Significant Australian nuclear stories of 2020
There is very little nuclear news today. I take this opportunity to revisit some of the most important nuclear stories of 2020
The Australian environmental movement has a long and honourable history in effort and action to keep this country clean and nuclear-free. Indigenous Australians have always been front and centre in this struggle.
At the same time, successive governments have kowtowed to the British and USA governments, and to the uranium/nuclear industry. It started with providing the fuel for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons, then to allowing the British to test 12 major and many minor atomic tests in Auatralia. Liberal governments always supported the industry, Labor opposed it, to a degree, but many Labor politicians have supported it, and so have weakened Labor’s stance.
The struggle continues, as ignorant and career-minded politicians of both major parties are still caving in to the interests of USA and UK governments, in craven subservience to the nuclear industry with its new mythical beasts, the small nuclear reactors. And there’s always that longterm dream of a few greedy entrpreneurs – South Australia as the world’s nuclear toilet.
(Mercifully short) nuclear news this week
The good news from 2020: 10 sunny stories from an otherwise dark year.
In ‘Huge Victory for Polar Bears’, Court Rejects Arctic Offshore Drilling Project. U.S. “climate mayors” are hopeful that a Biden administration will help cities accelerate progress toward climate goals.
AUSTRALIA
Curiouser and curiouser – the dishonest acrobatics of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
Cowardly silence from South Australia’s Premier on nuclear waste dump plan. Australia’s lying Minister for Resources gets an “F” in assessment of govt ministers.
INTERNATIONAL
The Madness of Nuclear Deterrence.
Nuclear power ridiculously expensive and uncompetitive – the market has spoken.
To 22nd December – nuclear news this week
‘Tis the season to be jolly. But, honestly, I can’t. If you want to know what’s really going on in this human-species-afflicted planet, I recommend Radio Ecoshock. Here you will learn about Climate Collapse & The Plastic Plague
It’s not about some distant future problem. It’s about now, and how we are living on a trashed planet. And we’re and adding more to this with all our festive junk and unnecessary gifts.
Having said that – there are so many good people trying to clean up, and keep clean, our fragile planet. For some examples – I recommend 99 Good News Stories From 2020 You Probably Didn’t Hear About.
Also, I am reading “The Good Germans – resisting the NAZIs 1933 – 1945“, by Catrine Clay. I find this book a very timely reminder that in very worst of modern times, there were so many people who saw evil being done, and resisted it, and also helped the persecuted, as best they could.
AUSTRALIA
2020 in Australia – a successful year for resistance to nuclear pollution.
Nuclear waste dump plan for Kimba, South Australia. Senator Rex Patrick contests Freedom of Information refusal about Australia’s nuclear waste plan. Federal govt accepted Queensland’s “NO” to nuclear dump. Why not South Australia’s?. Senator Rex Patrick calls on South Australian govt to come clean about nuclear waste dumping. Australia’s Industry Department is bluffing in employing staff for non existent nuclear waste project
Ranger Danger: Rio Tinto Faces Its Nuclear Test in Kakadu Uranium – Unfinished Business: Rehabilitating the Ranger Uranium Mine . Green group raise toxic leak concern at Ranger Uranium Mine
A reminder of the danger of ionising radiation, after theft of a nuclear device.
CLIMATE. The Usual Suspects: oil and gas majors star in Australian tax heist. Australia, the climate laggard, could lead the world: over to you, PM– Hypocrisy on steroids: Frydenberg backs witch-hunt on banks that won’t lend to miners.
INTERNATIONAL.
Sleepwalking Toward the Nuclear Precipice.
The insanity of nuclear power in space.
About writing about the nuclear crisis. We’re in a storytelling crisis”: Advice for writing on nuclear issues, from the author of “Fallout”.
Unveiling New Billboards: “Nukes Are Now Illegal!” (Nuclear Weapons) .
About writing about the nuclear crisis
This is such an important article (– We’re in a storytelling crisis”: Advice for writing on nuclear issues, from the author of “Fallout”) Whether we like it or not, an issue becomes important to people – not because it actually IS vitally important, but because it is described, pictured, written about as something that is important to the simplest non-expert, ordinary person.
In this pandemic period, the nuclear lobbyhas done a damn good job in just not covering the true importance of nuclear weapons. The mindless mainstream media happlygoes along with this impressive non coverage at all.
On January 22nd, the Trarty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons will become international law. The global nuclear lobby will be working overtime to portray this as silly, ineffectual, counter-productive – blah blah.
It will be a challenging time for journalism. The need is to show that this Treaty is as valid as existing treaties banning inhuman weapons of mass destruction, and that this Treaty enhances existing disarmament agreements, and does not conflctwith national security agreements (e.g as betweenUSA and Australia. This Treaty is based on humanitarian concerns, an idea which the technocrats find hard to understand.
Nuclear news – week to 14 December
The pandemic and the development of the vaccine have dominated the news this week. Also, the impending USA electoral college vote is holding media attention, along with the potentially violent movement to overthrow Joe Biden’s election win.
The U.N. Climate Change Action Summit drew attention both to the scale ofthe action needed, and to the efforts being made by different nations .
On the broad news, nuclear issues are in the background. For me, life has been busy, too. So this week’s notes are mercifully short.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR.
Analysing Christopher Pyne’s article enthusing about proposed Kimba nuclear waste dump. Australia’s Liberal and National Parties got their arithmetic wrong on nuclear waste dump opinion polls. Michele Madigan sets former Minister Christopher Pyne straight on nuclear waste dump plan. Far from “broad community consent”– nuclear waste dump plan for Kimba South Australia..
Australian Government Productivity Commission Report fails to realise the complexity of environmental problems in uranium mining.
The end of the uranium mining era leaves Jabiru with some social and housing problems.
CLIMATE Australia is “rapidly” moving towards a hotter, drier climate.
INTERNATIONAL
Dr Helen Caldicott on the nuclear lessons of the past – time to take note of them.
Greenhouse gas emissions transforming the Arctic into ‘an entirely different climate’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOV9QB4c4BA
Google headline news on “Nuclear” – articles are strongly pro nuclear, and for “Small Modular Reactors”, even more so.
Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) if they work, will arrive too late to make a difference to global heating.
Uranium Film Festival 2020 – a huge success under difficult circumstances.
Microwave Radiation ‘Most Plausible’ Cause Of Diplomats’ Ailments.
The week in nuclear news
The big news worldwide continues to be about the coronavirus, which is still raging in many countries, especially in the USA. Meanwhile the race to develop and implement vaccines is already on.
Australian children targetted for propaganda by the weapons industry.
The Australian government”s intimidation of whistleblowers – the torture of Julian Assange.
What next as the Senate rejects the mandatory selection of Napandee as nuclear waste dump? Exposing the deceptions of Keith Pitt, Minister for Resources, on the failed nuclear waste dump plan. Exposing the deceptions of Samantha Chard General Manager of the National Radioactive Waste Agency. “Traceability” and Nuclear waste on agricultural land? Can a new mine save BHP’s loss-making Olympic Dam? .
Victorian Parliament: Legislative Council Committee finds that nuclear ban should stay. Victorian Government Inquiry confirms that there is no future in nuclear power. Inquiry confirms nuclear energy’s ‘proven risks’. Victorian Inquiry finds nuclear power costly and risky.
Australian government’s Bill to weaken Environmental Law will be rejected in the Senate. Corporate vested interests win as Australian Government weakens Environmental Laws. Australian government is rushing to weaken Environmental Laws.
Australia’s Department of Defence captured by foreign weapons makers Thales, BAE.
The week in nuclear news – Australia and beyond
The global corona virus – deaths nearly 1.5 million. Global heating moves on – Arctic events affect the world. BUT- the nuclear threat is also still with us, always there, and must not be forgotten.
With the assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist, the world is yet again teetering on the brink.
Some bits of good news – Britain Helps World’s Most Remote Inhabited Islands to Establish Biggest Marine Sanctuary in the Atlantic.
AUSTRALIA
Investigative journalism – Australian children targetted for propaganda by the weapons industry. – Australia’s Department of Defence captured by foreign weapons makers Thales, BAE.
The Australian government”s intimidation of whistleblowers – the torture of Julian Assange.
Kimba nuclear waste dump plan What next as the Senate rejects the mandatory selection of Napandee as nuclear waste dump? Exposing the deceptions of Keith Pitt, Minister for Resources, on the failed nuclear waste dump plan. Exposing the deceptions of Samantha Chard General Manager of the National Radioactive Waste Agency. “Traceability” and Nuclear waste on agricultural land? Can a new mine save BHP’s loss-making Olympic Dam? .
Victoria’s law banning nuclear activities. Victorian Parliament: Legislative Council Committee finds that nuclear ban should stay. Victorian Government Inquiry confirms that there is no future in nuclear power. Inquiry confirms nuclear energy’s ‘proven risks’. Victorian Inquiry finds nuclear power costly and risky.
Uranium.Can a new mine save BHP’s loss-making Olympic Dam? .
Australian government’s Bill to weaken Environmental Law will be rejected in the Senate. Corporate vested interests win as Australian Government weakens Environmental Laws. Australian government is rushing to weaken Environmental Laws.
INTERNATIONAL
Today’s Google headlines on nuclear issues – weapons and Iran dominate the stories.
The global energy revolution.
Correcting 5 wrong opinions about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Living with the Nuclear Prohibition Treaty: nuclear weapons states would be unwise to attack it.
Nuclear power hinders fight against climate change.
Standard nuclear reactor designs are still too costly, and safety features are only a third of nuclear costs.
Solar energy is bullish in the market; the same can’t be said for nuclear.
The creeping carbon costs of digital communication.
Book review: The Case for Degrowth.
Extradition hearing of Julian Assange – defence witnesses destroy myths, demonstrate his integrity
to 23 November – the week in nuclear news, Australia and more
As I decided previously, I’m leaving out the news on Coronavirus and Global Heating, important though they are.
Even so, this newsletter is too long. Especially as we seem to be in a sort of timewarp, waiting for a resolution in the USA, waiting for a new direction in the pandemic.
Some bits of good news – Future Crunch’s summary of good news. Jeff Bezos Created $10 Billion ‘Earth Fund’ to Meet Climate Crisis, First Grants of $800M Go to Iconic Environmental Groups
AUSTRALIA
What next as the Senate rejects the mandatory selection of Napandee as nuclear waste dump? Exposing the deceptions of Keith Pitt, Minister for Resources, on the failed nuclear waste dump plan. Exposing the deceptions of Samantha Chard General Manager of the National Radioactive Waste Agency.
Can a new mine save BHP’s loss-making Olympic Dam? .
Corporate vested interests win as Australian Government weakens Environmental Laws. Australian government is rushing to weaken Environmental Laws.
Australia’s Department of Defence captured by foreign weapons makers Thales, BAE.
INTERNATIONAL
Correcting 5 wrong opinions about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Nuclear power hinders fight against climate change.
Standard nuclear reactor designs are still too costly, and safety features are only a third of nuclear costs.
Solar energy is bullish in the market; the same can’t be said for nuclear.
The creeping carbon costs of digital communication.
Book review: The Case for Degrowth.
Extradition hearing of Julian Assange – defence witnesses destroy myths, demonstrate his integrity
Nuclear news – week to 16 November, Australia and more
As in last week. the media continues to be preoccupied with the American presidential situation, and after all, that IS pretty important. The really big global stories are the global coronavirus and climate change.
Still, nuclear issues continue – simmering tensions in nuclear weapons states, and the remarkably co-ordinated promotion of Small Nuclear Reactors to governments around the world, in both rich and developing countries. The nuclear-news.net site will now have to stick to just NUCLEAR news.
Some bits of good news – Vaccine Alliance Raises $2 Billion to Buy COVID Shots for Poor Nations. Renewable Energy Defies COVID-19 Downturn To Hit Record Growth in 2020.
AUSTRALIA
Why the Antinuclear.net site will now stick to examining NUCLEAR issues.
Federal nuclear waste dump plan for Kimba, South Australia
Senate dumps on the Australian government’s radioactive waste plan. The Australian government can still bully its way to imposing a Kimba nuclear waste dump. Karina Lester speaks out: ”Traditional owners’ voices not heard and rights stripped over nuclear waste dump”. Minister Pitt on Kimba nuclear waste dump plan – inept, badly briefed, or just plain lying? Planned nuclear waste dump at Kimba has absolutely nothing to do with the production of nuclear medicine. Doctors call for an open independent review of nuclear waste production and disposal.
Australian govt’s Kimba nuclear waste dump plan will be torpedoed in the Senate. Relief in Kimba, that Labor and crossbench Senators want a fair process on nuclear wastes. Uncertainty over Kimba nuclear waste dump as farmers go to Canberra to oppose it.
Senator Sam McMahon enthuses about Generation IV nuclear reactors for the Northern Territory.
Australian government ponders nuclear submarines.
Since Penny Sackett, Australia’s Chief Scientists have moved further towards the extractive industries. Previous Chief Scientist not a fan of Small Nuclear Reactors
CLIMATE. Australia’s freedom of information system hides climate documents.
INTERNATIONAL
Hibakusha renew their push for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Julian Assange ‘targeted as a political opponent of Trump administration and threatened with the death penalty’.
Topics in today’s “Nuclear” headlines on Google News.
Why this site will now stick to examining NUCLEAR issues
So much is happening – under the radar – in nuclear issues.
Although I recognise the huge importance of thr coronavirus pandemic, and of global heating (and Australia is the canary in the global cage), I have decided to restrict my posts from now on pretty much to nuclear news.
Why? because many others are covering climate and clean energy issues so well.
But there is very little awareness of the nuclear global threat.
We are at a critical time regarding nuclear weapons – the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons will soon come into force – already nuclear weapons do not have the ”respectability” that the nuclear nations claim that they have.
Then the ”peaceful” nuclear reactors come into question. The global industry is busting to establish ”small” nuclear reactors world-wide. Though they’re super-expensive, useless against climate change, unsafe, produce toxic wastes – they are the desperately needed salvation. The costs of weapons development can be hidden, and transferred to consumers and tax-payers via these new white elephants.
And Australia – with its scientifically ignorant politicians, and its media Murdochracy, is a sitting duck for the pro nuclear propaganda.
News this week, especially about nuclear issues
Inundation of news this week, mostly about the USA election. But also about coronoavirus and climate.
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AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE. Jo Biden’s win leaves Scott Morrison looking pretty silly on climate policy. Biden as president would pursue climate ‘cheaters’, such as Morrison’s Australia. Australian govt will feel the heat when a Biden administration rejoins the Paris climate agreement. Zali Steggall calls on Australia’s chief scientist to clarify position on net zero emissions by 2050.
Australian doctors accuse government of failing on climate change. Superannuation fund commits to net-zero emission investments after Brisbane man sues. North of Australia is headed for a severe heatwave.
NUCLEAR. Australian government’s Nuclear Waste Bill – divisive, undemocratic and racist processes. Farmers go to Canberra, to protest the law that forces a nuclear dump on Kimba’s agricultural land. South Australia’s Jim Whalley provides nonsensical and misleading propaganda, spruiking small nuclear reactors. Frazer Nash and The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) want nuclear power – “good for the environment”!! Worry rocket launch site will damage environment (also at Antinuclear) The plan to use nuclear bombs for fracking in Western Australia.
INTERNATIONAL
Politics – what hope for civil society?
The beginning of the end for nuclear weapons?
Some problems that will handicap the development of Small Nuclear Reactors.
As with every week, the Google headlines about nuclear power mostly lead to articles that promote it.
A win for decency, rationality, co-operation , and science
Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and the Democrats have won the American election.
For four years, the world has put up with a lying, narcissistic, sociopath as American President. Trump has done such damage to civil systems of health and environment, to democratic institutions, and to international relations. He has epitomised the bullying style of leadership that has become so popular and so dangerous in this 21st century world.
Jo Biden, in the way that he ran his campaign, and in his winning speech, demonstrates a completely opposite style – one of reasonableness, courtesy, and respect for science and democratic agencies.
A key factor today is the appalling state of coronavirus cases, and coronavirus deaths in the USA. That is a no. 1 challenge to the American administration. Now, they will have a leader who understands the seriousness of the pandemic, and cares.
The Democratic leadership understands the climate crisis, and even if the Senate should be dominated by Republicans, Biden can still rejoin the USA to the Paris Climate Accord. Much action against global heating can be done by executive action, bypassing the Senate,
On the nuclear issue, Biden will almost certainly support international arms control agreements, but not the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Unfortunately, the Democratic Party now, as it did under Obama, still basks in the arms of the ”peaceful”nuclear lobby, and the nuclear weapons making industry.
The world needs, and awaits, a reasonable and decent American Presidency, under Joe Biden
I am hopeful that Joe Biden and the Democratic Party will win this American election.
What has this got to do with this website, which is dedicated to issues of nuclear and cimate?
Everything!
That is because the human race has got to solve these global horrors – with reasonableness, decency and fairness. That demands thoughfulness, considerateness of others, co-operation, and global effort.
The United States of America used to be a global leader – up until recently, when it has been cursed with the presidency of a narcicisstic bully, Donald Trump. Four years of a government run by this sociopath have impeded the world’s effort to slow, preferably to stop, global heating. Trump has been a willing servant of the nuclear weapons industry , indeed an investor, profiting from it. He contines to foster distrust, hatred, and division among people.
I have not been a great fan of Joe Biden. But he does bring a decency and reasonableness to politics – qualities that are essential for America and the world to face the big problems. The Democratic Party does bring a mode of co-operation, and an intelligent respect for fair and legal processes.
To November 3, nuclear, climate, coronavirus news – Australia
Pandemic As that election day arrives, US coronavirus cases break global daily record with just under 100,000 new infections. Protecting nature is vital to escape ‘era of pandemics’ – report. Urgency to protect nature, or up to 850,000 animal viruses could be caught by humans.
Climate. In all the hooha about the American election, and all the very important coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, – global heating moves on inexorably, with relatively little media coverage of its effects. But the effects are there – in the melting Poles, in continuing wildfires, droughts, extreme weather. Effects are worsein developing countries that have not themselves been the emitters of greenhouse gases. Droughts and floods force populations to leave their homelands.
Nuclear. Not a lot of media coverage on nuclear issues, though some still about the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. But here’s one important one:
Investigative journalism -The tangled web – well-being of communities has become dependent on the nuclear weapons industry.
Meanwhile, media coverage of nuclear issues continues to be mainly propaganda for the industry.
Some bits of good news – Chameleon last seen a century ago rediscovered in Madagascar. 14-Year-Old Girl Wins $25,000 For a Scientific Breakthrough That Could Lead to COVID-19 Cure. Couple Turns Barren English Estate into Conservation Eden, Rewilding to Attract Rare Species of Astonishing Biodiversity.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)- from a tiny group to an International Treaty. Superannuation funds are leaving investments on nuclear weapons. Australia should stop selling uranium to nuclear weapon states and not sell uranium into unstable regions.
South Australian Upper House reaffirms the State’s law opposing nuclear waste dump. Australian Labor Party aims to amend the Nuclear Waste Bill, remove the stipulation of Napandee as the dump site. Time to rethink Australian government’s flawed plan on nuclear waste dumping. Problems re the planned nuclear waste dump: Some tough questions for the Kimba Council.
CLIMATE.
A Joe Biden victory could push Scott Morrison – and the world – on climate change. International team tracks record-setting smoke cloud from Australian wildfires. Bushfire royal commission’s final report issues warning to Australia over climate change. Australia is on the frontline, in the new age of fire. New report on Australians’ attitude towards climate change and energy .
British Prime Minister urges Scott Morrison on climate action: Morrison twists the message. $3 trillion and 880,000 jobs to be lost, if Australia continues inaction on climate change. Long-term research shows ocean acidification ramping up on the Great Barrier Reef. Adani hires spying on activist’s daughter on way to school.
The Greens had a remarkable win in Australian Capital Territory elections. In the Australian Capital Territory, (ACT), Labor to share power with The Greens.
Malcolm Turnbull signs Kevin Rudd’s petition challenging News Corpse media dominance.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Businesses and State governments lead the transition to renewable energy. South Australia’s global milestone -100 per cent of energy demand met by solar panels alone. The pandemic and the prospect of zero interest present a massive opportunity for clean energy development..
INTERNATIONAL
The new Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty supports existing agreements, and in no way conflicts with them. Archbishop Tomasi has led the Vatican’s fight against nuclear weapons.
Documentary history from the perspective of radiation victims.
Plutonium: How Nuclear Power’s Dream Fuel Became a Nightmare.
Despite propaganda from nuclear front group ”Third Way”, research shows that nuclear power as carbon reducer is counter-productive.
The world’s banks must start to value nature and stop paying for its destruction.
Space exploration – to lead to dangerous nuclear-armed totalitarian societies?
Super power: Here’s how to get to 100pct wind, solar and storage by 2030. Renewables, not nuclear, are the solution, for a cleaner world..
The very real risks of radiation accidents on Earth, from nuclear reactors in space.
The UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty and other news this week
Even the generally pro nuclear mainstream media could not ignore the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as it reached the required 50 ratifications to become law. Nuclear weapons – always inhumane and unacceptable, now illegal — IPPNW peace and health blog. The ethical and moral case grew stronger, for the U.N. nuclear ban treaty.
One important article this week links the otherwise irrational push for small nuclear reactors (SMRs) to their connection with the nuclear weapons industry.
Second COVID-19 wave swells across US and Europe as winter looms.
‘Back to the future of climate” –– research on the Eocene period, some 55 million years ago, when atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide were over 1,400 ppm, indicate what the Earth’s future climate might be. Then the temperatures on Earth must have resembled those of a sauna. It was hot and humid, and the ice on the polar caps had completely disappeared. That situation deeloped over millions of years. Now, industrialisation is bringing it about by soon after 2100.
AUSTRALIA.
After Victoria’s long and difficult coronavirus lockdown, it’s now the envy of the world. As coronavirus cases plummet, it’s time to ask: Is Australia ready for the third wave?
New government Bill could target journalists, environmental and human rights groups.
NUCLEAR.
Uranium: the mineral that never made sense now doesn’t even make dollars. BHP dumps its plan to expand Olympic Dam uranium mine. The Olympic Dam silver bullet is forever tarnished – BHP abandons plan to expand Olympic Dam uranium mine – a sign foe the future.
Australia has nuclear waste problems. Kimba residents have been sold a lemon – dubious financial gain from nuclear waste dump. How ANSTO’s Synroc nuclear waste solution turned out to be a dud.
CLIMATE. Kevin Rudd’s vision for a green recovery out of the pandemic.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Twin peaks: South Australia reaches 100 pct solar, and then 100 pct wind power in same week.
INTERNATIONAL.
Global Covid-19 cases top 42.5mn: Johns Hopkins Oct 25, 2020.
The passing of the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty – an embarrassment and a problem for the USA, and the other nuclear weapons nations. . Difficulties in the membership of countries in the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
Why nuclear power Is unsustainable. Climate change a big threat to nuclear reactors – as water supplies at risk. Every dollar wasted on nuclear power is a dollar not invested in clean energy. The very genuine promise of cheap electricity – solar power.
Study finds that bees are harmed by quite low levels of ionising radiation.
The Guardian was grossly unfair to Julian Assange. They could still make up for this.
Geological disposal of nuclear waste – a focus of interest in the coming months.
PACIFIC ISLANDS. Pacific islands demand truth on the decades of nuclear testing, now that nuclear weapons are becoming illegal
1 This month
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 