukraine as a NATO base. There is no consideration of the plight of ethnic Russians in the Donbass area, nor of the existence of the Nazi faction in the Ukrainian side And there’s the mindless repetition of lies about Crimea, where 87% turned out to make a 97% vote to rejoin Russia. President Biden is doing his best, I suppose, but can he hold out against the belligerent calls for an air war against Russia?
AUSTRALIA.
Nuclear. Australian First Nation’s take a stand for all nations — WA Nuclear Free Alliance
Morrison’s selected sites for nuclear submarine base were not the Defence Dept choices – and opposed by the local towns. $10b plan for nuclear submarine base under fire over timing, potential site. Sydney ruled out as nuclear submarine base – despite topping list of sites in Defence study. Nuclear subs base will put Port Kembla on the map … a big, fat targeting map Liberal Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells wants Port Kembla as nuclear submarine base – Dr Helen Caldicott and Wollongong Council disagree. Students, Maritime Union, strongly oppose proposal for nuclear submarine base at Port Kembla. Jellyfish would inevitably fore nuclear submarines into shutdown, if fleet based in Brisbane.
Directors net $3.7 million in selling off their Paladin Energy uranium shares, then uranium stocks plummet. Scott Morrison has been urged to act over fears Australian uranium could be used to fuel Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
One Two or Three Nuclear Waste Dumps for Australia? Huge cask of nuclear waste to be quietly transported to Sydney. Nuclear waste now returning to Sydney can be stored safely at Lucas Heights. Then we need to work on a permanent solution. Strong security measures for secret transport of nuclear waste from Port Kembla to Lucas Heights.
Climate. Australian government’s bungling incompetence over the record floods in Queensland and New South Wales. Morrison government blasted for ‘bungling’ eastern Australian flood disaster Prince of Wales links Australia’s floods to climate change in message of support When it comes to climate-induced disasters the Coalition wants to save for a rainy day – but it’s already pouring.
After the floods, the distressing but necessary case for managed retreat ‘Climate system on steroids’ reignites debate on where we should build homes The problem on the floodplain where we should not be building. There’s no sense in rebuilding homes on flood plains Experts warn ‘horse has bolted’ with floodplain developments, leaving communities at risk ‘Rain bomb’ set to cost Queensland billions.
INTERNATIONAL.
Julian Assange denied permission to appeal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFk7Gqfmih8 Lies leave the Assange case exposed – this is a political persecution.
Los Alamos Study Group outlines a clear solution to the Ukraine war. So many half-truths from Zelensky, and from the nuclear industry! The politics behind Ukraine’s alarming nuclear warnings. Western media trumpets blanket condemnation of Putin, without any consideration of the circumstances.
Ukrainians will pay the price in suffering for long drawn-out USA’s proxy war on behalf of wealthy corporations. Hypocritical cries of grief from weapons and other corporate businesses, as Western governments and media ramp up war fever.
Umm….. Are we the baddies?
Women leading the fight against climate change. New IPCC Report Calls for Adapting Today to Ensure Tomorrow’s Climate Security .
‘Limited’ Tactical Nuclear Weapons Would Be Catastrophic. Markets are in denial about nuclear risk.
The importance of continuous cooling of nuclear spent fuel.
I was a nuclear missile operator. There have been more near-misses than the world knows.
Ukraine war fills Pentagon’s, NATO allies’ war chests.
UKRAINE. Nuclear facilities targeted in Russia’s war on Ukraine. Video analysis reveals Russian attack on Ukrainian nuclear plant veered near disaster.
Ukrainian military to blow up experimental nuclear reactor at Kharkov Institute. Russians fire at Kharkov Institute nuclear reactor. [two versions of the story]. Research reactor in Kharkiv has been completely destroyed. IAEA doubts that the attack on Kharkiv Institute was a serious radiation hazard.
External electricity returned to Chernobyl. Chernobyl workers still stranded at the power station. Chernobyl nuclear workers ”exhausted and desperate’‘. Fears are growing over nuclear safety atthe Chernobyl nuclear plant as staff remain hostage. Chernobyl’s radiation monitoring system has stopped sending readings to IAEA. What a Power Cutoff Could Mean for Chernobyl’s Nuclear Waste. The dangers of uncontrolled releases of the vast amounts of radioactivity contained in the Ukrainian reactors and their unprotected fuel stores should not be underestimated.
EUROPE.. NATO fighters integrate with U.S. nuclear-capable B-52s in Black Sea region . European Union won’t be including nuclear power in its plan to get off Russian gas. European countries report a rush in sales of iodine tablets, in fear of nuclear war. Nuclear option is not the best for transition away from Russian fuels. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) very anxious about Chernobyl nuclear situation. Former Yugoslav FM: U.S., NATO expansion root cause of Ukraine war. EU military aid to Ukraine to exceed $1 billion.
RUSSIA. Russia prepared to stop war, if Ukraine agrees to conditions, including independence of Donbass areas. Russia’s disinformation machine, (and Trump’s, in USA). Rosatom’s woes before and beyond the war: implications of Russia’s embattled nuclear industry.
SERBIA. Serbian parliament president: When Hitler entered Ukraine, the U.S. did not declare war. Serbia will not join NATO, will never forget bombing victims – president .
USA The US And Ukraine Have Every Reason To Lie About The War . Ukraine is a sacrificial pawn on the imperial chessboard. USA cheers Ukrainian fighters on, makes sure to keep Americans out of it.
JAPAN. Greenpeace statement on anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear accident. Japan’s power companies move to reduce plutonium stockpiles held overseas. Court rejects bid to suspend nuclear reactors in Takahama. Eleven years on and impact of Fukushima still felt in Japan. Japan to finish radioactive soil transfer to interim storage site . Fukushima Workers Tell The Harrowing Story Of How They Tamed One Of The World’s Worst Nuclear Disasters. Fukushima nuclear tragedy hovers over Japan and region 11 years after tsunami and accident.
GERMANY. German government concludes that it is unwise to extend the life of its remaining nuclear power stations.
UK. UK love-in between Tories and Labour, on wasting billions of pounds on new nuclear reactors. Nuclear threat: Faslane, home to Trident, symbol of humanity’s power and folly. UK’s Ministry of Defence called out for lobbying MPs on nuclear weapons. Investors keen on renewable energy, while UK govt is trapping consumers into paying upfront for nuclear power plants to be built in a decade or more, Hopes for Bradwell nuclear power station now fading away like the ebbing tide.
Cumbrian campaigners’ strong opposition to nuclear waste dump in the Lake District. ‘‘Save the Severn Estuary’‘ fights to stop EDF dumping Hinkley Point’s nuclear mud into this Marine Protected Area.
FRANCE. Macron government considering nationalising France’s debt-laden nuclear company EDF.
Australian nuclear news, and more. Sorry no cricket story.
A bit of nearly good news. On International Women’s Day we can reflect that, in some parts of the world, justice and equality for women continue to improve. Also, the role of women in addressing climate change is becoming apparent – WOMEN LEADING THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE. In the nuclear-free movement, too, women continue to show their leadership – going on from Dr Rosalie Bertell, Alice Stewart, to Setsuko Thurlow , (pictured above), Dr Helen Caldicott , Beatrice Fihn, Linda Pentz Gunter and so many more. Their work has slowed, if not yet stopped, the development of the nuclear horror.
AUSTRALIA.
Scott got a war but not the one he was pushing for. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCHRebHYNZ0 Australian Security Policy Institute – funded by weapons corporations, and federal govt – drumming up the frenzy for war with China. Australia’s Defence Department silent about its slippery dealings using tax-payers’ money, involving Russian contractors . While Scott Morrison froths against Putin, Australia rushes to become a top weapons seller to the world. Brisbane, Newcastle and Port Kembla shortlisted for nuclear submarine base on Australia’s east coast.
Peter Dutton enthuses – weapons to Taiwan, nuclear submarines ASAP. Friendlyjordies allegations against MP Peter Dutton met with silence. Peter Dutton’s war machine cult.
Perth could be the first city in the world to be nuclear bombed, in the (unlikely)event of Putin deciding on a show of nuclear strength. A nuclear bomb on Sydney, or Melbourne would mean umimaginable carnage.
The Kimba nuclear waste dump was NEVER about the supply of nuclear medicine.
Uranium miner BHP under criticism for guzzling precious artesian water, and for not keeping its word to Aboriginal native title holders. Australian companies’ uranium shares plummet.
‘Dishonest’: Morrison government wanted IPCC to say Great Barrier Reef ‘not yet in crisis’
CLIMATE. Why the listless reaction from governments, the hush on climate change? IPCC throws down the gauntlet on Australian institutional deficiencies. The facts we need to face if Australia’s coastal towns are to survive devastation. Scientists warn seawalls can make rising waters worse in the long run The vast majority of us are uninsured’: Australia’s insurance crisis set to worsen. Residents facing eighteenth once-in-a-hundred year event since last January – satire . “A misinformation ecosystem:” Scott Morrison’s climate ads given Public Disservice Award — RenewEconomy
Freedom & Democracy Via Censorship. Australian government and media join in.
INTERNATIONAL.
Ralph Nader: Everyone Loses in the Conflict Over Ukraine
Now Is the Time for a Global Movement Demanding Nuclear De-escalation. Freedom & Democracy Via Censorship. NATO Intervention In Ukraine Could Spark Nuclear War. Here’s How It Could Happen. The US and NATO’s Sacrifice Of Ukraine.
As Russia’s Ukraine war intensifies, some warn nuclear escalation is possible. Russia’s nuclear alert means Nato must tread carefully. Countries Flood Ukraine With Military Support After Zelensky’s Appeal.
Noam Chomsky: US Military Escalation Against Russia Would Have No Victors. How the U.S. Started a Cold War with Russia and Left Ukraine to Fight It. Calling Russia’s Attack ‘Unprovoked’ Lets USA Off the Hook. Mapping the unthinkable: inside the new nuclear war games. A fatal disconnect? the different narratives of Russia and the West on the Ukraine crisis. Ukraine war – a great opportunity – each new NATO country was a new customer for the weapons industry.
Kevin Rudd on the ‘decisive decade’ between USA and China. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeZBMvyJ9bU
The US and NATO have never been sanctioned for starting wars. Why? — RT World News.
UKRAINE. The situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. ‘Grave concern’ as Ukraine Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant under Russian orders. The Risks of Russian Attacks near Ukraine Nuclear Power Plants. Fire Is Out at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Seized by Russian Forces, Officials Watch for Leaks. Ukraine: Fire breaks out at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. The very perilous situation of Ukraine’s nuclear power stations. Greenpeace analysis of nuclear power plant vulnerability during military conflict – Key Findings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEqpc1b03rs . New analysis on severe nuclear hazards at Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine– only solution is immediate end to war. Russian military claims Chernobyl nuclear plant under joint protection with Ukrainian forces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noFe_iNnAbk. Setting the record straight on the background to events in Ukraine. Western govt, media, and public, ignorant about the complex history of Ukraine.
To 1st March – Australian nuclear news, and more
Some bits of good news (hard to find this week!):
India’s Mass Tree Planting Success: Forest Cover Grows by Half-Million Acres in Two Years
Humpback whales no longer listed as endangered after major recovery.
What can I say ?– No breakthrough at Ukraine talks as Russian assault continues. Ralph Nader: Everyone Loses in the Conflict Over Ukraine We’re in a new era. Not only is the war situation now so different, with the nuclear threat looming as never before. But also, the media war has become so very complex and confusing. Social media plays its role – but increasingly – much information is crooked, devised to mislead the recipient. Bad enough from Western sources, but Russia has turned this deception into a pervasive mass art form.
AUSTRALIA
How Australian uranium ended up in war-torn Ukraine.
Meet Australian Public Affairs, the lobbying firm that pushed the Kimba nuclear waste dump for the Federal Government.
Remembering the success of the nuclear-free movement at Muckaty in Australia’s Northern Territory. Australia’s rushed nuclear submarine plan- irrelevant, as China’s technology will outpace it.
Like rivers in the sky: the weather system bringing floods to Queensland will become more likely under climate change
Queensland, NSW floods live updates: Deluge hits northern NSW, Queenslanders wait for waters to recede
INTERNATIONAL
A rogue journalist ponders on Ukraine situation. Glenn Greenwald: war propaganda about Ukraine becoming more militaristic, authoritarian, and reckless. Blanket anti-Russian propaganda leaves no tolerance for nuanced reporting – media censorship is expanding.
As Russia Seizes Chernobyl Site, Ukraine’s 15 Nuclear Reactors Pose Unprecedented Risk in War Zone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20gVRaQdVmY
Climate impacts should be a regular part of war coverage
UN report on global increase in wildfires due to climate change change.
ANTARCTICA. Antarctica’s pristine snow besmirched with horrid black pollution, scientists say
UKRAINE. Ukraine has 0% of winning, so sending weapons is a pointless exercise, except for the money. U.N. nuclear watchdog to hold emergency meeting on Ukraine. Russian control of Chernobyl may have been aimed against alleged Ukrainian plan to produce nuclear weapons.
Ukraine’s reactors – largest nuclear complex in Europe – IN DANGER Russian forces now control Chernobyl, inviting speculation and uncertainty. The Most Immediate Nuclear Danger in Ukraine Isn’t Chernobyl.
Increased radiation levels around Chernobyl probably due to military’s disturbance of soil around exclusion zone. Radiation levels increased at Chernobyl, after Russian troops seized the area.
Why nuclear risk from war in Ukraine isn’t missiles but accidental hits on reactors. Putin says that Ukraine is a nuclear threat. Abandoned mines and old Yunkom nuclear test site in Donbas region of Ukraine pose ”singular threat” of radiation contamination.
RUSSIA. Russia President Vladimir Putin puts his nuclear forces on alert.
UKRAINE Special – the madness continues
It is almost unbelievable that the entire Western media and just about all governments are mindlessly jumping on the war bandwagon again. All that Russia wants is for the West to keep to the 2014 Minsk agreement , and not to be surrounded by hostile NATO and its weaponry.
But no – Biden’s USA is intransigent, and all the lackey nations just fall into line, (including my own, Australia). ”National Security” – my foot! Russia is not threatening any of them.
Haven’t they learned?
There was Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya – all unmitigated disasters, all unnecessary – and now the sheep are going in for fleecing again!
And fleecing it is. Ukraine and everybody else are buying not only the story, but more importantly the weaponry from multinational weapons corporations led of course by the USA. (Probably Russia and China’s equivalent macho men love weaponry, too)
When do we all wake up? The USA government is in the grip of the military-industrial-complex. Remember – the Pentagon brass, the weapons executives and big shareholders are NRB (Not Real Bright), and don’t quite grasp that even they themselves are not immune from the effects of war.
Australia and more – nuclear news this week
Some bits of good news: The green bucket list When you’re immersed in environmental science and environmental politics, it’s sometimes hard to step back and measure progress. Here are a few gains and victories to charge your batteries .
Nuclear. Ukraine dominated the news. The map above might help to explain why Russia really doesn’t need another NATO base on its doorstep.
Coronavirus: COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 14 February
Climate. Adapting to climate change ‘happening worldwide’, essential. Fixing the Climate: Hopes and Hazards.
AUSTRALIA
Nuclear. Practical considerations may hamper Australia’s path to nuclear submarines. South Australian Labor supported Greens. motion opposing SA as nuclear waste dump, but Liberals SA Best and Advance SA blocked it. INVITATION TO WEBINAR – AUKUS WILL COST THE EARTH – 24 February
Climate. Climate projections paint a grim future for WA if emissions not cut Former UK prime minister urges Australia to lift its game on climate change. People are prepared to vote for stronger climate policies
Labor rules out ‘fringe’ deal in rebuff to Greens on climate Greens to seek moratorium on new fossil fuel projects in any post-election negotiations. Independent regional journalism, brought to you by fossil fuels.
Australian demand for solar goes through the roof, smashing records The revolution will be electrified – 7am podcast
Tasmania may get cold, but sunburn is still very much a threat .
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine Special – 11 February 22
Conflict resolution – the positive way out of the Ukraine crisis. USA does not have to march into war with Russia over Ukraine. It can choose to keep to the Minsk-Normandy process. Amid Ukraine Tension, US Deploys Nuclear-Ready B-52 Bombers to UK.
Comfortably numb . CounterVortex Episode 110: Nuclear power? No thanks! .
JAPAN. Kenichi Hasegawa, former dairy farmer who continued to tell the truth about the nuclear accident in Fukushima, passes away. PCB waste treatment plan in Fukushima: “Insufficient explanation” and opposition from many people. Robot photos appear to show melted fuel at Fukushima reactor. Zero Contaminated Water” and “Dismantling of Reactor Buildings” Missing from the Plan: The Final Form of Decommissioning the TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
RUSSIA. The goal of Russia is to destroy NATO by exposing its impotence. Russian Congress of Intellectuals: An Open Letter to the Russian Leadership.
UKRAINE. In Ukraine, USA to finance American companies to sell nuclear technology there, and to other States. USA’s plan – far right Ukrainian militia to attack Russia-speaking Donbass Region – drawing Russian support – USA then to claim Russia aggression.
This week’s nuclear news
Some bits of good news. Not much of it about. But I did find, in nuclear history, a story that can give some hope. From 2000 to 2012, 47 nations co-operated, in a clean-up, led by Kazakhstan, Russia and USA, of ”Plutonium Mountain” – showing that it is possible for countries to work together, to heal this wounded world. Small island communities – pioneers for sustainability and climate action. Renewable energy: The past decade has seen stunning change. Australia -the next 10 years will be breathtaking.
Coronavirus. In the USA case numbers are dropping. In other countries mounting numbers are breaking records
Climate change. Fixing the Climate: Hopes and Hazards.
AUSTRALIA.
The coming Khaki election: will Labor join in the belligerence against China?
Nuclear waste dumping. Channel 10’s ”The Project” had the guts to show Australia the Kimba nuclear waste dump story. ARPANSA cannot with a straight face, approve flood-prone Napandee farm as a safe location for a nuclear waste dump. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGwsbGufXc0 Flooding the planned nuclear waste dump area.
Nuclear submarine plan does not mean jobs for Australians. In fact it’s already caused 1,100 job losses. Ranger uranium mine rehabilitation costs could blow out to $2.2 billion, Energy Resources tells ASX. Nuclear medicine incidents.
Greens set climate terms for backing Labor in the case of a hung parliament
The ABC is under the biggest attack in its history .
Federal Government continues spin and inaction on environment in 2022
Morrison’s ‘Australian Way’ climate plan is criminally irresponsible
Information wars: are we getting a fair view of China’s treatment of Uyghurs?
INTERNATIONAL
UK court should slap down the US Justice Department in the Assange case.
Claims Over Broken Promises About NATO Simmer at the Heart of the Ukraine Crisis.
Can Space Tourism Co-exist with Space being turned into a War Zone?
The nuclear future and the dread factor. Time to start stopping the wars: No war in Ukraine, then no war anywhere. How giving AI bots control over nuclear weapons could spark World War III.
Electromagnetic radiation, said by telecom companies to be harmless, could be hurting wildlife..,
To the end of January – nuclear news
The Ukraine crisis drags on – no American soldiers will be fighting, but American weapons companies making great sales. Here’s hoping that in the event of war, nobody will strike Ukraines’s nuclear reactors – each of them in them in themselves a sitting nuclear bomb.
Some bits of good news : Chinese Method For Growing Veggies Year-Round in Frigid Canada Really Works–And Has No Heating Costs. South Australia Smashes Renewable Record Using 100% Solar And Wind For Full WeekSolar Power Will Account for Nearly Half of New U.S. Electric Generating Capacity in 2022
CoronavirusLPandemic or endemic: Where is COVID heading next?
Climate, Hot Oceans & Escaping Consumerism
AUSTRALIA.
Massive flooding in Kimba district, – the Agricultural (no it’s now the Nuclear Waste) Town of the Year. Serious doubts that the Australian government has a plan for nuclear waste dump vulnerable to flooding. Kimba flooding: Australian government must immediately abort nuclear waste dump project. WASHED AWAY – Minister Keith Pitt’s grand dream of a Kimba nuclear waste dump. Kimba and the South Australian government must protect this precious agricutural region from nuclear waste dump’s danger of ground contamination.
Traditional Owners welcome expiry of uranium mine approval, but the fight isn’t over. Defence Minister Peter Dutton evasive about the 137 member nuclear submarine taskforce, which does not include a South Australian govt rep. Pandemic pollution: how COVID-19 has fuelled Australia’s waste crisis
What drove Perth’s record-smashing heatwave – and why it’s a taste of things to come
Doctor reveals severe health effects from heatwaves and humidityAustralia’s collapsing reputation – way way down on Transparency International Corruption Index/
INTERNATIONAL.
The rulers of the great powers are playing with fire. Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons . The threat of nuclear winter hangs over our warming planet.
Swapping one dangerous fossil fuel technology for another dangerous nuclear technology is NOT progress. Former nuclear regulators say that nuclear power is not a feasible option for tackling the climate crisis.
Russia proposes US returns American nuclear weapons from NATO countries close to Russia. U.S. and Russian Threats Over Ukraine—What They’re About .
US and British governments are effectively using “lawfare” to ensure Assange’s continued detention. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2KuzriLnaU UK High Court gives very little chance for Julian Assange.
Rockets Destroy Ozone and Cause Climate Change – Aerospace Programs’ Deadly Impacts to the Earth.
Scientists say no to Solar Geoengineering .
Nuclear incidents and meltdowns – far more than we realised. ‘We have to stop believing the nuclear hype’ , former chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and other leaders. Busting the nuclear propaganda about Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors (LFTR).
UKRAINE. Full scale war in Ukraine? With its 15 nuclear reactors – no more Ukraine, no more Europe. Increased mutations in animals affected by Chernobyl radiation. “Nuclear warfare without bombs”.
This week’s nuclear news
Readers of this news summary seem to like the ”Bits of good news” – so I think I’ll put them at the top: Meet the scientist moms fighting climate change for their children, . Transition to genuinely clean energy has succeeded in many cases, including economically.When it rains, it soars: Wetland birds come back from the brink
Coronavirus: What’s happening in Canada and around the world
Climate Change. What will the climate be like in the year 2500? Provocative new science.
Nuclear. Ukraine is the urgent news this week- it’s not nuclear news? – well, I certainly hope that is the case. France is the country of most interest this week, as Emmanuel Macron tries to hold it all together. In the lead-up to the presidential election, Macron must convince everyone of a positive future for the nuclear industry, despite its multiple problems.
AUSTRALIA.
A mutual suicide pact: Australia’s undeclared nuclear weapons strategy. Australia-UK talks – all about nuclear submarines and military co-operation against China.
Options for Australia’s nuclear submarines – all of them impractical.
Flooding in South Australia includes Kimba– what about the nuclear dump site? and what impact on uranium tailings dams?
Environmental protection prevails over uranium in Western Australia, with expiration of a third mining approval. Environmental approvals lapse for three out of four grandfathered uranium projects in WA
Dozens of questions on climate and energy policies go unanswered by Morrison government — RenewEconomy
Australia continues to lead the world for solar installations. ‘Everything about the Gulf of St. Lawrence was warmer in 2021’: federal scientist
There’s nothing radical about climate action in 2022 Labor has climate policy edge over Coalition, solid support for Greens
INTERNATIONAL
Common Security Approaches to Resolve the Ukraine and European Crises.
Washington pumping up war fever .
January 22 -one year since nuclear weapons became illegal. U.N. Treaty on the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons – in force one year. Doomsday clock stays at 100 seconds to midnight. Doomsday Clock continues to hover dangerously.
Nuclear energy too costly for humans — and the planet .
2021 was one of the hottest years on record – and it could also be the coldest we’ll ever see again . Research shows planning for climate change will save billions
Changing from a consumer economy to a conserver economy – painful but necessary.
Chemical pollution has passed safe limit for humanity, say scientists. Nanoplastic pollution found at both of Earth’s poles for first time
NATO to apply Article 5 collective war clause to outer space.
ANTARCTICA. Giant canyon discovered underneath Antarctic glacier, adding to history of rising sea levels. World’s largest iceberg melted – now one trillion tonnes of ice – gone.
Nuclear news week to 18 January
The undersea volcano near Tonga is bad enough. But one wonders what would be the effect of disrupting nuclear wastes undersea, whether they be from atomic bomb testing, or from the dumping of nuclear trash.
Coronavirus. It’s not that I have given up on studying this: it’s just that the news, and changes, come thick and fast, and we all live in uncertainty.
Climate change. It’s all happening. Keep up with the latest at Radio Ecoshock – Arctic Will Change Your Life. Nitrous Oxide, Sea Ice, & Western Fires.
Nuclear. This week, Ukraine stalemate, and the same old issues drag on – Europe’s struggle to depict nuclear as ”green”, UK’s struggle to finance the nuclear industry, France’s struggle with old, (and some cracking) reactors. And Fukushima’s crisis springs eternal.
Some bits of good news. By the way, – biggest response ever this newsletter has received on any subject – about the butterfly story last week! Some wins for the planet in 2021. Nice stories about animals – including several ”non-extinctions”. Beavers Saved From Euthanasia Transform and Replenish Rivers in the Utah Desert.
AUSTRALIA.
Nuclear. . AUKUS an unwelcome guest at the table of nuclear disarmament.
In Western Australia, first Cameco’s Kintyre uranium project was disallowed, now Toro’s uranium project also rejected. Toro Energy misses deadline to start work at Wiluna uranium mine
Climate. Federal Labor pledges climate resilience funding, Nationals pledge allegiance to coal — RenewEconomy
It’s not just WA: Sydney and Melbourne will see dangerous 50C temperatures soon enough.
South Australia breaks record, runs for a week on renewable energy
Charities are sick of fighting off attacks by the Morrison government
INTERNATIONAL
Is US extradition inevitable for Julian Assange? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aw4Yz0Va1c
In 2022, nuclear power’s future looks grimmer than ever. Nuclear: economically unsustainable, inherently dangerous and absolutely unfeasible as a solution to climate change. A hopeless pursuit? National efforts to promote small modular nuclear reactors and revive nuclear power. Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer no hope for nuclear energy.
Climate change crisis ranked as the biggest threat facing the global economy ahead of wars and pandemics. The environmental impact of emissions from space launches: a comprehensive review .
The Guardian view on The Green Planet: verdant and necessary
We study ocean temperatures. The Earth just broke a heat increase record.
Global heating linked to early birth and damage to babies’ health, scientists find
Stoltenberg: NATO ready for war in Europe.
Horrors of Hiroshima, a reminder nuclear weapons remain global threat.
ARCTIC. Climate change destroying homes across the Arctic. Fieldwork in the High Arctic found cataclysmic impact of climate change happening 70 years ahead of what the scientific models expected.
UKRAINE. The media downplays Ukraine’s ties to Nazism, as they promote weapons sales, and war against Russia. This is how I feel about the Ukraine crisis.
This is how I feel about the Ukraine crisis
We should study the whole context of this. Russia does not want to be encircled by threatening military systems, and probably nuclear missiles. Just as America felt threatened when Soviet Russia had placed missiles in Cuba. That caused a crisis, resolved when Russia removed those missiles. USA is obsessed with surrounding its perceived enemies with military installations.
The Ukraine government is corrupt, ( yes, I know Russia is corrupt, too) . Sections of Ukraine are ethicnally and linguistically Russian. Quite frankly, a return of Ukraine to Russia is no threat to America.
But NATO in Ukraine is a threat to Russia. USA is at grave risk of starting an uncontrollable war. What use would it be to bomb your enemy to obliteration, if you yourselves are also bombed to obliteration?
Nuclear News – Australia and beyond
It’s a critical time for the world, as Russia and USA face off over Ukraine – the mainstream media showing an extraordinary ignorance on the background for all this. In Australia we get only the USA government’s point of view – I don’t know about other countries.
The UK government is poised to legislate for electricity consumers to pay for nuclear reactors long before they are built, and to cop the costs of delays, things going wrong, or the wonderful new reactors not actually operating anyway.. Meanwhile Europe continues to contort itself with the conundrum of deciding that nuclear is ”green” and worthy of tax-payer funding.
Coronavirus news– it’s all too much for me. We’re all in limbo – and a kind of mental paralysis sets in !
Climate Change. No, it hasn’t gone away. The last seven years were the hottest on record.
Some bits of good news . To cheer myself up, I’ve been reading a lot about butterflies. AND, the nearly endangered Monarch Butterflies are back – in their many thousands, Developing food crops that can thrive in dry and hot conditions.
AUSTRALIA.
The Australian government is complicit with USA and UK imperilling the health of Julian Assange, may well cause his death. The Australian media colludes with USA, UK and Australian governments’ persecution ofJulian Assange -”Crikey journal” typifies this .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-OEJks1ldA .
Australia’s ambitious weapons plan -Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS) AIR-6500.
Climate wars to die down in federal election as major parties dodge risks
Would the Murray-Darling Basin survive another Millennium drought?
New record caps stunning year of Australian solar milestones, sets tone for 2022.
INTERNATIONAL.
Extraditing Julian Assange Threatens Journalists Worldwide.
Treaties, Constitutions, and Laws Against War — limitless life What if deterrence doesn’t work?
Ukraine crisis. US-Russia Talks May Be the Last Chance . What War With Russia Would Look Like. NATO chieftain to Russia: Georgia, Ukraine belong to us, take it or leave it. On eve of Biden-Putin, NATO-Russia talks, Blinken blasts Russia as threat to European continent.
Emissions from the five major economies set to cause a doubling of extremely hot years in many nations. “Don’t Look Up:” Hollywood tackles the myths that fuel climate denial — RenewEconomy
Nuclear energy backers say it’s vital for the fight against global warming. Don’t be so sure. Nuclear is not a practicable means to combat climate change.
Six reasons to say ‘no’ — Beyond Nuclear International
To preserve the planet, we must reduce our consumption of resources..
UN chief welcomes P5 statement on nuclear war prevention . Five world powers vow to prevent spread of nuclear weapons.
Changing patterns for spreading misinformation on pandemics and climate change.
Going nuclear: Should nations unilaterally decide?
Hundreds of thousands of satellites brightening the night sky with negative effects on the ecosphere.
ANTARCTICA. Enormous Antarctic glacier becoming unstable. Maori workers exposed to radiation in cleaning up USA’s failed nuclear reactor in Antarctica.
Nuclear news to 4 January – Australia and overseas
As Omicron rips around the world, attention turns to medical science. In this ever-changing story, conspiracy theories are rife, and trust in science is shaken. Trust in science is diminished, too, in climate change. By and large, media and governments seem content with a ”business as usual” policy.
And now, the European Union is about to declare that nuclear power has miraculously become ”clean”, ”green” and ”sustainable” – worthy of tax-payer funding – this is a real blow to the credibility of science.
AUSTRALIA.
Australia’s nuclear-free collective efforts and achievements in 2021.
Nuclear waste from Britain heading to Lucas Heights – first load of many . Nuclear waste returning from UK to Australia. Dave Sweeney – Australia needs a genuine discussion about nuclear waste. The Australian government’s Kimba nuclear waste decision rides roughshod over Australia’s obligations under international law,
Despite war-mongering Peter Dutton, a Defence review finds it not necessary to overturn Darwin port agreement with Chinese company.
INTERNATIONAL
Why a U.S.-Russia War Would Inevitably Be a Globe-Annihilating Nuclear War.
Will the European Commission buy into the lie that nuclear power is clean and green? Angry response in Europe to the draft European Commission plans to accept nuclear power ”climate-friendly” – eligible for tax-payer financial help.
Land and water ecosystems ‘stressed to a critical point’ .
Nuclear Twilight – the ”limited” nuclear war.
Germany, France, Britain, U.S. discuss Ukraine crisis, Iran nuclear talks.
The murky world of financing Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs).
Increased compensation for those damaged by nuclear accident – OECD.
Threat of nuclear war: Not a thing of the past. UN Nuclear Ban Treaty conference postponed again because of Covid-19.
Radioactive radiation could damage biological tissue also via a previously unnoticed mechanism.
More fusion folly — Beyond Nuclear International
World urgently needs a Paris-style agreement for biodiversity .
COP 27 – the risk of the climate summit becoming a stalemate.
Our Oceans Are Not Sewers.
Nuclear news Australia, and more, week to 27 December
It would be so good to welcome in the New Year with really great news. But, at least there are some indications of better news on the way, both in the unfolding pandemic story, and in efforts to stall global heating. As for nuclear, in a bizarre way, the pandemic has been helpful to the clean energy cause. The pandemic has caused delays in the ”supply chains”. Among other effects, this has made the push for small nuclear reactors (SMRs) even more likely to fail. For example, despite the hype, Rolls Royce’s plan for SMRs for Qatar resulted in a fall for their share price, as the transport of parts is problematic.
Pandemic. Omicron: bleak new year or beginning of the end for the pandemic?. Scientists are cautiously optimistic that the variant may be a sign the virus is losing its power, despite the high infection figures.
Climate. Earth’s Climate: Rapid and Dramatic Changes.
AUSTRALIA.
Australian government and Labor opposition ignore the suffering of Julian Assange. Can they afford to, as election looms?
Traditional owners lodge legal challenge to planned Kimba nuclear waste dump. The Australian government has breached the rights of both black and white people of Kimba in depriving them of access to independent information on nuclear wastes. Growing opposition to radioactive waste dump Massive cask of nuclear waste to arrive in Sydney.
We froze’: What was this 1.3-metre missile doing at an Aboriginal heritage site?
Australians, like other nationalities, need to put pressure on their government to join the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) .
Australia is racing towards 100 per cent renewables.
INTERNATIONAL.
Julian Assange’s lawyers start process for UK Supreme Court appeal against his extradition to America.
The science-based case for excluding Nuclear Fission Technologies from the EU Taxonomy .
Spent Fuel, The risky resurgence of nuclear power.
Nuclear power has no business case and could make climate change worse.
Is the thorium-fueled “Molten Salt” reactor a proven technology?
Report: “Moving Beyond Missile Defense and Space Weapons”
Nuclear liabilities – the tax-payer is the insurer of last resort.
The week in nuclear news – Australia and more
Just when we thought it was safe to go out again, along comes the Omicron variant of Covid-19. It’s almost comic, watching our (Australian) politicians twisting themselves into knots telling us to go out and rejoice, while the medical experts are more quietly advising us to wear masks and steer clear of crowds.Meanwhile more populous countries struggle with the sheer numbers of infections, and the load on health services.
While the pandemic swamps the news – weather extremes keep happening.
On the nuclear scene, all seems quiet, BUT, there’s something of a crisis brewing in France, where climate effects and aging technology are causing problems in nuclear power supply, cracks both real and symbolic, are appearing as Macron gallantly pushes for a new ‘nuclear renaissance’.
COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 20 December, Fauci warns Omicron COVID variant ‘raging through the world’ Top US infectious diseases expert warns hospitals in the country could face stresses in coming weeks as COVID-19 infections surge.
CLIMATE. 2021: when the link between the climate and biodiversity crises became clear.
AUSTRALIA.
- What’s next for Julian Assange? and for media freedom? Julian Assange trial is political hypocrisy. Julian Assange’s freedom must be an Australian election issue.
- Submarines. Australian taxpayers up for $170Billion, for American nuclear submarines. No problem? Australia has been warned, even from the militaristic Australian Strategic Policy Institute, on the problems and astronomic costs of the nuclear submarines. Protesters say no to AUKUS nuclear submarine deal. Defence scrambles to train nuclear scientists for ‘exciting roles’ on AUKUS programme.
- Proposed National Radioactive Waste Facility: Implications and Options for South Australia. Spent fuel rods – toxic? -not when we relabel them.
- Environmentalists and Traditional Owners very dissatisfied with Western Australia’s Environment Department ‘s ruling supporting uranium project. Traditional Owners and environment groups vow to fight Mulga Rock uranium decision.
- ‘Catastrophic’: Warning as Australia scorched Economic planners do not reckon with climate crisis bearing down on us
INTERNATIONAL
Chris Hedges on the Execution of Julian Assange. Classified Documents Invalidate United States‘ Appeal Against Assange — Richard Medhurst. The disgraceful case mounted against Assange by a corrupt U.S. Department of Justice and their hired guns in Britain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trzrUK_fmZI
Nuclear power’s economic failure – a ”renaissance in reverse”. Dr Jim Green dissects the hype surrounding Small ”Modular” Nuclear Reactors. Why Nuclear Power Is Bad for Your Wallet and the Climate.
Small nuclear reactors for military use would be too dangerous – excellent targets for the enemy.
15 minutes to save the world’: a terrifying Virtual Reality journey into the nuclear bunker.
Climate change has crashed Earth’s ”air – conditioners” – the North and South poles. Warmer winters are happening across the globe.Adapting to climate change will only get more expensive
Nuclear Energy Cannot Meaningfully Contribute to a Climate-Neutral Energy System . Energy economics – getting the fuel -oil and nuclear -for continued expansion of capitalism – is costing more all the time.
Understanding cobalt’s human cost
PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ constantly cycle through ground, air and water, study finds
‘Anti-5G’ necklaces are radioactive and dangerous, Dutch nuclear experts say.
Some bits of good news – 10 inspiring environmental victories of 2021 Don’t Look Up: A movie about climate change that is actually good
ANTARCTICA. An Antarctic glacier the size of Britain could ”shatter like a car windscreen” in the next 5 to 10 years. Humanity should not test whether Antarctica’s ice will hold out.
ARCTIC. U.N. sounds alarm bells over highest Arctic temperature on record. Fukushima toxins in Arctic add to pressure on Japan.
This week’s nuclear news, AND news on Australian journalist Julian Assange
It’s not exactly ”nuclear” news. In fact, not at all. I heard that Julian Assange supports nuclear power, but that’s not the point. But what’s happening to Julian Assange is a frightening precedent for anyone who dares to publicise American military atrocities . Actually, it’s not all that new. Now forgotten – Wilfred Burchett, the Australian journalist, was the first to visit, photograph, and report on the sufferings of the Hiroshima atomic bomb victims. Burchett was censored, persecuted, and his character smeared by the USA government and its faithful vassal, the Australian government.
Meanwhile – back at the subject – the West beats the drums of war, over Ukraine.
Coronavirus; Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Weekly Epidemiological Update.Climate change: EXTREME: We Just Left the Old Climate Behind.
Some bits of good news – Largest Farm to Grow Crops Under Solar Panels Proves to Be a Bumper Crop for Agrivoltaic Land Use.
Hundreds of Solar Farms Built Atop Closed Landfills Are Turning Brownfields into Green Fields Once Biologically Dead, London’s River Thames Rebounds – With Seahorses and Seals
AUSTRALIA.
- Assange facing extradition to US: where is the outrage? PM under pressure to end Assange ‘lunacy’. Australian government urged to push UK and US to free Julian Assange. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie implores the Prime Minister to pick up the phone to the US president and UK prime minister to end the prosecution of Julian Assange.
- Traditional owners apply for judicial review to stop South Australia nuclear waste dump.
- Nuclear Power’s Economic Crisis and its Implications for Australia.
- Union leaders demand super funds dump nuclear-linked companies. Australian superannuation funds still have considerable investments in nuclear weapons companies: some are not disclosing this.
- For Australia, AUKUS and the planned nuclear submarines create more problems than solutions. How the military-industrial complex has captured Australia’s top strategic advisory body. To suck up to the American government, Australia’s government leaders agreed to buy nuclear submarines, with no Parliamentary discussion. Protesters say ‘No’ to AUKUS, nuclear submarines and war with China.
- The Institute of Public Affairs is seeking to destroy the ABC’s reputation. Senate inquiry calls for royal commission-like probe into Australia’s media diversity.
INTERNATIONAL
Even when he is silenced, immobilized, locked up and hidden from public view, Julian Assange continues to shine a light on the abusive mechanisms of power. The latest court case for Australian Julian Assange – and the death of democracy. Appeal to UK’s Supreme Court will just lengthen Julian Assange’s legal torment.
FIRES OF WAR Biden is pushing us to brink of NUCLEAR WAR over Ukraine in chilling echo of Cuban missile crisis, Russia claims.
What happened at COP26? Six compelling arguments why nuclear energy is spectacularly unfit to power a just transition. Nuclear can’t deliver on climate . Buyer beware: greenwashing is becoming more sophisticated
Japan’s upcoming nuclear waste dump.
UKRAINE. Who’s Telling the ‘Big Lie’ on Ukraine? Russia Angered by Senator Roger Wicker’s Nuclear Strike Remarks on Ukraine. Ukraine Is a Problem Only as Long as the West Makes It One.
1 This month
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/2352741955560
15 April – Zoom –Nuclear Power is Not the Solution
Apr 15, 2026 01:00 AM in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) on Tuesday, April 14th for a timely webinar exploring the risks associated with nuclear power and challenging the myth that it offers a simple, safe, carbon-free solution to the climate crisis
21 April Webinar: No Nuclear Weapons in Australia
Start: 2026-04-21 18:00:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
End: 2026-04-21 19:30:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
Event Type: Virtual
A virtual link will be communicated before the event.
Host Contact Info: australia@icanw.org
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 