Antinuclear

Australian news, and some related international items

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

Week to 4 May in climate and nuclear news

Well, ya can’t get away from it. It’s always the pandemic! This week, the news moves on to considering the future.  Biodiversity scientists warn that future pandemics are on the horizon, if we don’t stop our rapid destruction of nature. With increasing human population, encroaching on wild habitats, there’s increased risk of pathogens transferring between animals and humans. 

But also, the pandemic is showing us how our trashed world can heal.

Amidst the continuing propaganda for the (still non existent) new “cheap ” small nuclear reactors, comes the sobering fact that the nuclear industry is in trouble, in this time of pandemic.  It’s not just nuclear’s unique  safety problem, but now the business problem. As wind and solar power thrive , nuclear power is going down the drain, with low prices and slumping demand.

A bit of good news –  Hole in the ozone layer is now closed.

AUSTRALIA

Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) continues attacks on ABC .

Rampant, unmonitored use of water by Australia’s coal industry in time of drought!.

NUCLEAR. Australia: Epidemiology on nuclear radiation?  

Flinders Local Action Group want a new process for disposal of Australia’s nuclear waste.   South Australian group calls –  ” No to radioactive waste on agricultural land in Kimba or South Australia.”  Dr Helen Caldicott explains the (virtually eternal) problem of toxic nuclear waste. Beyond Uranium Canberra. Group calls for an end to Kimba waste plan, wants Inquiry into nuclear waste management.

CLIMATE  Emissions Reduction  Minister Angus Taylor, refuses to release findings of ‘expert panel’ into emissions reductions Australia’s govt betting on a fossil-fuel led recovery – despite expert advice on renewable energy. Why does the Morrison govt hear the experts on coronavirus, but ignore the experts on climate change?

RENEWABLE ENERGY

INTERNATIONAL

The nuclear pandemic.  Nuclear Issues and Epidemiology.    Low Oil Prices May Kill Off The Next Nuclear Boom Before It Begins.

New START is the only U.S.-Russian nuclear treaty still in effect. Time to renew it.

Petersberg Climate Dialogue to be held virtually this year.  Climate change: lakes and rivers will become drier, increasingly infectious and toxic.

Solar and Wind Cheapest Sources of Power in Most of the World   Solar heating.

May 4, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

The week in nuclear and climate news – Australia

While we are preoccupied with the pandemic, global heating is not going away. Climate Change Made 2019 The Warmest Year On Record. Eleven of 12 hottest years have occurred since 2000, new climate report warns. What happens after coronavirus will determine our climate‘s future.

Coronavirus illustrates the unsafety of nuclear facilities. In the USA , and presumably in Russia and other countries, too, nuclear power stations have to be refuelled, a process that involves many hundreds of workers – a real problem for “social distancing”.   Compare that situation with solar and wind power plants, where the fuel is delivered directly, all by itself – requiring no transport, no armies of workers.

That, and other considerations, such as astronomic costs, do not deter the American government, locked as it is in the embrace of the nuclear lobby.  Now they are coming straight out with the admission, or perhaps the boast, that new nuclear reactors are essential for the nuclear weapons industry. I am sure that it is the same in Russia.

A bit of good news –  For the First Time in 240 Years, White-Tailed Eagles Spotted Flying Over England

AUSTRALIA

Covid 19 shows that Australia’s security means a lot more than military preparedness.

 Australia goes backwards in latest world press freedom index.

Investigative journalism – Australian govt’s devious ploy to further dispossess the Bangarla Aboriginal people.

Current Review of  Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) ? – it’s all about promoting the polluters.

Another revolving door– Air Chief Marshal (ret’d) Mark Binskin AC straight into BAE warships maker.

NUCLEAR.   Federal govt’s Kimba nuclear waste dump plan

Kimba community’s $20 Million dollars can only be accessed ONCE THE NUCLEAR DUMP IS UP AND RUNNING!

South Australia’s Greens fight to stop nuclear waste dumping on Kimba .

SUBMISSIONS
An initial brief look at the submissions to the Senate Nuclear Waste Bill Inquiry.

CLIMATE. Australia’s climate experts urge govt to use rebuilding economy to combat global heating. Planning for waterways – a vital need, as Australia’s river systems are affected by global heating.

No green new deal for Australia as Coalition tightens embrace of fossil fuels.   Fossil fuel web leading Australia to a Deadly Recovery.   Govt scheme to underwrite gas, hydro and coal power needs investigation – Zali Steggall.  When Coalition spends big on oil, it misses a huge green economic opportunity for Australia. Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor Taylor to loosen Australia’s lax fuel standards to support oil sector. Former PM Turnbull says his biggest leadership failure was on climate change

Queensland’s Supreme Court bars Aboriginal activists from Queensland’s Adani coal mine site.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australian rooftop solar continues to weather Covid-19 storm – at “very healthy levels”.  South Australia could meet state Liberals’ 100 pct renewables target 5 years early.  Australia’s main grid sets new milestone for negative prices over weekend. NSW government paves way for more – and bigger – rooftop solar systems.  AEMO to resume new connections after solar constraints lifted in West Murray. On-site solar is key to cost competitive renewable hydrogen. Huge Dundonnell wind farm powers past 100MW-mark in Victoria. Wind and solar could play key role in future of Australia’s aluminium industry . ARENA makes case for more funding, points to jobs, costs and investment gains.

INTERNATIONAL

To save the planet, cultural, social and political transformation is essential; new technologies only part of the answer.  Arctic marine life threatened as a result of Alaskan sea ice disappearing.   International climate ministers meet to discuss green recovery post COVID-19.  European Solar Generation Breaks Records, As Coronavirus Shutdowns Reduce Air Pollution.

Animals in radiation zones are not doing well.

Occupational Radiation Exposure: Serious Risks and Safety Solutions.

Animals in radiation zones are not doing well.

April 28, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

to April 20 – nuclear and climate news

Everything’s quieter, as we all batten down the hatches, and wait for that Covid 19 curve to flatten ….

The planet needs a green recovery. But are governments up for this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1e7zXAGMKQ

Some bits of good news –   Optimistic COVID Updates  – Himalayan Mountaintops Visible for the First Time in 30 Years as Air Pollution Continues to Plummet in India.

AUSTRALIA

Coronavirus, climate change, and Australia’s  national security.

Call for Australian government to delay review of its Environment laws.    A brief Submission to the the Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Australia’s political revolving door between military industry and government – Reynolds and Reith.

NUCLEAR. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is critical of Government propaganda on Kimba nuclear waste dump plan.  Parliamentary committee finds that Kimba nuclear waste dump law may breach Indigenous human rights. 13 Australian peak Non Government Organisations seek stronger Environmental Law on Nuclear Issues.  National Radioactive Waste Facility has strong community opposition – says Public Health Association of Australia.  Uniting Church, South Australia, rejects National Radioactive Waste Bill as discriminatory against Aboriginal people.

CLIMATE. Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action taking legal action against NSW Environment Protection Authority.  Amid climate change threat to the Murray Darling river system, the States haggle. Study finds that New South Wales rivers, lakes and lagoons are warming twice as fast as ocean.  Climate Change Authority launches review into stalled Emissions Reduction Fund.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australia deploying new renewables at ten times global average. Australian renewables nudge milestone 25% share in last 12 months.

Rooftop solar owners are saving more while staying home. Australians installed 22,661 home battery systems in 2019 . Thousands rush to South Australia’s home battery scheme before subsidy winds back. South Australia Water to build solar farm on former oil refinery site.  Australian scientists help unlock potential of flexible and wearable solar.

ARENA’s future clouded as Minister Angus Taylor fudges on board appointments “Performance issues” hobble output at ground-breaking solar farm.

INTERNATIONAL

2020 predicted to be Earth’s warmest year on record.   Climate Change Multiplies the Threats of Infectious Diseases.  To tackle the climate crisis, the world cannot return to normal after Covid-19.  Changes for a low carbon economy are possible: we must advocate for this.

Artificial Intelligence in nuclear weapons and military systems.

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

To 13 April – climate and nuclear news

With the whole world in the grip of anxiety about coronavirus, and preoccupied with responding to the pandemic, climate scientists and activists ponder the opportunity to develop a green economy when it is over.  And indeed, the global climate, and the world’s biodiversity are right now benefiting from the lockdown response.  But, alas, the signs are already there, that, in recovering from the health crisis, governments are more likely to promote polluting industries and consumer spending, and to relax environmental safeguards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XhzBSMBpuY It’s too early to tell.

As for the nuclear lobby, it continues to battle bravely on, with propaganda about nuclear’s role in diagnosing COVID 19, and with promoting small nuclear reactors. Despite the nuclear industry’s present urgent problem with Coronavirus and staffing– or perhaps because of this, it is heavily promoting “clean”, “safe”, “cheap” nuclear power to Africa.

A bit of good news – Reports Find Social Restrictions Are Working to Curb New COVID-19 Cases From Italy to Seattle

AUSTRALIA

NUCLEAR.    Josephite South Australia Reconciliation Circle’s advice to the Senate Inquiry on Radioactive Waste Bill.   A flawed process- National Radioactive Waste Management- Submission from David Noonan.  Bob Phelps’ submission: There is no valid case for the planned national nuclear waste facility at Kimba.  Conservation Council of Western Australia stresses importance of submissions to strengthen environmental protection – especially to keep anti nuclear provisions.

CLIMATE. Coronavirus action: Australia’s moment to change course for a clean environment, slowing global heating. Calls for Morrison to end fossil fuel stimulus, redirect funds to clean tech. Big win for fossil fuels as regulators seek 12 month delay on 5-minute rule change.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australia renewables hit 50% of main grid’s net demand on Easter Saturday. Why Australia needs to aim for at least 75% renewables by 2030.  Cleantech startups get a boost with ARENA funding for EnergyLab.   W.A. to lead way in transition to distributed, renewable and equitable grid. New wind farm begins generating in Victoria. Australia’s clean energy transition delayed due to outdated electricity market design.  AEMO declares system strength shortfall in Queensland after wind, solar curtailed.

INTERNATIONAL

The coronavirus pandemic, like other global catastrophes, reveals the limitations of nationalism.

Climate change could cause sudden biodiversity losses worldwide.

Ordinary people can beat the nuclear establishment: it’s been done before.

New START treaty must be extended, a U.S. – Russia nuclear arms race an intolerable threat to the whole world.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation in a Deadlock.

Nuclear fusion, too hot, too costly? And not ready before 2050.

UKRAINE. Chernobyl wildfires now ‘close’ to exploded nuclear reactor.

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

To 7 April – Nuclear and climate news

Global problems intertwine. Global heating contributes to epidemics of infectious diseases, by promoting the spread of disease vectors, like mosquitoes.  There is no established link between covid-19 and climate change. However, the way we are altering the planet will make the spread of some diseases more likely.  National responses to the coronavirus pandemic bring the opportunity to tackle climate change.  To get a perspective – the climate crisis is a greater catastrophe than Coronavirus.

The current story of Captain Brett Crozier, captain of the nuclear aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, illustrates the moral poverty of the secretive nuclear culture, and the moral poverty of USA’s nuclear commander-in-chief, Donald Trump. The ship, with nearly 5000 crew, had a number of cases of coronavirus. The captain wrote to the Navy, begging to have the sailors evacuated, a plea which was rejected. Later, the sailors were evacuated, but the captain was fired.  President Trump explained that what Crozier did “was terrible” .

But that’s just one nuclear ship – what about the world’s nuclear ships and nuclear submarines? How safe  are they, with warship crews now falling victim to COVID-19 ?

Some bits of good news –   Another Roundup of Positive Updates on the COVID Outbreaks From Around the World. Earth’s Ozone Layer Continues to Repair Itself. (Also – if you can persevere with  the video “Sam and the Plant Next Door”- it’s  quite uplifting. )

AUSTRALIA

The importance of strengthening the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC). Submissions due by 17 April.

Doctors warn on coronavirus danger for Australian citizen, Julian Assange, imprisoned without conviction, in a coronavirus incubator.

NUCLEAR. Outlandish claims made by Byron Shire Councillors, (Greens!!) promoting mobile Small Nuclear Reactors.

CLIMATE. Finally, Australia’s energy network planning will include climate policies.     Australia has what it needs to go “all in” and reach zero emissions by 2035.  Under cover of pandemic, fossil fuel interests unleash lobbying frenzy. Sorry to disappoint climate deniers, but coronavirus makes the low-carbon transition more urgent.  Big swings to the Greens in Brisbane wards elections.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Northern Territory offers $6,000 grant for home batteries, cuts solar tariff.  NT plans big battery in Darwin to cut gas costs and accelerate solar. NSW approves critical Snowy 2.0 factory as more energy experts call for project halt. Final Government approvals for core lithium to move on first lithium production in the NT.  Solar constraints could be relaxed before end of April, clearing path for new projects. Rooftop solar charts another big month, but Covid-19 clouds future.  How your home battery can help keep the grid stable and prices down.

INTERNATIONAL.

Despite propaganda from nuclear/coal front group, Breakthrough Institute, NOW IS the time to talk about climate change.  The Climate Crisis Will Be Just as Shockingly Abrupt as the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Put people and health before nukes.  New hypersonic weaponry complicates Nuclear Arms Control Regime. Noam Chomsky on the urgent need to eradicate nuclear weapons.

Covid 19 and government responses are affecting nuclear construction world-wide. The nuclear industry and the impact of coronavirus.   A creeping catastrophe: the world’s nuclear reactors are getting dangerously old.

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

To 30 March – nuclear and climate news.

Yes, I know, it’s bad form to be writing about anything but the virus. But here goes, anyway.  As to climate change,  the current dread of the coronavirus feels awfully like a familiar version of the anxiety that many of us have felt about the climate crisis. There’s a bit of a silver lining, in that global greenhouse has emissions have dropped.

The pandemic, and its consequence – social isolation, have  stalled industry, and are expected to wipe out global growth in renewables deployment in 2020.

The nuclear industry has put a bold face on it, claiming that construction of huge new reactor stations are essential, so that workers at UK’s Hinkley Point C build, and USA’s giant Vogtle nuclear build  can count as “essential” so the building programmes can stay on track.  But, even more remarkable, the USA nuclear industry uses coronavirus to gouge $billions of tax-payer money.

Anyway, what should we do about this truly awful global situation?  I can think only of Voltaire’s famous advice – given by his fictional character Candide – “we must go and work our garden.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcTsMirQoG0&t=8s

A bit of good news – Chinese Company Ships Crates of Masks to Italy , Covered in Italian Poetry: We Are ‘Leaves of the Same Tree’

AUSTRALIA

A major scorecard gives the health of Australia’s environment less than 1 out of 10.  With the pandemic, and the bushfires, we now must strengthen the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC).  Webinar: Yeelirrie – A Case for Environmental Law Reform .

NUCLEAR. Nation Radioactive Waste Management Bill: Submission deadline extended to April 9.  Submission re National Waste Dump Bill: Flawed process: the pretense that this National issue is just a Local issue.  Nuclear front group Energy Policy Institute joins with NuScam to promote Small Nuclear Reactors to Australia.

CLIMATE.  Environment department begins purging website of historical emissions data, projections.   NSW approves coal mine expansion under drinking water catchment . Tax-payers funded MP Matt Canavan’s expensive trip to attend coalmine opening

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australia’s newest and biggest wind farm sets benchmark for lowest price.  Victoria council works around Covid-19 restrictions to approve 200MW solar farm.  Big new solar farm in NSW begins production, on schedule for a change.

INTERNATIONAL

Action on Covid19 gives a lesson for action on climate change.

Pandemic brings a danger that is unique to the nuclear industry.  Nuclear security must not be forgotten, even in times of pandemic.

With all eyes on pandemic, Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty still needs attention.

Nuclear waste disposal: Why the case for deep boreholes is … full of holes.

How will the IAEA spin the mind-boggling costs of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)?

March 30, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

What to do, in the time of pandemic?

Yes, this is an aberration from the real focus of this website.

BUT – we’re all going to have to deal with the time of pandemic.

The positives.  Much kindness is going on  – people offering help to the disabled, the elderly … the courage of health workers  –  the music – the balcony cheerers, the social networking,   the chance to be still at home, and reflect.

The negatives. The vulnerable  millions of the poor and crowded, in India, and elsewhere –  the losses of jobs and income, the loneliness, the family stress, domestic violence, the “digital divide” – for those without smartphones and computers.   The big corporations that will emerge as the winners.

What to do? Here’s my suggestion, (if you can) :

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

Nuclear, climate, Covid19 – a weird week of news

graph above refers to worldwide deaths

Events happen so quickly. It becomes important to know what news is true, and what is not. It is something of a crisis in journalism, – which analysis, which interpretation is credible? I try to follow articles that make sense, and come from reliable writers and journals. Reported numbers vary a lot – of those infected with Cov19, of the deaths. For one example – USA infection numbers are almost certainly far greater than reported, because of inadequate testing. In interpretation, Donald Trump’s phrase the “Chinese virus” feeds in to xenophobia, an unfortunate theme when global co-operation is needed, to combat a global epidemic. Politicians exploit false conspiracy theory that the coronavirus is a bioweapon.

What action is needed?  I found this article, with its excellent graph, a reliable guide. It helped me to conclude that the drastic shutdowns and “social distancing”will have awful results, but that inaction on coronavirus would be worse.

Some bits of good news – 10 Positive Updates on the COVID-19 Outbreaks From Around the World

AUSTRALIA

The Morrison govt’s emergency measures are a massive subsidy to Australia’s largest corporations.

Doctors again call on Australian govt about Julian Assange’s precarious health, risk of coronavirus.

NUCLEAR National Radioactive Waste Management must come clean. Kimba is the start of continued high level nuclear waste dumping. A radioactive waste dump will NOT unite the Kimba community.  It is not too late to tell the Australian govt “NO” to South Australia nuclear waste dump.

After backlash from colleagues, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro backs down from nuclear power support. A nuclear power station is inappropriate for the Central Coast.              The lingering horror of the nuclear bomb tests at Maralinga.

CLIMATE. Zali Steggall holds fire on zero emissions climate bill amid Coronavirus chaos.  Government advisory body tells Morrison to lift his game on climate.  Plans to direct climate funds to coal plant upgrades rejected by panel.    Victoria slammed for using misleading data to justify lifting of gas moratorium.  Victoria lifts moratorium on onshore gas, but permanently bans fracking.  Legal challenge about Adani’s planned water use for giant coal mine.

RENEWABLE ENERGY  Solar, battery storage in demand as Coronavirus encourages shift to “self-reliance”.  Forget toilet paper, consumers are panic buying solar.   Morrison needs to be smarter, more creative, more sustainable with Covid-19 response.  As economy stalls, the government should remap Australia’s energy landscape.   Solar, batteries, micro-grids and ISP should be added to Covid-19 response.  Brigalow, the little solar farm that could, sending power to grid in Queensland.

Wind industry calls on Victoria to set “bold” science-based emissions targets. Wind output overtakes hydro power for first time in Tasmania. Australia’s first offshore wind farm gains ground with new contract. Huge Dundonnell wind farm begins production in Victoria.

INTERNATIONAL

Coronavirus Covid-19 Testing Per Capita By Country; The US Near The Bottom; India Worse

Tokyo Olympic Games‘ costly chaos: they can’t be held in 2020.

“Balance” a dangerous practice – journalists presenting as equal -Trump’s and scientists’ opinion on coronavirus science.

Coronavirus threatens nuclear power plants with staff shortages, possible shutdowns.

Destruction of habitats, loss of biodiversity, bring pandemics.

Impact of coronavirus is curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

Paul Ehrlich on Coronavirus and the growthmania that drives environmental destruction. Bill McKibben on the Virus and the Climate Movement.  Global warming influence on extreme weather events has been frequently underestimated. Coronavirus Halts Street Protests, but Climate Activists Have a Plan.– Ozone-depleting chemicals appearing again in the atmosphere.

Nuclear Power Plants: Tritium is a lot more hazardous than they say. Dr Ian Fairlea on Epidemiological Evidence of Cancer Risks.

“Peaceful” and military nuclear reactors always inextricably linked.  Nuclear-powered submarines – fraught with legal and political problems.   New research on the global climate impacts of a small nuclear war.  The catastrophic danger to nuclear weapons complexes, of climate change’s extreme weather.

A new low-cost solar technology for environmental cooling.

March 24, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

The week in nuclear, climate, and coronavirus news

Awareness about infectious diseases seems to have faded, up until suddenly just lately. It really is a long time between epidemics, and now we have a pandemic. The quickly spreading Coronavirus disease is being handled differently, according to each country. Climate scientist Paul Beckwith explains this, and warns on the necessity of urgent action.    Another excellent resource is Corona Virus – With Dr. John Campbell. There is also the inhumane theory of “herd immunity”, being recommended by some as a strategy for Britain.

Climate scientists are bemoaning the slowness to take action on the coronavirus, but, even more so, the continuing slowness to act on global heating.

A bit of good news – One Million ‘Wonder Plant’ Seedlings Are Planted in Wales to Fight Climate Crisis—and Create Healthy Seas

AUSTRALIA.

Coronavirus spreading –  Federal and State governments taking appropriate action .P.M. Scott Morrison a bit slow to cop on, and, Trump-style, inclined to use the occasion as a PR pitch.

Australian defence officials and politicians, like Christopher Pyne, rotate quickly between government and weapons industry jobs.

Australian govt rejects a report that recommends nuclear submarines.

NUCLEAR 

CLIMATE.  Global heating is intensifying a rare natural phenomenon that brings severe drought to Australia.  Climate change fuelled Australia’s devastating Black Summer – Climate Council Report. The climate denialist spin machine – the “Anti-Greta” in Australia.   NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean contradicts the Coalition party line – wants climate action and NO nuclear.

RENEWABLE ENERGY.  Rooftop solar unstoppable as market breaks “all previous records” in February .  NSW unveils two new renewable energy zones in $11 billion Net Zero strategy. Major clean energy industry events postponed in response to Coronavirus. Regional community solar and storage projects win NSW government grants. Australian researchers smash efficiency record for ‘tandem solar cells’.  Major solar farm and battery approved for New South Wales coal country.

INTERNATIONAL

Polar ice melting at an accelerating rate. The planet’s largest ecosystems could collapse faster than we thought.

Global response to Covid-19 is rapid. Response to climate change is too damn slow. Coronavirus poses threat to climate action.

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists warns on doomsday.   Hypocrisy: new commitments to Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) include push for nuclear power.

Nuclear modernisation, cyber operations, raise a dilemma for nuclear deterrence.

Investigative journalism –  Fukushima, and the ocean’s history of nuclear waste dumping.

Tritium – more hazardous than gamma rays and most X-rays..

March 16, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

Nuclear and climate news in International Women’s Week

The nuclear industry took the opportunity to push itself as an equality-for-women campaigner. Also, in the media, parents were warned to see that their girls got STEM skills (Science Technology Engineering Maths), or else they’d be jobless dropouts.

Now I too believe that these skills are important.  But I deplore the downgrading of the so-called “soft” studies, that is going on at the same time. With the crises facing the world now, surely for decision-making, we need people with knowledge of languages, history, sociology, ecology. On the health effects of nuclear radiation, and of global heating, the “soft” sciences of biology and genetics are essential.  And, as social commentator Eva Cox has pointed out, the occupations with social values of caring and nurturing ought not to be downgraded and poorly paid, in comparison with the techno world and competitive occupations with macho values.

While climate and nuclear threats are the focus of this newsletter,  the reality is that the planetary mess is made of many interconnecting factors, in the unsustainable economy of “endless growth”. A big reminder –  investigative journalism – Planet Plastic.

A bit of good news -Farming in the Forest: A Chance to Reverse 1,000 Years of Destructive Land-Use Practices

AUSTRALIA

The demonisation of Julian Assange: Former foreign minister Carr calls on the Australian govt to intervene. Government’s latest pressure on the ABC is slammed by Paul Keating.

NUCLEAR.

CLIMATE.  Christiana Figueres– “Australia, you’re not ‘meeting and beating’ your emissions targets”  Global heating is causing a decline in River flows in Murray Darling Basin. Kyoto carryover is “legally baseless”, international law experts warn Morrison government.  Cosy little cocktail party for Liberal and Labor MPs, with coal industry bigwigs.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Morrison to cancel Australia’s participation in the Energy Transition Hub.  CSIRO spin-off, Windlab, looks to Africa after “year of frustration” in Australia.  Solar farms to carry cost of Territory government’s glacial pace on grid reform.  Schletter Australia has partnered with SCP ‘Solar Car Parks’ to launch the HELIOPARK range of Solar Car Ports for the Australasian market. Tasmania sets world-leading target of 200 per cent renewables by 2040. Home battery boost as Victoria expands rebate, NSW launches interest-free loans.

INTERNATIONAL

Why don’t we treat the climate crisis with the same urgency as coronavirus?

Investigative journalism – Big Oil and Big Soda and plastically polluted Planet Earth.

The Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty – now more important than ever.The Threat of a Nuclear War Between the US and Russia Is Now at Its Greatest Since 1983.

A sceptical look at NuScam’s small nuclear reactor plans.

March 9, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

As March begins – nuclear and climate news

This week there’s quite a lot of news about nuclear weapons development. Nobody seems very interested – all same-same? Weapons anxiety fatigue? UN disarmament chief hopes upcoming conference will address current nuclear challenges. Some experts think that the subject should get a mention in the USA 2020 election race.

The Coronavirus has gripped the media – with climate change taking a back seat. Bad though that epidemic is, global heating also moves on inexorably.

a bit of good news –  Designer Works to Erect First Modern Village to Generate its Own Electricity–and Food–in 100% Sustainable Loop

AUSTRALIA

NUCLEAR.

CLIMATE

RENEWABLE ENERGY  Australia could soon export sunshine to Asia via a 3,800km cable . Why an Australian mining giant chose wind and solar over gas for $1 billion project.  Australia’s first detailed database on household solar, batteries and EVs goes live.  Victoria energy efficiency market rides wave of optimism, NSW hopes to follow. Industry joins call for ARENA funding extension, as Energy MinisterTaylor ducks commitment. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020 – 100% carbon-offset in partnership with Powershop.

INTERNATIONAL

Coronavirus – right-wing media reactions and conspiracy theories.

The Planet Is Screwed, Says Bank That Screwed the Planet. USA fails to stop G20 finance ministers and central bank governors‘ warning on climate change.

Nuclear testing left a signature of radioactive carbon all around the world.  The Castle Bravo bomb and its effects on the soldiers, and on the planet.

A Brief Study of Molten Salt Reactors.

Climate action? – you simply couldn’t build enough nuclear reactors.

Antarctic ice walls protect the climate..

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

Keeping Australia nuclear-free: national campaign meeting in Melbourne

29 February, Melbourne. Anti nuclear campaigners from South Australia, Western Australia,  Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Victoria met today, to discuss the progress of the movement.  The Australian Conservation Foundation and Friends of the Earth were prominently represented, among other environmentalists, and representatives from indigenous groups, churches, human rights, and medical organisations.

There was an atmosphere of quiet optimism. The Federal Government, in its Inquiry into nuclear power, has concluded that conventional nuclear reactors are definitely not an option for Australia. Due to their escalating costs, and long delay in building, they are recognised now as a failed technology.

Another encouraging factor for the nuclear-free movement is the fact that Western  Australian uranium projects at Kintyre and Yeelirrie are at a standstill, with little likelihood of going ahead.

The federal government’s plan for a radioactive waste facility at Napandee, South Australia faces hurdles, with its plan for dual facilities . Low level waste burial and above-ground  temporary storage of intermediate level wastes do not meet standards for international best practice.

Participants returned to their home States with renewed confidence in their work of informing and encouraging local communities in seeking a clean, nuclear-free environment.

February 29, 2020 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, Christina reviews | Leave a comment

This week’s climate and nuclear news – Australia

When their finances are affected by climate change, the guys at the top at last start to pay attention.  G20 finance ministers and central bank governors met in Saudi Arabia, and sounded the alarm over the climate emergency, despite U.S. objections. Leaked report for world’s major fossil fuel financier says Earth is on unsustainable trajectory.

Of course, nuclear weapons tensions are always there, particularly as regards USA and Iran.  However, when it comes to the so-called “peaceful nukes”, things are very quiet.  All that continues is an endless stream of  “journalism” promoting Small Modular Reactors (they leave out that unpopular word ‘Nuclear’). This hype resembles the early 2000s hype about the “nuclear renaissance’ and is sounding more and more hollow.

A bit of good news – All Australian Bushfires in NSW Have Officially Been Contained Thanks to Week of Heavy Rain. Australian Soldiers Are Using Their Time Off to Care for Koalas Displaced by the Fires.

AUSTRALIA

Immoral and illegal spying on Julian Assange and his lawyers – MP Andrew Wilkie calls on Australian government to act.  Investigative journalism – How will Julian Assange’s extradition case proceed in court?

NUCLEAR. Bill in Australian Parliament names South Australia as the Nuclear Waste State.– Greens in the Senate will oppose bill to storage nuclear waste at Kimba farm.- Barngarla Aboriginal people take legal action against Australian govt’s planned Kimba nuclear waste dump.  Correcting the propaganda: Australia’s nuclear medicine DOES NOT NEED a national radioactive waste dump.

What was #ScottyFromMarketing planning, with U.S. military, at PineGap?

No place for nuclear energy in Australia: Labor’s Josh Wilson spells it out.  Labor’s Chris Bowen: Renewables make much more sense than ‘nuclear fantasy’.  Frank Simpson warns against the pollution of Victoria’s agricultural land by thorium/uranium mining.

CLIMATE. Australia the ‘poster child’ for climate change inaction.   Australia’s emissions flat, but climate politics hit new low over zero carbon target. Conflict in the COALition over climate change and emissions reduction.  Religious leaders urge ScottyFromMarketing to move Australia away from fossil fuels.    #ScottyFromMarketing ‘s hypocritical ploy to do nothing effective against climate change.

Divisions within both Liberal and Labor parties over Coal.     Labor leader Albanese delivers half a climate policy with “no cheating” – but no interim targets, either. Labor set to reaffirm net zero emissions commitment, oppose funds for coal power.

RENEWABLE ENERGY.  Solar thermal energy the way forward for Australia- says nuclear expert.  Ikea to offer home solar systems in Australia, starting this year.  Heavens to Betsy! Murdoch media suddenly discovers that wind and solar power are great for Australia!  Western Australia “uniquely” placed to be microgrid superpower, says report. Tasmania’s Granville Harbour wind farm now sending power to the grid.  “We have the technologies now”- Cannon-Brookes busts open Coalition myth. Sydney research hub to accelerate energy storage technologies.

INTERNATIONAL

All the world is betraying the world’s children, the World Health Organisation has found.

A war correspondent turns to today’s war on climate change, as he studies Antarctica.

Scientists warn on the seriousness of the collapse of many insect species.

Climate denialists using bots on Twitter to get their message across.

Reprocessing is NOT a solution to the nuclear waste problem.  Small nuclear reactors are no better than large ones.wastes.power imports.

February 24, 2020 Posted by | Christina reviews | Leave a comment

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