Antinuclear

Australian news, and some related international items

Hiroshima, Nagasaki week – nuclear, climate news

75 years on, the inhumanity, racism, and sheer immorality of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is becoming recognised.  Was the bombing of Nagasaki necessary, or more likely, done as a statement of threat to Russia? A Hiroshima survivor explains why 75 years of radiation research is so important.  On the Hiroshima anniversary, four  States ratify the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, bringing the number up to 43 ratifications, near to the required 50, to make it law.  This is a significant Treaty, making it clear that,  like chemical and biological weapons, nuclear weapons are not respectable, not justifiable.

The coronavirus, and climate change have their worst effects on underprivileged people, and regions at war harder hit by climate change.

AUSTRALIA

Links between Trump administration, Falun Gong, and Australia’s government.   Another Hiroshima is Coming…Unless We Stop It Now

NUCLEAR.

Australia’s ICAN and Conservation Council of Western Australia commemorate Hiroshima Day.

Australia’s nuclear lobby targets young people, using Facebook and Instagram.

Nuclear waste dump plan for Kimba, South Australia:

CLIMATE.  Labor’s carbon price proves effective climate policy is possible, Julia Gillard says.  CEFC backs ‘climate transition’ linked green bonds with $60m investment.

Why Kalgoorlie-Boulder wants a Malaysian rare earths plant and its radioactive waste.

RENEWABLE ENERGY– Rooftop solar’s stunning surge to new records, as Australia installs reach 2.5 million.    ACT Labor promises zero interest loans for solar and batteries, as election looms.  Hung out to dry: The dark side of big solar.

INTERNATIONAL

A doctor who is a hibakusha speaks out for the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.  Nuclear bomb devastation killed over 90% of the doctors and nurses in Hiroshima.  Hiroshima survivor Koko Kondo met the man who dropped that atomic bomb.  Untrue: claims that the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended World War 2.  The nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki did NOT save lives and shorten World War 2.     Racism in nuclear bomb testing, bombing of Japanese people, and nuclear waste dumping.

Arms control, the new arms race, and some reasons for optimism.      The illusion that nuclear weapons are under control.

The longlasting impact of Fukushima nuclear disaster, and nuclear activities world-wide.

Nuclear waste – how to warn people for 10,000 years.

It’s not the energy salvation for the world – nuclear fusion.

 

August 10, 2020 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, Christina reviews | Leave a comment

Nuclear, Climate, Coronavirus news to 3 August

As the anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing approaches, there is “Psychic numbing” about the world’s suicidal nuclear weapons race.

This week there’s a striking example of how interconnected everything is. It’s Florida.  Florida is struck with two, – possibly three – awful calamities threatening this state all at once. There is Hurricane Isaias,  threatening Florida with flooding and destruction, at the same time as the state is overwhelmed with a record toll of coronavirus illnesses and deaths.

Possibly in the path of the hurricane are FPL’s two nuclear reactors 1,600-MW Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station located two miles east of Homestead, Florida, and about 25 miles south of Miami. There’s also FPL’s FPL’s 1,880-MW St. Lucie Nuclear facility located further up the Florida coast on Hutchinson Island.  Their output could be cut, or in a worse scenario, radioactive pollution could result, in the case of flooding.

California also suffers from record coronavirus deaths. At the same time, California is afflicted with wildfires, again raising the possibility of radioactive pollution at The Santa Susana site – America’s Secret Chernobyl.

So here, in two USA States, we have the conjunction of global heating effects, with increased extreme weather events, with the global pandemic’s effects, and the third, –  very real radiation risks from the nuclear industry.

A bit of good news – Renewables output outpacing coal and nuclear in USA.

AUSTRALIA

NUCLEAR. National radioactivw waste dump plan

Brief note on today’s Senate Committee hearing about the Nuclear Waste Bill.

Black lives DO matter, but not apparently, to ANSTO and Australia’s nuclear lobby. Nuclear waste dump site selection process has made the Barngarla people “aliens in their own country”.

Nuclear waste for Napandee: transport, double handling, safety? Should South Australians get a vote on this?    Doubts that a Kimba nuclear dump will really bring jobs to the area.  ABC Radio interview focused on Kimba nuclear waste dump plan.  Reflection on Jeff Baldock’s presentation to the Senate Hearing on Napandee Radioactive waste Dump plan.  Barry Wakelin speaks to the Senate Inquiry on Napandee nuclear waste dump plan.

The Australian government continues its war on the national broadcaster, the ABC.

CLIMATE

Biden presidency could put Australia back in ‘naughty corner’ over lack of climate action.   Victoria delays setting interim emissions targets, again, as Covid digs in.  Gas lobby’s leaked power grab for post Covid subsidies sparks outrage.  A student is suing the government over the financial risks of climate change.

RENEWABLE ENERGY  – for lots of news go to https://reneweconomy.com.au/

INTERNATIONAL 

The WHO says coronavirus is a once-in-a century crisis that will impact lives for decades.  Next type of coronavirus may be on its way.

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement urges all nations to end the nuclear era. Never mind about Hiroshima – a nuclear arms race is on – in space!. BOOKS on The New Nuclear Threat. Hiroshima survivor,  Setsuko Thurlow, 88, continues her fight for a nuclear weapons-free world.  US-Russia launch talks in Vienna on nuclear arms control.

Global heating – “best case” scenario is a scary rise of two and a half degrees.  As sea levels rise globally, we need to start planning now.  Need for Prediction of Marine Heatwaves.

Environmental injustice is rampant around the world.

Julian Assange: Denied Lawyer Access and Failure of Transparency International –Assange appears in court, as lawyers warn case may be delayed by new US indictment.

August 3, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

Reflection on Jeff Baldock’s presentation to the Senate Hearing on Napandee Radioactive waste Dump plan

Jeff Baldock is the farmer who is selling a portion of his land near Kimba, for four times its market value, to the Federal Government for the site of a nuclear waste dump. He thinks he is benefiting the local community. He could be right, in that they will be showered by he Fed govt with services and facilities that they SHOULD HAVE GOT ANYWAY, without need of being bribed. Baldock has no concept of the long term effect, and later consequences for South Australia.

He made a brave effort at the hearing, to portray this as a community  benefit. He struggled a bit, but was helped by plenty of “Dorothy Dixer” questions from the Chairman.

Listening to Jeff Badock on the Senate Committee hearings, I am struck by the naivety and ignorance of the man. He really thinks that farming life will go on just the same in Kimba. With the guarded radioactive waste dump, with dirty great trucks under heavy police guard arriving periodically, and with roadworks, and port works at Whyalla, and the whole disruption of the area Probable loss of population, but Baldock expects a new boom in agriculture and population there. Expects big professional jobs there – hell – those will all be in Adelaide, at best – could be Sydney or Canberra!

July 29, 2020 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, Christina reviews, Federal nuclear waste dump | Leave a comment

Coronavirus, climate, nuclear, news this week

It’s hard to know what are the most important news items of the week, or the day.  The Pandemic Really Has Changed The World Forever.  Here’s what we know so far about the long-term symptoms of COVID-19.  Nurses and other healthcare workers open up about ‘terror’ of catching coronavirus.  We underestimate the long term effects of the pandemic.

Climate emergency is ‘a danger to peace’.  In 100 days, the climate emergency may be even more serious.  Latest climate study predicts disaster for oceans, coastlines and life as we know it.

The global sweep of coronavirus and climate news makes nuclear issues seem minor, or at least fade into the background a bit. But nuclear threats are always there.  This week the corruption that is rife in the global nuclear industry has been highlighted in the legal case in Ohio – a huge criminal racketeering conspiracy that orchestrated the bailout of nuclear power stations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBx56QyrUjY&t=3s

 Some bits of good news –     The economy usually recovers quickly once pandemics end.  House Democrats just put out the most detailed climate plan in US political history.

AUSTRALIA

Coronavirus cases aren’t coming down despite Victoria’s lockdowns. Experts seek to explain why.

NUCLEAR.

Despite Minerals Council lobbying, Australia’s Environmental Law prohibits nuclear and limits uranium mining.   

Radioactive Waste Management Bill Amendment. South Australian government (ignoring its own nuclear prohibition laws) joins Federal govt’s haste for nuclear waste dump.  Hasty new nuclear dump agency with some overseas staff, – and law for waste dump is not yet passed!  New Federal radioactive waste agency flawed from day one  Spinbusting the extraordinarily inept nuclear waste media release from 3 Australian MPs.  South Australian Government must oppose the Federal government’s nuclear waste dump.

Australia should join regional nations in signing and ratifying the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

CLIMATE. More than 200 prominent Australians issue urgent call to act on climate.  Parts of Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, Melbourne suburbs, at risk from sea level rise.  All Australia’s coal generators could close by 2040 and it won’t be as big a deal as you’d think.  Central banks, including RBA, urge rapid coal phase-out to meet Paris climate goals.  Regulator rules it is misleading to claim gas is ‘cleaner and greener’.

Federal environment law review calls for independent cop, but Morrison Government rules it out. Indigenous Australians have been failed by the nation’s environmental protection laws, a review has found..

Australian govt trying to keep its $1.3bn arms purchase a secret, a dangerous precedent.

Rare earths. NT $1.1b rare earths mine could help break China stranglehold $1.1 billion Nolans mine planned for the Territory near Alice Springs .

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Lots of news, but I am short of time today. Check  https://reneweconomy.com.au/

INTERNATIONAL

Coronavirus update: US, Brazil and India lead world tally of 16 million COVID-19 cases .  Global surge in Covid-19 infections, over 600.000 deaths.

World must act now to protect wildlife in order to stop future virus crises.  With loss of biodiversity will come new pandemics.

Global heating will mean that many areas become too hot for human activities.    New research: global temperature increase will surpass 2.6 degrees Celsius: the role of clouds.  How Facebook fosters climate denial.  Crucial need to fix air-conditioning: it causes billions of tons of greenhouse gases.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brtog4AABBg

Clear evidence of excess cancer risk from low dose ionizing radiation.  New CT scan method lowers radiation exposure . The global scam: nuclear energy and the industry surrounding it.

In the event of a nuclear bombing, electromagnetic pulse would be the least of our worries.  Space archaeology, space junk and weapons, and long-lasting radioactivity.

Humans are blanketing the Earth with plastic.

Earth’s Human Population Is Not Sustainable.

ARCTIC.  Arctic heatwave:  temperature reach  possible all time high.  Arctic fires and sea ice melt, show need for urgent climate action.     Alaska’s permafrost degrading as summer rainfall increases.

ASIA. Global heating means more rain for Asian monsoon regions.  South Asia floods displace millions and kill 550. Millions of children affected by devastating flooding in South Asia, with many more at risk as COVID-19 brings further challenges.  A critical situation’: Bangladesh in crisis as monsoon floods follow super-cyclone.  Flooding in Assam and Nepal kills hundreds and displaces millions .

July 27, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

Another week in pandemic, climate, and nuclear news – Australia

I had vowed to leave the pandemic for everyone else to cover.  But, it’s too much. It’s too big.  I think that we are all dimly aware, now, that we’re not getting back to normal any time soon.  Today’s news – Coronavirus deaths top 600,000 worldwide as pandemic infections surge.  Amid the global pandemic, humanity still faces simultaneous existential dangers – nuclear war and climate change.

The pandemic is certainly a global crisis. Scientists call for climate change to be treated as a crisis, too. Climate change will make much of the planet too hot for humans to function.

July 16 was the 75th anniversary of the first nuclear explosion, “Trinity” in New Mexico. This anniversary was a timely reminder of the harm done to workers, and soldiers, by the nuclear weapons industry. The “Trinity” explosion was the beginning of America’s nuclear oppression of its own people.

  Some bits of good news –  Oxford coronavirus vaccine triggers strong immune response, trial shows .    The Search Engine That Plants Trees With Every Search Has Just Planted its 100-Millionth Tree.  (photo above)

AUSTRALIA

This post I’ve repeated, due to large interest in it from viewers:  (Video) Pine Gap – USA’s secret spy base in Australia.

NUCLEAR.  Climate change a grave threat to nuclear power, especially in Australia.

Nuclear status quo in federal environmental law review:

  • no change to nuclear power prohibition 
  • uranium to stay a “matter of national environmental significance”
  •  federal government should maintain powers to intervene in uranium mining

NSW Parliament’s State Development Committee reports on the unaffordable costs of nuclear reactors (large or small).

Radioactive waste management Bill (languishing in the Senate)    Letter to Australia’s Senators – alarm over proposed National Radioactive Waste Amendment Bill.  George Gear submits on Radioactive Waste Bill – that Kimba site is technically, indeed totally, unsuitable.

Failed politician Cory Bernardi resuscitated – renewed zeal for nuclear and “Advance Australia“.  “Advance Australia” -the extreme right wing lobby group, says that climate change is a hoax.

Remote community loses their court fight to get uranium-free drinking water.

CLIMATE.

RENEWABLE ENERGY.

INTERNATIONAL

Greta Thunberg calls for immediate action on ‘existential crisis‘ of climate emergency.   The ever-increasing threat of coronavirus, but the global heating threat is even worse.

More pandemics to come – bat research is critical for prevention.

Thanks to Botswana, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons has now reached 40 states ratifying it.

Nuclear bomb testing – the cruellest legacy of environmental injustice and racism. July 16 1945 – the first nuclear bomb test – the start of many more.

Because of the pandemic, nuclear power plants have to have safety checks done by remote means.

Investigative journalism – mapping uranium.

July 20, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

The week in nuclear and climate news

Can’t keep up with the Covid-19 news. Crazy world? Disney reopens Florida theme parks as state smashes US record for new coronavirus cases.   Big global problems now more obviously  intertwining  – From Covid-19 to climate: what’s next after the global oil and gas industry crash?

Extreme weather, exacerbated by global heating just keeps on happening. The new normal for Northern Siberia – thawing permafrost,forests on fire.  Millions in southern China face floods caused by heavy rains. Floods and landslides lash Nepal, scores dead.  Deadly Flooding in Japan.  Record heat possible from California to Florida on Sunday.

While the world is preoccupied with Covid-19, and with national responses, and economic effects, climate change should not be forgotten, as it moves on inexorably.  Climate change’s big problem – there’s no quick fix.  Climate change is seriously hitting women, right now.

July 16 will be the 75 years’ anniversary of the first nuclear bomb detonation. Why do we hear so little about this other sword of Damocles hanging over our collective heads.  ? Globally taxpayers $billions go to nuclear weapons, with the ever increasing risk of nuclear war and nuclear winter, resulting from accident, human error, misunderstanding, or “limited” or unlimited nuclear attack.

   A bit of (qualified) good news.  –  Why New Zealand decided to go for full elimination of the coronavirus.   Coronavirus: No new cases of COVID-19 in managed isolation in New Zealand.   Covid-19 coronavirus: Ashley Bloomfield’s warning as NZ records lowest testing day since March.

AUSTRALIA

CLIMATE.  Australia a big world player in producing greenhouse gas emissions.  Australia now the biggest exporter of global heating– the Saudi Arabia of coal and gas.   In contradiction to Angus Taylor, Australia’s Minister On Behalf of Polluting Industries, the States are leading on clean energy.  Revealed: How the big energy lobby tried to use Covid-19 to derail energy market reforms. Pressure on new member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain to live up to climate credentials.   Court action in India against Adani – allegations of ‘coercion, fraud and undue influence’.

NUCLEAR.

Keep Australia’s nuclear prohibition laws: it appears that nuclear is no part of climate action, not necessary.

Kimba “interim” nuclear waste site – bad news, uncannily like the misguided New Mexico waste plan.

RENEWABLE ENERGY .  NSW sets itself for biggest and quickest transition from coal to renewables. Dubbo’s new renewables zone shows the path away from fossil fuels.  West Australia ready to seize ‘once-in-a-generation’ battery storage opportunity.  Queensland Energy Minister Lynham keen on renewable energy zones, warns LNP will bring renewables to a halt.  “Five times size of Snowy 2.0” – V2G trial to tap potential of EVs as mass mobile storage .  Uni Newcastle’s printable solar cell innovation gets real-world test. Foreign nuclear waste headed to Australia.

INTERNATIONAL

Paul Ehrlich warns that overpopulation and overconsumption are driving us over the edge .

Warning of serious brain disorders in people with mild coronavirus symptoms.

American-Israeli strategy developing for clandestine not-quite-war strikes on Iran?

Lower-latitude oceans drive complex changes in the Arctic Ocean.    Faith in Climate Action — The Church’s Response to Hothouse Earth.  Facebook allows climate denial propaganda, and restricts climate scientists.

Radiation-related health hazards to uranium miners.

July 13, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

Climate, nuclear, coronavirus – news to 7 July

Well, I do leave the biggest news – coronavirus  – to others, although Jane Goodall eloquently reminds us that the pandemic is utterly connected with our onslaught on the natural world and may well be a foretaste of worse to come, if the human species does not respect nature.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0SoLNdftHw&t=111s  It’s time to get emotional about climate change.

But anyway, Covid 19 – climate change – global phenomena that don’t care about borders, are affecting  above all, the world’s poorest and most vulnerable – what are we to do?  Some media are rejoicing about hot weather in the Arctic, but the reality is that the persistent Arctic heatwave is wreaking havoc, with uncontrolled forest fires in Siberia, thawing permafrost destabilising buildings and industry, especially oil and gas, in Northern Russia and the Arctic North of America. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75IxMysh10E&t=8s  Meanwhile, the South Pole is warming at triple the global average.   Climate change will make world too hot for 60 per cent of fish species.

It’s hard to get concerted action on global heating, with powerful influencers like Facebook and the oil industry sabotaging efforts and information about climate change. Climate denialists are increasingly spreading misinformation on Facebook, while Facebook  is actively discouraging fact-checking.

Meanwhile – don’t let’s forget, even a limited nuclear war, whether started by intent or by accident, would bring a rapid climate change, a nuclear winter, which the human species might not survive.

A bit of good news –  Meet the Nuns Who Created Their Own Climate Solutions Fund.

AUSTRALIA

Julian Assange’s fight for freedom.  Julian Assange’s father in tireless fight to free his son, calls on Scott Morrison to help Australian citizen Julian.

Australia –  USA’s Deputy Sheriff goes for bloated military expenditure.  Agressive defence policy – Australian Strategic Policy Institute has too much influence on government and media.

CLIMATE.  Canberra unprepared for climate upheavals that will rock the nation.    Australia seen as successful in Covid-19 response, deplorable in climate response. Australia ranks second worst in world on climate action, outside top 50 on clean energy. Independent MP Zali Steggall calls for conscience vote on zero carbon bill to kickstart Covid recovery.  Former Socceroos captain wants Australia to show climate leadership as World Cup host.  Australia claims Kyoto success, but three decades as a climate wrecker is all it can boast.

NUCLEAR.

Napandee  nuclear waste Bill.

Yellowcake Country- a new webinar series explores the local, national and international impacts of Australia’s uranium industry.

Murdoch press enthusiastic about nuclear propagandist Michael Shellenger. Michael Shellenberger mucked up the pro nuclear “climate action” propaganda.

Queensland splinter political party   North Queensland First pushing for uranium mining in Queensland.

Western Australia: call for Mt Walton hazardous waste facility to accept toxic material from across Australia, (includes radioactive wastes.)

Australia was the guinea pig population for Britain’s nuclear weapons tests radiation fallout.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australia’s secretive defence operations HQ to get 1.9MW solar farm.  Deakin’s new Hub for world-leading energy storage and conversion.  Much more renewable news, but I am running out of time.

INTERNATIONAL

Rethinking security: Nuclear sharing in Europe in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nuclear power is incompatible with a Green New Deal.

Misinformation about Energy Economics, from nuclear companies and their propagandists

US, Russia nuclear arms talks end with plans for second round.

July 6, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

Climate, nuclear, pandemic – news to 29 July

We are going to need to learn to live with the virus. Scientists just beginning to grasp how bad this Coronavirus is.

Will the pandemic open up global action to halt global heating? 16th Century colonisation, slavery began the planet’s damage, 21st Century pandemic response could repair it.    Coronavirus is an SOS: Mend our broken relationship with nature, says UN and WHO.

Need for action on global heating –  It’s 38°C in Siberia.  One climate writer thinks that “it’s time to get emotional about climate”.

On the nuclear scene – same same – propagandists touting nuclear as a “cure” for climate change, and minimising the issue of costs. A European worry –  about a cloud with tiny levels of radioactivity detected, over Scandinavia and European Arctic

AUSTRALIA

Julian Assange faces new indictment in USA.  Julian Assange’s fiancée calls on the Australian government to secure his freedom

Killing Australia’s democracy – first kill the ABC.

NUCLEAR  Labor reaches for bipartisanship on energy policy, but a DEFINITE NO TO NUCLEAR.  Reality bats last-Small Nuclear Reactors just not economic for Australia (or anywhere else).

Misinformation about Energy Economics, from nuclear companies and their propagandists.  Ben Heard and the fake environment group ‘Bright New World’.    South Australian MP Rowan Ramsey, and Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt, talk nonsense about the planned nuclear waste dump at Napandee.

Radioactive Waste Facility Site – Woomera Amendment circulated in Senate.

There is really no market in India for Australia’s uranium . A journey from Tokyo to Mirrar country: Fukushima and Australia’s uranium trade.

Australian government to blame for failure of environment laws.  Auditor general finds that Morrison government has failed in its duty to protect environment.

CLIMATE. ACTU warns Morrison: get real on climate and renewables, or lose metals industry.  Australia could create hundreds of thousands of jobs by accelerating shift to zero emissions – report .  Plan.Morrison government has failed in its duty to protect environment.  Minerals Council slammed for “woefully inadequate” Climate Action .

RENEWABLE ENERGY.

INTERNATIONAL

US, Russia nuclear arms talks end with plans for second round.

How we can manage the intermittency of renewables and attain 100% renewables.

New Zealand stood up to the nuclear bullies- the Rainbow Warrior story.

June 29, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

Week to 23 June in nuclear/climate news – Australia

With a record world increase in coronavirus cases, Brazil and North America in the spotlight – media attention has been rightly focussed on the pandemic. FAIR exposes the false claims about China and COVID-19 . At the same time, global heating seems to be at a runaway pace, affecting the Northern Hemisphere, and especially the Arctic.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-gEhYTu4Xs&t=42s  To protect our planet – we need to transform, not grow, the economy.

Global nuclear news is mainly just the same old collection of handouts from the nuclear industry, faithfully regurgitated by journalists who want to keep their jobs.  Otherwise, not much is happening.

A bit of good news – Coronavirus  more than 1500 treatment studies are underway world-wide.

AUSTRALIA

Is Australia getting a second wave of Coronavirus?

NUCLEAR

National Radioactive Waste Management Mysterious, manipulative and corrupt process whereby Napandee was selected for nuclear dump site.  Kimba community unaware that Australia’s medicine does not need nuclear reactor. South Australia targeted: easy to later bring international waste in to nuclear dump.

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) sits on the fence regarding Napandee choice for nuclear waste dump.

Senator Rex Patrick provides Federal Parliament with another option for nuclear waste storage.  South Australia outlaws nuclear facilities, but yet not one S.A. Liberal MP voted against the waste dump!

Submissions to Senate Inquiry.

The seriousness of mobility of radionuclides in developing the nuclear waste facility at Kimba, South Australia

Expensive, dirty and dangerous: why we must fight miners’ push to fast-track uranium.  Scott Morrison gives a boost to uranium mining at Olympic Dam.

Gabrielle Costigan- another one revolving from tax-paid jobs to weapons industry!

Coalition’s push to deregulate environmental approvals will lead to extinction crisis will lead to extinction crisis.

CLIMATE CHANGE.

Australia’s best energy measure – to lift energy efficiency – Chief Scientist says.  Morrison government just doesn’t get it, on climate change.  The number of climate deniers in Australia is more than double the global average, new survey finds. “Too late for gradual transition”: Quiggin calls for coal exit by 2030.

Foreign ownership of Victorian water hits whopping high – Herald Sun

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Renewables will power Australia’s economic growth.  South Australia: The first big grid where rooftop solar could eliminate all demand. South Australia  fast-tracks energy plan to dodge blackouts and meet 100% renewables goal.  Rooftop solar reshapes Western Australia. grid, and retiring coal units won’t be missed Tesla says energy market reform must be accelerated in Australia

INTERNATIONAL

Now, the nuclear arms race has become even worse.

Joint Project Nuclear Risk and Public Control.

Explaining ionising radiation -a film about nuclear fallout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaH5heMIC_k&t=96s

COVID-19, nuclear war, and global warming: lessons for our vulnerable world.

Covid-19 pandemic – ‘fire drill’ for effects of climate crisis.  COVID-19 recovery plans – excellent opportunity for global renewable energy development.

 

June 22, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

This week in nuclear/climate news

News is, by its nature, all about bad stuff. Whatever is normal, reasonable, decent,  is ordinary, and just not news, – a fact that we need to remind ourselves of, in these uncertain Covid-19 days.  There’s a lot of good will for changing society’s trajectory towards ruining our planet.  Half of the Earth’s ice-free land is still free from human impact.  Post-pandemic packages could green up our energy systems for environmental and economic benefit.   Some seemingly small ideas can have surprisingly large successes – for example, fast-growing mini-forests springing up in Europe are helping the climate.

Another bit of good news –  Elders Around the World in Their 80s, 90s, and 100s Are Bouncing Back From Virus – and Sharing Advice.

AUSTRALIA

Australia’s Environment Laws have no teeth, are in much need of strengthening.  Australia’s very bad record on environment: it’s no time to weaken our laws.

NUCLEAR  Don’t send uranium to India- Dr Vaishali Patil speaks to Australia.   Former weapons chief executive now South Australian Premier’s top advisor.  Reviews of two TV shows on Australia’s nuclear history at Maralinga.

National Radioactive waste Dump Plan.  Australia’s govt rushes nuclear waste Bill through Lower House, but this story is not over.  Labor, Greens and 2 Independents voted against it.    The Maritime Union of Australia (SA branch) rejects Nuclear Waste Bill, discusses transport dangers.  Is Napandee another Maralinga?

Government -owned Woomera a better site than agricultural land, for nuclear waste dump. MP Rowan Ramsey depicts town of Kimba as failing, desperate to have nuclear waste dump for its survival.  Senator Rex Patrick – nuclear waste dump should not go on agricultural land.

Submissions to Senate Inquiry.

CLIMATE.  Australian Government’s Covid-19 advisory body – stacked with fossil fuel big-wigs, but their conflicts of interest kept secret.  Australia is one of world’s worst transport polluters: Covid-19 response could change this.  Four ways a smart government can create jobs and cut emissions.  The latest on Adani and the decline of thermal coal.

RENEWABLE ENERGY.  Australia’s best performing wind and solar farms in May.   How community-owned renewables could lead Australia’s Covid-19 recovery plans.   Western Australia is emerging as the new hot spot for wind energy in Australia.  Contracts awarded for Brisbane’s $1b all-electric Metro bus project.  Morrison’s $25,000 renovation grant could deliver full energy retrofit for social housing.

INTERNATIONAL

Our existential threat – our extinction.

Cloud studies indicate that global heating may be more alarming than anticipated.  Global heating to bring more frequent, more extreme, ocean waves.  Seeking ways to remove carbon from the air.

The last major treaty for nuclear weapons control now hangs in the balance.

June 15, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

The week in climate/nuclear news

Going back to “normal”? But “normal” IS the problem. The world waits, to see how the plans of nations to get over , recover, from the pandemic period are actually going  to work.  Not too well, in some cases.  New Zealand shines.

The nuclear lobby is enthusiastically promoting itself as a saviour in helping deal with the pandemic. Does anyone believe this spin? Meanwhile nuclear nations, led by USA, turn to a renewed burst of spending on nuclear wesapons.

AUSTRALIA

NUCLEAR.   A reality check on the cost of nuclear power for Australia.

60 years ago, Aboriginal people’s land desecrated by nuclear bombs. Now a new desecration – nuclear wastes?

Submissions to Senate Committee on   National Radioactive Waste Management Amendment

National Radioactive Waste Management Amendment Bill aims to prevent Bangarla Aboriginal people from legal action against the nuclear dump.

Australia’s nuclear-free, anti-uranium movement adapts to this pandemic period – presenting a series of webinars – “Yellowcake Country“.

The  revolving door – another Australian former Senator, Stephen Loosely,  glides easily into the weapons industry.

Australian company Silex Systems involved in nuclear enrichment, in Kentucky’s radioactive disaster site Paducah.

CLIMATE  Southern Australia to be among the worst-hit by global heating.    Australia must plan for future disasters, bushfires, floods – NSW Resilience Commissioner.    COVID-19 Commission stacked with fossil-fuel bigwigs. Surprise surprise -they find gas is the answer. Gaslighting Australia: How gas industry is driving up emissions.

Why it’s time to get moving on decarbonising Australia’s transport.  Electric and hybrid car sales jump in Australia, as fossil fuel market plunges again.  Even with rooftop solar boom, households are paying dearly for what lies beneath.  Renewables jobs could boom to 44,000 by 2025, but only with the right policy support. Australian media watchdog found Andrew Bolt breached press standards by vilifying Greta Thunberg.

Order of Australia recipients for environment and conservation

Injustice of UK court process regarding Julian Assange. Assange too sick to attend.

RENEWABLE ENERGY.  Rooftop solar market powers on in Australia, despite Covid-19 blip.  Solar and wind’s stunning cost advantage sparks call for mass coal closure.  Australia’s first offshore wind project says it can cover early exit of Yallourn coal generator.  AEMO pushes for minimum standards for solar, battery storage and EVs.

INTERNATIONAL

Time to transfer funds from weapons to making vaccines.

The world is sleepwalking toward a period free of nuclear arms control.

New report calls out banks that make nuclear weapons investments.

Loophole in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): small military nuclear reactors lack safeguards.

Species are becoming extinct at an accelerating rate.

The most effective leader in the world – Jacinda Adern,  Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Some bits of good news – For the First Time, U.S. Renewable Energy Surpasses Coal Every Day For An Entire Month. Coronavirus Cooking Survey’ Finds That People Are Eating Healthier and Wasting Less

 

June 8, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

Nuclear, climate, pandemic news to 2nd June

The media’s, politicians’ and the public’s gaze has now shifted from the health aspects of coronavirus, to the economic effects of the pandemic, and of the response to it.

Which brings us to the question of – what should governments be doing with tax-payers’ money?

Well, one thing they shouldn’t be doing is wasting it.  Yet, in the case of the nuclear industry, that is what’s happening, and especially in the cause of nuclear weapons.   Alex Smith, of Radio Ecoshock covers not only the shocking economics of the nuclear industry, but its unsafety in this time of pandemic, the associated secrecy and bungling in America, Russia, Japan, China, Canada, Europe and beyond. And this includes the vulnerability of nuclear facilities to the effects of global heating.

AUSTRALIA

And yes, so far, Australia is doing very well in its response to the pandemic.

NUCLEAR.

Australian nuclear dump decision trashes indigenous peoples’ rights.

Submissions to Senate Committee on Radioactive Waste Management Amendment Bill:

BHP Olympic Dam copper-uranium mine operates on outdated 1991 era Occupational Radiation Exposure Limits.

A tribute to the Maralinga traditional owners.

Australia must not forget – the plutonium abuse of an Australian child, by Argonne National Laboratory.

ERA’s focus is now on rehabilitating the Ranger uranium mine site. Prospective Northern Goldfields uranium miner fails to submit environmental and mine closure plans on time.

Australia’s national environment laws ‘actually allow extinction to happen’.

CLIMATE.  The Australian government has officially given up on climate action.  Wind, solar and drought drive down emissions, but Australia still lags on targets.  Morrison government has not modelled a zero emissions scenario.  Federal energy and emissions reduction minister Angus Taylor says higher emissions targets ‘not necessarily good policy’. Australia won’t budge on 2030 climate targets, keeps mum on longer term intentions.   Covert-19: Government stacks Covid Commission with oil and gas mates, cosy deals follow.

In 2019, fire chiefs were ‘gagged’ when trying to give climate change warnings to government.

 News Corp cuts represent an huge threat to Australian democracy ⁠- enormous power of Rupert Murdoch over Australia’s media.  Australian media is not doing its job to expose power and corruption.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Networks can now replace costly poles and wires with solar and storage micro-grids.    Ausgrid seeks thousands of NSW homes to join expanded virtual power plant . NSW calls for wind, solar, storage ideas for first renewable zone in central west.  Huge Uungula wind project edges closer in NSW renewable energy zone.  Sun Cable’s solar and battery mega-project may be first of many.   Suntech’s 9.4MW Robinvale solar farm completed in Victoria.  Lawyers’ picnic, and $47m at play, as Sunraysia solar farm faces further delays.  “Once in a lifetime opportunity:” NSW farmer on why he wants to host a wind farm.

INTERNATIONAL

Eminent Persons Warn Against Any Demonstration Nuclear Test Explosion. – “grave challenge to global peace and security” – Nuclear watchdog on potential U.S. nuclear test.

The Environmental Legacy of Nuclear Weapons Production: Five Case Studies — HUMAN WRONGS WATCH

‘The Triumph of Doubt‘ – corporations’ war on science.

Research is needed into health effects of 4G and 5G [electromagnetic] radiation.

 Extreme heat, humidity, air pollution – combined threat to South Asia.

June 1, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

To 26 May, nuclear and climate news.

Can’t keep up with the pandemic news – I hope you can.

One thing, though. Beyond Nuclear has pointed out the significance of the floods in Midland, Michigan, where they do have one nuclear research reactor, but fortunately no commercial ones.  They warn on ” the almost impossible challenge of evacuating people to safety during simultaneous catastrophic events.” The floods bring together the climate, pandemic, and nuclear dangers all in one area.

Public attention is not on this one. BUT, the 2020 Review Conference of a landmark international treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), is due soon, though postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is also at risk.  It’s under the radar, while everyone worries about COVID-19 and climate, – but the danger of nuclear weapons use is escalating, as Donald Trump unravels the treaty system that is aimed at preventing nuclear war.  He also wants USA to hugely increase its nuclear weaponry.

Some bits of good news – Maasai Nature Conservancy Asks For Help To Fight Pandemic—And 100,000 People Answer.  World’s Most Endangered Primate Population Triples After 17 Years of Careful Conservation

AUSTRALIA

NUCLEAR

National Radioactive Waste Dump PLan. Peter Remta: Misleading and inaccurate information provided by authorities on National Radioactive Waste Management.  The false economics promised by the government’s National Radioactive Waste Management plan.  Napandee is geologically and geophysically unsuitable for Australia’s nuclear waste dump.  Australian Law on radioactive waste to be changed in order to prevent any judicial review!.

National Radioactive Waste Management Facility (NRWMF) under scrutiny – fact checking.

Some more submissions to the Senate on National Radioactive Waste Bill:

Small Modular Nuclear Reactors included in Morrison govt’s energy plan?.

Australian govt and ERA squabble over monitoring of Ranger uranium clean-up.

CLIMATE  Australia, and other countries – deaths from global hatinge are being underestimated .  Australian government’s climate and post-Covid policy is a sop to the fossil fuel industries.  National Coordination COVID-19 Commission – a fossil fuel mates’ rort of staggering proportions.

Morrison’s lack of transparency is undermining green recovery, Coalition’s Technology Investment Roadmap: Poor policy in practice. Leaked plan for huge gas subsidies– Coalition’s ‘grey’ baseline and credit scheme could pay companies to increase emissions. The Morrison government manipulates, to paint the coal industry as “clean” and “renewable”

MPs sayLeading doctors in Australia (over 180 of them) want Australia’s Australia’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) made stronger, not weaker.  Minerals Council of Australia keen to keep Australia’s environmental law the same, (or make it even worse)

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Greens pitch Green New Deal, 100% renewables target for post-Covid recovery. Huge 2GW of wind, solar and storage to deliver green future for Queensland industrial hub.

INTERNATIONAL

A moment of reckoning – when coronavirus meets climate change.  Coronavirus: How to prevent a new nuclear arms race – and future pandemics.

The danger to children of low level nuclear radiation has been underestimated.

The international nuclear weapons race.  Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty at risk, due to Donald Trump’s accusations ?

Antarctic krill threatened by warming waters – climate change’s danger to the marine ecosystem.

May 25, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

Nuclear,Climate, and of course, Coronavirus News -Australia

There’s  no avoiding coronavirus news, and it changes all the time.  The focus has shifted to”post – virus”, though it is not clear that it is “post” now, or even within 2020.  At present, New Zealand and Vietnam are looking like shining success stories.  The secret of their success? –  strategic testing, aggressive contact tracing and effective public communications campaigns. That last point -all important -that everyone, down to small kids, understands the basic story, the national plan and what they need to do.  Planning needs to be national, and then, international.

Who knows whether the post-Covid-19 period will move towards a cleaner and more humane world, or back to “business as usual” or worse?     Meanwhile the non-stop news cycle takes its toll, and of course, being news, it’s all bad.   It’s probably good to (a) take lots of breaks from the news, and (b) follow good news.  Some examples:

  • The IEA says greenhouse gas emissions will fall by more than 8% this year, the largest annual decrease ever recorded. NPR
  • A decade ago over 40% of the UK’s electricity came from coal. This week, it clocked up its first full coal free month since the advent of the power grid in 1882. Gizmodo
  • Sweden has closed its last coal-fired power station two years ahead of schedule, becoming the third European country to exit coal. Independent .
  • Freshwater insect species have risen by 11%, possibly due to efforts to clean up rivers and lakes. Science

You can find good news at FUTURE CRUNCH, and at GOOD NEWS NETWORK.

AUSTRALIA

The torture that awaits Julian Assange in the US.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley will not support protection of Murray-Darling river systems

NUCLEAR. The push to weaken Australia’s law regulating the uranium industry, in the review of Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.  New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro got it so wrong about Britain and small nuclear reactors.

Kimba Nuclear Waste Dump Plan:   Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) question government’s plan for nuclear waste dump near Kimba, South Australia.  13 top Australian non government organisations say that the Kimba nuclear waste dump plan is illogical.     Cameron and Toni Scott: brief but compelling critique of National Radioactive Waste Management.  Marty and Rachel Yates: the wrong nuclear dump process- individuals nominate their own land for their own personal gain.

CLIMATE. New climate models suggest that Australia could reach 7C temperature rise by 2100. A Covid-19 Green Recovery for Australia. Australia listened to the science on coronavirus. Imagine if we did the same for coal mining.   How the Murdoch press defended fossil fuel industry while Australia burned. Experts warn of growing fossil fuel influence in Prime Minister Morrison’s Covid-19 response .   Cheap electricity is back, and the next casualty will be a coal fired generator.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australian investors play key role in huge 690MW solar and battery project – America’s largest.  UNSW solar researcher wins global award, as funding remains in doubt. Tesla big battery recoups cost of construction in little over two years.  Balancing act: Tesla battery system earns university nearly $74,000 in 3 months.

Australia’s reputation as solar leader under threat if ARENA funding not extended. Tasmania unveils action plan to reach 200 per cent renewables.  Queensland urged to unlock $36bn renewable investment boom in lead-up to election.  Australia is uniquely placed to be able to reinvigorate manufacturing through renewable energy.

INTERNATIONAL

Latest climate models suggest global heating could be worse than we thought. Killer heat and humidity already with us.   Covid-19 highlights risks of doing nothing on global heating.    Water loss in northern peatlands threatens to intensify fires, global warming.

How much radioactive waste is stored on our planet?

The race to nuclear suicide continues despite Covid-19 crisis.  $73 billion world spent in 2019 on nuclear weapons, half of it by USA.  The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty– its promise and its failure.

THE ATOM: A LOVE AFFAIR – nuclear dream to global nightmare.

 

May 18, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

The week in climate, nuclear, (and coronavirus) news

The movement is on, in many countries, to return things to”normal” as the infection “curve” is reported to be “flattening”.  But as lockdown rules are eased, in Germany and South  Korea, infection rates go up again.  With 4 million confirmed cases globally, there is no slowdown in the rate of infection. USA’s death toll is 80,000, while Russia’s and Brazil’s are thought to be soaring.  COVID-19 is such a strange disease. Like climate denialism, –  is a form of coronavirus denial going on?

AUSTRALIA

The Liberal coalition government killing the ABC by 1000 cuts – but a possible way exists to save it.

Australian government stops listing major threats to species under environment laws.  New environment laws must address main cause of the biodiversity crisis – climate change.

Investigative journalism – ‘Under cover of coronavirus’ New South Wales govt approves US company to mine coal beneath a Sydney drinking water dam.

NUCLEAR. Minerals Council of Australia wants radiation risks to be discounted in Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.  Film Maralinga Tjarutja premieres on ABC Sunday 24 May.

 Kimba National Nuclear Waste Dump Plan   Bogus claims and dodgy Fed govt nuclear waste dumps process. Submissions to government:

Western Australian uranium projects floundering, as Cameco’s Kintyre environmental approval lapses.

CLIMATE.  States so far ahead of Australia government, it’s as if they are in a different industrial era. Canberra is a model for using climate action to drive economic recovery, minister says.   Covid-19 co-operation lays out pathway for climate ambition, CMI says.   How “green steel” could replace Australia’s coal industry – and end climate wars.

RENEWABLE ENERGY  States so far ahead of Australia government, it’s as if they are in a different industrial era.  Helen Haines launches renewable energy plan for regional Australia.    Record growth in rooftop solar pushing coal out of Australia market.    Switching to renewables could cut industry energy costs by almost a quarter.

ARENA funds study into smarter solution for system strength issues plaguing solar, wind projects.  Australian Renewable Energy Agency funds end in 2022 – a major blow for solar research.

Queensland’s Yurika to install 15MW of solar on shopping centres.  Lithium Australia assessing the use of recycled battery components as fertiliser micro-nutrients.  South Australia minister aiming for 100 per cent renewables before 2030 .  Victoria calls on feds to “put aside ideology” and pave way for offshore wind.

INTERNATIONAL

A potential US extradition of Julian Assange poses existential threats to democracy..

Another world is possible.

Tiny killer agents – Cornaviruses, and also, Nuclear Radiation.  As with viruses, containment of atomic weapons may be good, but eradication is best.  .

International co-operation – essential for Coronavirus action, and for Climate action .  Can Covid-19 response be a model for climate action?.  Climate change – a bigger still challenge follows coronavirus.  A small window of opportunity to stave off rapid global heating.

2020 hurtles toward the warmest year milestone –Heat+ humidity – global heating has already made parts of the world too hot for humans.

Trilateral Track 2 Nuclear Dialogues Consensus Statement.

 

May 12, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

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