Australian Nuclear Technology and Science Organisation, (ANSTO), jumps on the bushfire propaganda bandwagon
Today, 15 January, there was a ’round table” meeting, (I think in Canberra) of “top scientists” on the urgent need to develop new bushfire adaptation and mitigation techniques.
And guess who’s at the top of the list in these TOP SCIENTISTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE. Why, none other than The Australian Nuclear Technology and Science Organisation, (ANSTO)
Of course, ANSTO is prominent in promoting the lie that nuclear power is the solution to climate change. They’ve put in submissions to parliamentary inquiries, You can bet that they’ve got one in now, to the Victorian Inquiry (submissions close 28 February.) One must admire the timing of the nuclear lobby’s manipulations, and the speed with which they are jumping on the bushfire-fix bandwagon.
To 13 January – Climate and Nuclear News Australia
After days of denial from Iran, President Rouhani on Saturday admitted to “human error” in bringing down the Boeing 737, and the Guards’ aerospace commander General Amirali Hajizadeh accepted full responsibility. Rouhani agreed with Qatar and Pakistani leaders on de-escalation and dialogue as ‘only solution’ to solve the crisis with US. As Europe tries to preserve the Iran nuclear deal, Donald Trump is currently a bigger headache for Europe than Iran is.
The global importance of Australia’s bushfires – climate impacts wildfires, and wildfires impact climate. The concentration of climate-heating greenhouse gases is at a record high. Nations are not meeting their already inadequate climate commitments, and if Trump is re-elected in 2020, America will continue to lead the way in sabotage of action on climate.
A bit of good news – Fukushima Japan Vows to Achieve 100% Renewable Energy Use in 20 Years.
AUSTRALIA
INTERNATIONAL
Nuclear and Climate News to 6 January -Australia
One wonders if Donald Trump’s aim is to take the world to the brink of nuclear war, and then to pull back , with himself appearing like the global hero. Trump ordered the drone assassination of an Iranian hero. Iran will now no longer restrict uranium enrichment, part of the 2015 deal limiting the country’s nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions.
A bit of good news – For the 29th consecutive year, India and Pakistan exchange lists of nuclear facilities.
The world is realising how quickly even a rich and ‘developed’ nation, Australia, can be devastated by extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change. Celebrities are donating to bushfire relief. Which is great. I’d like to think that they are equally generous to non-anglophone countries, which suffer even greater climate disasters.
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE .
Prime Minister and marketing man Scott Morrison is getting a lot of flak for his loyalty to fossil fuel interests, but in my opinion, “ScoMo” will weather this storm. He will use his one great talent, sloganeering, to eventually turn the whole bushfire thing to his advantage, – helped by the Murdoch media -expect lots of ‘feel-good’ stories..
Michael Mann- climate change is now upon Australia. Liberal former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop calls for Australia to show leadership on climate change. Morrison’s Aussie ocker, very religious, fans won’t care, but he’s not popular globally. Scott Morrison’s govt under pressure for its lack of climate policy.
Mega fire set to form as ‘frustrated’ authorities plead with ‘stubborn’ residents. Guardian’s latest updates on fires. Not only is the bushfire disaster devastating for Australia: it’s bad for its image, too.
Scott Morrison’s condescending call for “patience” and “calm” on bushfires and climate change. Murdoch media: The Australian, Herald Sun and Courier Mail downplay bushfire news. The Institute of Public Affairs has poisoned climate discussion in Australia. How the Murdoch media murdered Australia’s climate policy.
NUCLEAR. The hazards of nuclear wastes, radioactive particles travel in smoke. Kimba nuclear waste ballot – a one-sided exercise by the Australian government. Why does the Australian govt want to put nuclear waste onto Australia’s precious agricultural land? Nuclear waste dumping and Australia’s bushfires – the unmentionable connection.
INTERNATIONAL
War planners ignore the fire effects of nuclear bombing.
Not nuclear bombs, but the cutting of undersea cables, could be the decisive war weapon.
Researchers still don’t fully understand Arctic melt and sea level rise.
The rise and rise of global offshore wind capacity.
Nuclear waste dumping and Australia’s bushfires – the unmentionable connection
In all the propaganda for a nuclear waste dump in Kimba, South Australia, there was no mention of bushfire risks. An extraordinary omission, don’t you think?
The whole bizarre plan to trek the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor wastes some1700km by land, or even longer by sea, would entail trucking highly radioactive (they call it intermediate) wastes through forest areas, towns, ports, to what used to be an agricultural area.
The nuclear industry touts itself as the cure for climate change. In reality,it is the other way around. For Australia especially, climate change, bushfires, water shortages – make every aspect of the nuclear industry ever more dangerous.
The Lucas Heights nuclear reactor itself is uncomfortably close to the bushfires. But nobody’s talking about that. That reactor shoud be shutdown, and no more wastes produced.
The week in climate/nuclear news
I am struggling to find good news – news that would be fitting for this festive week. Well, I guess that “bad” news is pretty much the definition of news, anyway. As most people are behaving reasonably and decently, and many things are going well – that’s not noteworthy: then the unusual, the bad thing is, by definition, “news”.
On a positive note, Dr Helen Caldicott reminds us that although the nuclear-weapons nations are poised for ecocidal war, the path to peace is still possible;
The United States of America urgently needs to rise to its full moral and spiritual height and lead the world to sanity and survival. I know this is possible because, in the 1980s, millions of wonderful people rose up nationally and internationally to end the nuclear arms race and to end the Cold War.
This, then, is the sound template upon which we must act.
On the climate front, my own country, Australia, is afire, with bushfires in every state. Australia is a “test case”- the continent most vulnerable to global heating, but also with a pretty much climate denialist government, lackeys of the coal industry.
AUSTRALIA
In the media – the big events have been a rich mens’ yacht race, and cricket. And – Sydney’s to have a great fireworks night on 31st December; they hope it will be visible through the smoke haze -oh well!
CLIMATE. Australia’s unprecedented bushfires, and the role of global heating. Evacuation of thousands as Victoria’s bushfires merge. South Australia facing hightened bushfire conditions, as blazes continue. New Year heat wave threatens Australia with more bushfires.
‘Climate Emergency’ – the phrase that elicits anger and outrage. Thousands of Koalas Feared Dead in Australia Fires; Much Koala Habitat Already Destroyed By Deforestation.
Call to Prime Minister Scott Morrison – Time to stop pretending that you have a climate policy. Scott Morrison’s ‘brand’ damaged by silly cover-up of his Hawaii holiday.
NUCLEAR. Australian Parliamentary Report uses dodgy and incorrect nuclear information. South Australia’s Liberals keen to weaken health and safety laws on uranium. Uncle Kevin Buzzacott warns that the people, and the lizard are fighting back against BHP and its uranium mine.
Pastoralists relieved that Hawker is safe from threat of nuclear waste dump. Kimba is now the nuclear lobby’s target.
In water-scarce Australia, cooling water for nuclear power would become an impossible burden. A reality check on the cost of nuclear power for Australia. Nuclear Groundhog Day in Australia.
Australia’s dangerous subservience to the war-obsessed USA.
INTERNATIONAL
These 32 experts refute the claim that nuclear power is a sustainable method against climate change. Busting the false claims of the thorium nuclear lobby.
Nuclear cost and water consumption – The elephants in the control room.The engaging of youth in the movement to end nuclear weapons.
Risks in incorporating artificial intelligence into nuclear weapons systems.
Ionising radiation damages brain connections.
Julian Assange “slowly dying” and “often sedated” in Belmarsh prison.
Renewables – Top 10 Utility Regulation Trends of 2019.
Australia’s lying Prime Minister, and our grim climate future
Diogenes went around Athens in daytime, with a lighted lantern. He was looking for an honest man. He’d have an even harder time of it in Australian government circles.
We have a Prime Minister who is either stupid or dishonest. Presumably Scott Morrison is not stupid. It does take a certain rat cunning to weasel your way to the top, by ingratiating yourself with fossil fuel producers and religious bigots. I suppose the same goes for his self-serving underlings – Angus Taylor, Josh Frydenberg, Sussan Ley, and the rest of the pathetic Liberal Coalition pack.
I had thought that John Howard was our worst ever Prime Minister – he managed to do a lot to undermine workers’ rights, etc. Then we had Abbott – nasty , but fortunately achieved little. Poor old Malcolm Turnbull sold his climate-believing soul to get to be PM.
But Scott Morrison takes the cake. He will be remembered for his prevention of real action on climate change. Perhaps vilified by the next and later generations- for his Panglossian attitudes to global heating – his rubbish about staying calm and praying for rain. I wonder what his little daughters will think, one day, when they’re older, and things are even worse.
(at left – Dr Pangloss –“Everything for the best, in the best of all possible worlds“)
Australia has stuffed up its opportunity to lead on clean energy, and to plan and work to adapt to extreme weather, to save its one big river system, to work for a clean, safe economy.
The Week’s Climate and Nuclear News- Australia
The marathon climate talks in Madrid had a rather disappointing outcome. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk8McVmQRDI While the USA was excluded from the conference, other fossil-fuel addicted nations, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil did their best to sabotage the cause for climate action. Meanwhile the valuable perspective from women was largely ignored. From the top down in climate discussions, to regional and local talks in developing countries, women’s voices are generally excluded.
The nuclear lobby is working quietly away to get nuclear power accepted as “green”, thus getting not only ‘respectability’, but also hefty financial advantages. They’re having minor success in Europe. The European Union’s sustainable finance debate was bogged down in the question of including nuclear power. It ended up with a weak inclusion of nuclear power as a “sustainable activity’, but it still has to be agreed by the European Parliament, which has insisted on its “no” to nuclear.
Some good news – The Global Deal for Nature.
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE Prime Minister Scott Morrison is on holidays overseas, as fires burn across Australia. Australians are reminded of the tourism slogan that Morrison created – #wherethebloodyhellareyou?
New South Wales’ bushfire conditions are getting worse. In blistering heat, Perth’s bushfire will keep burning for days. Ominous forecast for Australia’s bushfire dangers. Bushfire near power plant (just as well it’s not a NUCLEAR power plant) Australia’s rainforests used to be too wet to burn. Not now. 250m tonnes of CO2 emitted from Australia’s bushfires.
Swedish youth climate activist Greta Thunberg hits out at Australia’s quest for climate loopholes talks. No legal or moral basis for Australia’s Kyoto accounting fudge, new analysis shows.
NUCLEAR. Liberal-Party-dominated committee recommends removing Australia’s ban on nuclear power. Albanese attacks Coalition’s nuclear ‘fantasy’ as Greens say report should ‘alarm all Australians’. Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor rejects call for partial lift of nuclear power.
In fealty to the global nuclear industry, the Liberals line up the nuclear dump site, amendments to law, deepwater port.
In the rush to get a nuclear waste dump site, the Dept of Industry, Innovation and Science has ignored the transport dangers. Residents vote against nuclear waste dump near Hawker in South Australia. Strong opposition to nuclear waste dump plan for Flinders Ranges. Kimba now the likely site for nuclear waste dump.
ENVIRONMENT. While ignorant tunnel-visioned politicians kowtow to irrigators, the Murray River system faces death. A foreign corporation gets 89 BILLION litres of Australia’s water, as drought worsens. Scott Morrison trashes the Environment Department.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. A lot of progress, – much information at https://reneweconomy.com.au
INTERNATIONAL
United States and Russia are on the verge of a new arms race, Nuclear War Simulator shows the devastation that nukes could cause.
The toxic gender norms in the nuclear weapons establishment.
Ethics of burdening developing countries with nuclear debts and nuclear wastes.
Devastating array of craters on the ocean floor, from nuclear tests.
Investigative journalism – Hazards of Russia’s nuclear colonialism– example South Africa. Docking problems for Russia’s nuclear ships.
The week in climate and nuclear news Australia
COP 25 – a chance to avoid catastrophic climate change. Not a lot happened in the first week of the COP25 climate talks in Madrid. Dr Katharine Hayhoe on The Bible and Climate Change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpjL_otLq6Y&feature=emb_title Disasters fuelled by climate change are the top driver of human displacement.
A bit of good news – Renewable cities arising around the world. or listen on You tube
AUSTRALIA
BUSHFIRES and CLIMATE CHANGE. Australia on fire. Scott Morrison under fire over bushfire emergency. UN climate talks: what’s on the agenda in Madrid and what it means for Australia. COP25, and Australia’s position at the Madrid climate talks. Australia is copping it at COP25 – and rightly so. Australia slammed for using First Nations people to try and dodge climate bill.
Australian govt’s dodgy climate accounting tricks to be tested in Madrid. Energy Minister Angus Taylor escapes the House and heads for Madrid, where more fact checkers await. Australia burns, as government leaders choose not to discuss this. Fire? What fire? It’s business as usual in Morrison’s Canberra bubble.
Hypocrisy of Australian Labor Party on climate change. Peter Garrett urges Labor to reconnect with environmental movement, warns ‘true believers are dying’. To National Party members. “Climate Change” is real, not “dirty words”.
Morrison sponsored report says reef tourism may be virtually wiped out by climate change . Australia warned on climate refugees .
NUCLEAR. Community of small rural town Kimba “blown apart” by nuclear waste dump plan. Money, Money, Money, or perhaps not. Plan to dump nuclear waste in the Flinders Ranges. Dr Jim Green busts ANSTO’s spin about nuclear wastes.
Federal Nuclear Inquiry Report expected this week.
Traditional Aboriginal owners will not give up fight against planned WA uranium mine, despite legal loss.
BHP’s Olympic Dam expansion plan deserves serious scrutiny. BHP’s plan to take yet more water for huge copper-uranium mine.
ENVIRONMENT Investigative journalism – Victoria’s chemical waste scandal. Australia – water ownership and the politics of water. Environment is downgraded, as Morrison merges government departments. Morrison carves up environment and energy, praises Angus Taylor for waving big stick.
RENEWABLE ENERGY.
Coalition said 50% renewables would wreck the economy. Now their modest climate targets depend on it. Australia’s biggest businesses could deliver “a Yallourn” of new wind and solar. Huge influx of solar will reduce risk of power outages this summer, says AEMO
How Australia’s rooftop solar boom can be good news for the grid. Electricity prices set to plummet as strong wind and solar investment kicks in. NSW installs record 60MW of rooftop solar in November. NCH Launches built-for-purpose solar Panel cleaner for harsh Australian conditions. Cattle Hill wind farm starts sending power to the grid in Tasmania .
INTERNATIONAL
Water shortages to hit 1.9 billion people as glaciers melt.
Research shows that Climate models have correctly predicted global heating. UN chief praises youth leadership on climate action, deplores government inaction. Coal power becoming ‘uninsurable’ as firms refuse cover.
9 climate tipping points pushing Earth to the point of no return.
Bacteria to consume CO2 – a climate change solution?
.Antarctic ice sheets could be at greater risk of melting than previously thought.
Nuclear/Climate News – week to 3rd December
COP25, the annual United Nations international conference on dealing with climate change is now beginning, in Madrid. Global climate tipping point is getting near – researchers say.
For December, my websites are focusing on that unfashionable subject – ETHICS. Some aspects of “nuclear ethics” are climate change, health and environment, sustainability, developing countries, economic feasibility, – conclusion – nuclear power is not an ethical choice.
A bit of good news – Humpback Whale Population Bounces Back From Near-Extinction—From Just 450, to Over 25,000
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. –Nuclear Inquiry Report now delayed, due to scandal over Energy Minister Angus Taylor? Minerals Council renews push for nuclear energy, but rather coy about its costs.
Shonky opinion poll results to give the go-ahead for Kimba nuclear waste dump? Australia to get high level nuclear wastes from UK, in return for Lucas Heights nuclear waste sent to UK.
Three Tjiwarl women from WA’s goldfields win conservation award for uranium mine campaign.
CLIMATE. Catastrophic weather conditions, but Australian govt has no climate adaptation plan. More than 160 bush and grass fires are burning across New South Wales. Australia’s ‘permanently wet’ rainforests now burning for the first time.
Sir David Attenborough hits out at the federal government over climate position. Barnaby Joyce auctions lump of coal – in a glass jar – at Nationals dinner.
Public opinion: for the first time, Environment is Australians’ top concern. The Murray Darling water crisis and what governments must do to fix this.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Heating & cooling to go renewable and provide demand response. Australian solar PV integrated window technology gains US approval. Renewable South Australia posts lowest wholesale prices for second month in row. The day rooftop solar met two thirds of South Australia’s total demand. Power bills to fall by $40 as New South Wales Central West becomes wind and solar power hub. Why is pumped hydro in Australia not used very much?
INTERNATIONAL
The negotiations in Madrid for COP 25 Climate Change Conference. Tipping points leading to ‘Hothouse Earth’ already “active”, scientists warn.
Catholic doctrine; the use and even the possession of nuclear weapons is immoral. Plans for nuclear waste disposal, but there’s no long term solution.
Despite Halting Progress, UN Continues its Push for a Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone in the Middle East.
Climate/nuclear news to 27 November
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are now at a record high level. Mountain water serving half the world is disappearing.
Against the background of all the disturbing climate news, it’s a bit of a shock to learn the lengths of duplicity to which politicians will go, to prevent climate action.
And, on the nuclear scene, duplicity of a different kind. I hate to use that tawdry phrase “fake news”, but that’s what it was, a false report of a nuclear explosion in the South China Sea.
Some bits of good news – In India, an intrepid old farmer grew a lush oasis in a cold desert. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-foEwcAu_zw. In drought-stricken Australia, some farmers are learning to improve the soil, and conserve water, with regenerative farming. Patients’exposure to medical radiation is going down.
AUSTRALIA
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says Assange faces ‘unacceptable’ and ‘disproportionate’ punishment. A previous Prime Minister intervened to help political prisoner: Scott Morrison could do this for Julian Assange. Appeal from former political prisoner to Australia’s Prime Minister to help Julian Assange.
Australian government rushing laws to crack down on protestors. Journalists beware! Australia now a surveillance state.
CLIMATE. Bushfires flare and temperature records fall amid catastrophic conditions in South Australia. Climate change will make fire storms more likely in southeastern Australia. Survey showed environment and climate to be Australian children’s top concerns.
How does the climate denialist Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) get away with being a “charity”? Religiosity of Scott Morrison – about global heating and bushfires. Cuddling coal and people: does Scott Morrison think that Australians are that stupid about climate change?
University of New South Wales first engineering school to sign declaration to reduce harmful carbon emissions.
NUCLEAR.
- Australia as the salvation of the nuclear industry?
- Nuclear Waste Crash COVERUP – Contaminated Police Speak Out. ANSTO’s reply on nuclear crash report – that reply debunked.
- Kimba and Flinders Ranges communities do not know what nuclear wastes they are getting, and for how many decades. Determined Aboriginal opposition to plan for Federal Nuclear Waste dump in rural South Australia. Aboriginal group votes against nuclear dump, but government department warns that they cannot veto it. All Australians are able to vote – no nuclear waste dump in the Flinders Ranges.
“The case made by the uranium bulls is in reality full of holes”
RENEWABLE ENERGY.
States go it alone on energy after Coalition buries talk of emissions. How are Australian States progressing on renewable energy? South Australia way ahead. South Australia Liberals celebrate nation-leading switch to wind, solar and storage.
Australian billionaire Cannon-Brookes says $20bn solar project will be “lighthouse” to world. Is Gina Rinehart finally ready to switch to green energy and cut emissions? NSW tenders $3.5 billion supply contract in firm test for wind and solar. Right-wing front group Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) wants to hit Electric Vehicles s with road tax “before they appear in every driveway”. Electric car ultra rapid chargers arrive in heart of brown coal country.
INTERNATIONAL
Journalism’s future in crisis – the case of Julian Assange. Political manipulations– the Swedish allegations against Julian Assange.
Global heating is shrinking and accelerating the jet stream. Pursuing nuclear power slows down real action on climate change by faster, cheaper, energy sources. Analysis: Global coal power set for record fall in 2019.
On nuclear radiation – past and future – extract from article on Chernobyl.
MARSHALL ISLANDS. As the Runit nuclear waste dome crumbles, Marshall Islanders want honesty and justice.
IRAQ. New report on Iraqi babies, deformed due to thorium and uranium from U.S. military actions and bases.
UK.
- For UK elections, top issue is climate change. Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeon’s outspoken opposition to use of nuclear weapons. Scottish National Party will press Jeremy Corbyn to scrap UK’s nuclear deterrent. UK’s Liberal Democrat leader criticised for her willingness to use nuclear weapons.
- A Labour government in UK would revive Wylfa nuclear power project. UK Labour touts ‘green industrial revolution’, BUT INCLUDES NUCLEAR POWER AS “GREEN”!
- UK’s embarrassing, expensive, intractable trouble with dead nuclear submarines.
- Why is the UK government now hiding its nuclear history files?
- EDF’s misleading and deficient safety report on Hunterston nuclear station.
CHINA. Further debunking of the conspiracy nonsense about a nuclear explosion in the South China Sea. China’s $2.5bn renewables investment in Inner Mongolia.
UKRAINE. Studies on Chernobyl nuclear disaster show that it’s relevant today, and for the future.
JAPAN.
- Pope Francis urges fresh efforts for Fukushima victims. Pope Francis calls for a ‘world without nuclear weapons’ during Nagasaki visit.
- Fukushima Workers Battle Leukemia – and Bureaucracy.
- Hotspots in East Tokyo’s Mizumoto Park. Environmentalists say.
- Japan nuclear plant safety costs increase 5-fold over 6 years to 5.4 trillion yen. Undersea survey for new nuke plant deferred due to protests in western Japan.
- Fukushima water too radioactive to release. Fukushima operator accused of cover-up over ‘contaminated’ water set to be poured into the Pacific.
- Inspectors find 41 cracks in the grounds of Fukushima nuclear plant: local media. Nuclear regulator says cost-cutting culture creating mistakes, delays at Fukushima plant. To Make the Olympics Look Good Japanese Government Wants Evacuees To Return To Fukushima. Fukushima to Become Solar, Wind Hub Using Farmland Tainted by Radiation.
- Doctors’ prescription for the Tokyo Olympics. The radioactive Olympics. Japan grapples with serving Fukushima food at Olympics.
- Dozens of bags of radioactive waste still missing in Fukushima three weeks after intense typhoon. Radioactive soil spilled over into roads, rivers, during Typhoon Hagibis, report says. Experts warn against fires from disaster waste after Typhoon Hagibis.
SOUTH KOREA. South Korea nuclear regulator wants information on radioactive Fukushima water release.
USA.
- The U.S. Submarine That Could Bring Nuclear Doomsday With It, One sub to end a country. Nuclear deterrence is weakened by the absence of diplomacy, and the demise of arms control. As negotiation deadline nears, tension between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump. US presidential candidate Deval Patrick’s ignorance about nuclear weapons.
- USA Democrats question Dan Brouillette, (Next DOE Secretary) on nuclear and coal.
- For the 8th time this year, a Hanford worker exposed to nuclear radiation. –
- Ohio: the nuclear industry’s violent assault on democracy.
- Safety problems with Holtec’s dry canisters for nuclear wastes. A Huge Tax Break Went to a Politically Connected Holtec International (Nuclear) in New Jersey Despite Red Flags. Georgia’s Nuclear Plant Vogtle behind schedule, with costs escalating. Holtec’s proposed nuclear storage facility of little benefit to New Mexico. New Mexico not keen to take South Carolina’s plutonium wastes.
- John Hopkins University prominent in helping the nuclear weapons industry. A call for John Hopkins University to stop helping nuclear weapons industry.
FRANCE. France’s nuclear company EDF – report – a litany of failures France’s Flamanville nuclear financial catastrophe gets worse. France’s government is giving mixed messages on future of nuclear energy. France’s company EDF selling out of USA nuclear plants, Exelon to buy.
INDIA. India’s government ignores opposition as it plans to build spent nuclear fuel storage facility.
SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa’s nuclear waste storage almost completely full; a dangerous situation.
RUSSIA. Putin told bereaved families that nuclear accident scientists were working on an “unparalled”weapon.
TAIWAN. Taiwan govt to give $2.55 billion to Orchid Island in nuclear waste compensation.
GERMANY. In Germany , renewables replace nuclear and lower emissions simultaneously.
CANADA. Toxic flushing of nuclear poisons into Lake Winnipeg.
IRELAND. Irish wind power for France, as France’s EDF nuclear electricity is in a financial mess.
The week in climate/nuclear news Australia
This is a bit more boring than usual, as, apart from the Australian bushfires, not many climate and nuclear events have been in the news this week.
A new book brings the nuclear and climate threats together in a scary warning. In The Plutocene: Blueprints for a post-Anthropocene Greenhouse Earth, Andrew Glikson considers a future scenario where nuclear war, radioactive pollution, and global heating combine to produce a new era. He urges a range of tactics to avert this gloomy future.
S and P Global Ratings has made it plain: nuclear power can survive only with massive tax-payer support.
A bit of good news – Ocean Cleanup Makes History by Successfully Collecting First Plastic From Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE.
- A cauldron of extreme heat developing in Western Australia is heading straight for the east coast bushfire zone. Meterologist shocked at prospect of Australia’s coming summer of heat and drought. The 2009 CSIRO Warning regarding the Increasing risk of Bushfire in Australia. Fire chief says Australia fires could be out of control for months. 23 fire and emergency services leaders from across Australia demand government action on climate change.
- Scientists refute Barnaby Joyce’s claim that sun’s magnetic fields cause bushfires. A twisted and so-called religious view of bushfires and climate change.
- Coal lobby wields power over Australian govt, like the National Rifle Association does in USA. Australia’s energy market was quietly tipped back in favour of coal generators. Scott Morrison shuns Torres Strait Islanders worried about climate change. Australia may seek forgiveness, rather than permission, for Kyoto carryover.
- Sweden dumps Australian bonds over “large climate footprint”. IEA tells Australia it’s on wrong track on climate, more wind and solar needed.
NUCLEAR.
Federal Govt to decide on new radioactive waste storage facility next year. Flood risk at proposed nuclear dump site at Wallerberdina. Open letter from Japan, to nuclear waste site candidates. With 40% opposed to Kimba nuclear waste dump, is this “consensus”. A duplicitous letter from Sam Chard, General Manager, Radioactive Waste Taskforce.
Australian Government report states that Lucas Heights spent nuclear fuel rods (for Kimba dump?) are High Level Wastes.
Rio Tinto drives ERA rehabilitation of Ranger uranium mine.
From Ziggy Switkowski – a new load of nuclear codswallop.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. ACT introduces first electric bus on path to zero transport emissions . Rooftop solar hits 45% of demand and sets new grid low in W.A. Rooftop solar delivers yet another record low in grid demand for South Australia. Renewables sector slams new network pricing proposals, says it will kill investment.
INTERNATIONAL
Climate change is a health emergency – physicians.
World Nuclear Waste Report. Dangerous radioactive hot particles span the globe. Still no country for old nuclear waste. Tritium and other radionuclides are hazardous,even in transport and storage.
Will Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) submarines make nuclear submarines relatively obsolete?
400,000 insect species face extinction.
In framing Julian Assange, The FBI tried to make Iceland complicit.
MARSHALL ISLANDS. U.S. won’t clean up Marshall Islands nuclear waste dome but wants it free of anti-U.S. graffiti. Nuclear tomb: The Runit Dome is chipping and cracking. The climate crisis https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a29760935/marshall-islands-nuclear-waste-climate-change/is tied up in the dangers of nuclear weapons in ways that nobody predicted
To 12 November – nuclear and climate news Australia
Global heating is behind critical news in California, and Eastern Australia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyNHKrM0qBE. Following the huge wildfires, Californians are realising that it’s more like a war situation, with more battles to come. Preparedness and adaptation are now the immediate needs, as well as reducing carbon emissions. And extreme heat waves will bring public health crises to American cities, despite the current very cold burst.
Australia’s ruling Liberal Coalition is still studiously avoiding the words “climate change”, and pouring abuse on The Australian Greens for their supposed insensitivity in mentioning those words in connection with bushfires and drought.
A bit of good news – New Zealand – one small nation shows how to be nuclear- free and climate friendly.
AUSTRALIA
Australia’s media fights for freedom of press – BUT NOT FOR JULIAN ASSANGE.
CLIMATE. Australia’s out of control bushfires (all along the region where the nuclear lobby wants to put reactors!). Sydney and surroundings – “Catastrophic” fire warning.
Climate dispute between Scott Morrison and the Greens. Massive bushfires in New South Wales are NOT “part of a normal cycle” – fire-fighting expert.
Scott Morrison wants to shut down moderate climate action group, Market Forces, BECAUSE IT’s TOO EFFECTIVE. Strong public demand for climate action, but Australian government determined to punish climate protesters. Double standards on “unacceptable” protests.
Australia’s over-exploited water supply – an issue being ignored.
NUCLEAR
- In Kimba 62% of locals vote in favour of nuclear waste dump. Claim that In reality Kimba’s support for nuclear waste dump was only 49.94% of those eligible to vote”. Bangarla Aboriginal people conducted their OWN ballot on nuclear waste dump plan for Kimba, South Australia.
- Kimba’s dramatic drop in property values, since nominated for nuclear dump.
- Australia’s National Radioactive Waste Management Taskforce is disingenuous about medical nuclear waste– Matt Canavan and ANSTO lying to Kimba community about true level of planned nuclear waste. Nuclear waste debate dividing communities. False promises of lots of permanent jobs – from National Radioactive Waste Management agency. Australian Government propaganda promoting nuclear waste dump to a rural community.
- Victorian Government Inquiry into nuclear prohibition.
- Nuclear for Newcastle? But the Hunter’s renewable energy programme is underway.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. First offshore wind farm in Australia being tested. Western Australia set to decide on 180MW solar farm for state’s south. Solar and battery offered as “standard” in Victoria new-build housing project.
INTERNATIONAL
Planet in peril as world leaders ignore global heating’s catastrophes.
Julian Assange’s father comes to Ireland, Europe, to campaign for his son’s release.
Nuclear medicine has radiation dangers – a reminder to clinicians.
Climate and Nuclear – the news this week- Australia
This week, Katharine Hayhoe, climate scientist and evangelical Christian, sends a powerful message to other Christians, on the urgent necessity to act on climate change. Scientific warnings have intensified over recent month. It used to be “a problem for our grandchildren“, but climate change is here, now. With a new urgency, the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2019 will be held from 2-13 December in Madrid.California wildfires signal the arrival of a planetary fire age.
Mainstream media has been silent on the threats, and indeed the impacts, of extreme weather on nuclear facilities. There is minimal (and all too reassuring) coverage following on the effects of Hurricane Hagibis on Fukushima’s collections of radioactive trash. There is not a mention of the threats to nuclear facilities, in the reporting on the Californian wildfires. For example, there are fires in Ventura County, which has the notorious nuclear Santa Susana Field Laboratory – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn8xyr7CYXs
A bit of good news – the Living New Deal Project.
AUSTRALIA
Is climate change playing a role in Australia’s drought? Hotter and drier- Australia’s weather records set to be broken this year.
CLIMATE.-Dry weather set to return after thunderstorms bring temporary relief. Climate change is bringing more extreme weather events to Sydney and Melbourne.
Coal from six biggest miners in Australia produces more emissions than entire economy. Coercion is coal’s only friend. Australia’s surging diesel emissions from cars and utes cancel out wind and solar gains.
Scott Morrison’s threats against climate activists – getting a bit sinister. Scott Morrison doesn’t like even the “quiet people” speaking up. Scott Morrison delivers a speech that sounds very like an attack on democracy. Morrison’s crackdown on climate protests could have unintended consequences.
Energy Minister Taylor’s ‘expert panel’ in search of emissions reductions shuts out clean energy sector. Coalition’s carbon market plans at risk from low quality “grey” credits.
It’s time that the Australian government declared a water emergency. A national approach needed to a national river system.
NUCLEAR.
- Nuclear waste containers in transit to South Australian dump, could be vulnerable to bushfires. Aboriginal leaders prominent at the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance conference in South Australia. “Have Your Say” on nuclear waste dump – just a window-dressing exercise by the Australian govt.
- In Western Australia. South Australians do not want their state to become “the wasteland state”. Shire of Leonora deputy president says NO to importing nuclear waste.
- Australia’s secret hazardous radioactive military leftovers.
- Australian company Worley Parsons joins the international throng trying to sell nuclear power to Saudi Arabia.
- Australia’s nuclear bomb lobby. Nuclear weapons and Australia’s hypocrisy about them.
- Australian film-makers to join in 10th Uranium Film Festival in Rio de Janeiro May 2020.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Renewable energy target now overshot by nearly 1GW, says regulator. Victoria 50% by 2030 renewable energy target voted into law. South Australia had lowest cost of supply in main grid in October. Hydro Tasmania pushes “battery of the nation” plan, will unlock wind and solar. Hydro Tasmania pushes “battery of the nation” plan, will unlock wind and solar. Carnegie Clean Energy set to resume trading, with big plans for CETO wave power. Coalition gives $1bn to CEFC for 24/7 reliable renewable power.
INTERNATIONAL
Ruthless and relentless – USA-UK destruction of Julian Assange.
Fukushima is not safe for 2020 Olympics, nuclear scientists warn.
The human species at threat of wipeout – nuclear war in space.
A Global Review : Threats o f Nuclear Conflict. How an India-Pakistan nuclear war could start—and have global consequences. United Nations adopts Japan’s nuclear disarmament resolution.
Argentina’s Rafael Grossi chosen to head UN nuclear agency.
No, thorium nuclear power is still not a viable energy technology.
Greta Thunberg and Leonardo Di Caprio join forces in climate crusade.
To 30 October – nuclear news Australia
On October 24, seven Catholic peace activists were convicted on all counts for their 2018 protest against nuclear weapons. They face 20 years in gaol. This case is symbolic of where we are at – in the nuclear weaponisation of our planet. At the same time, Julian Assange, in solitary confinement in UK, faces extradition to USA and a life sentence- for exposing the truth on U.S. military atrocities.
Climate change is going to be even more costly than we thought. In California, the severity of wildfires signals the future climate situations.
A bit of good news – The cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world.
AUSTRALIA
Australia’s media under threat. ABC challenges the validity of Federal Police raids. Australian Federal Police put their case at Federal Court hearing about their raid on ABC. Attorney General Christian Porter backs laws that restrict journalists’ reporting. A new court order is being abused in order to harass a journalist. Australia’s environment department is unlawfully withholding documents from the public.
CLIMATE CHANGE. 85 fires burning across New South Wales Iconic Macquarie Marshes on fire. Climate change and the prospects this year for the Darling River. Some good news for a change: Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are set to fall.
Why we can’t trust Scott Morrison – his REAL climate policy. Australian Prime Minister Morrison’s attitude to Pacific Islanders – “Take the Money and Shut Up about Climate Change”. Angus Taylor repeats misleading claim on carbon emissions yet again.
240 conservation scientists call on Australian government to strengthen environmental protection laws. 47 experts urge NSW government to defend NSW law and climate.
NUCLEAR.
- Voting begins in Kimba as nuclear waste issues divide the community. Farmers, traditional owners and ratepayers unite in anti-nuclear rally. South Australian Labor comes out swinging against nuclear waste dump selection process. Can the Australian government impose a nuclear waste dump on South Australia?
- MP Sonja Terpstra and Victoria’s Labor government stand by existing bans on nuclear activities. New political party Reform WA wants nuclear power as an option for Western Australia.
- Radioactive liquids in Olympic Dam waste pools are killing native birds.
Tilman Ruff discusses radiation risks regarding Olympic events at Fukushima.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Jobs and growth: Albanese recasts Labor’s planned clean energy revolution. Morrison and Taylor’s little big grid plan not quite what it seems. Building Tasmania’s future on renewable energy. Another 162MW solar farm gets connection approval in Queensland. Townsville shopping centre builds “Australia’s biggest” solar car park. ARENA-backed project trials all-electric “net zero energy” homes in Melbourne. Big wind farm and even bigger battery approved for South Australia.
World Nuclear Waste Report (WNWR) to be launched 11th November.
A young Hannah Rabin was the peace movement’s Greta.
Over 300 financial institutions put $748 billion in to nuclear weapons companies.
The hazards of nuclear submarines.
Offshore wind to become a $1 trillion industry by 2040.
Science journalism – dominated by white males.
The week in nuclear/climate news Australia
It seems that it takes the very young and the very old to grasp the world’s climate emergency, and have the guts to demonstrate this to the world. Greta Thunberg and her family are paying the price for her outspoken courage. David Attenborough, (in the past constrained by the BBC) now speaks boldly about the planet’s environmental crisis.
Nothing dramatically new in the nuclear area.
Freedom of information, press freedom, civil liberties, – might not be directly linked to climate/nuclear issues, -but, indirectly, they’re linked to everything. In London, a judge denies Julian Assange a delay in extradition hearings, as he, having been effectively in solitary confinement, struggles to meet the power and resources of the US government. His own country, Australia, spinelessly backs the USA, as usual. Meanwhile the Australian media is launching a concerted campaign against Australia’s exceptionally repressive laws that target. journalists
AUSTRALIA
Growing calls for Australian government to defend Julian Assange.
The government seeks to intimidate the media. Australian media push for press freedom – a culture of secrecy – the right to know. Regional News Media join the campaign for freedom. Australia needs a Media Freedom Act. New involvement of Attorney General in press freedom.
NUCLEAR –
- Keep Australia’s ban on nuclear power – Noel Wauchope at Federal Inquiry Hearing. South Australian government says: “nuclear power remains unviable now and into the foreseeable future.”-No benefit to Australia in planning for nuclear power – Tilman Ruff. Nuclear Power Uninsurable and Uneconomic in Australia.
- Federal govt trying to con Australians that a national nuclear waste dump is a “local” not a NATIONAL ISSUE. Few permitted to vote on nuclear waste dump. A new bribe given on the eve of Kimba and Wallerberdina nuclear waste dump ballot. Public excluded from Delloitt Risk Assessment report for the radioactive waste repositary. Federal govt open door to international high level nuclear waste dump.
- Aaron Patrick in Australian Financial Review subtly slants a story in the pro nuclear direction. ANSTO’s nuclear medicine problems. South Australia: ballot on nuclear waste dump: Labor reaffirms anti-nuclear policy.
CLIMATE. Australia’s climate crisis: destruction of forests. Independent MP Zali Steggall to propose climate change bill to parliament . Government blocks crossbench motion to declare a climate change emergency. Morrison’s flimsy climate plan laid bare in strained Senate hearings.
Scott Morrison on the drought (“Climate” is a dirty word). Morrison government’s drought policy mess. Building dams and praying for rain is not a drought policy. Australian government’s “entrenched” anti-climate attitude – John Hewson. Barkindji people have title to Darling River area – but their river is dying, killed by drought, and whiteys’ mismanagement. Severe fire danger for northern New South Wales.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. AEMO provides glimpse of future grid: Not much fossil fuel, even less “base-load”. Wind and solar output beat brown coal in Australia for first time in September quarter. Victoria bill to lock in 50% renewable target passes through upper house. Huge wind and solar pipeline could make coal power ‘extinct’ in Australia by 2040. Meralli rolls out another “small but smart” solar farm in South Australia.
1 This month.
20 September –National Day of Action in Melbourne on the International Day of Peace
Help Aunty Sue Protect Her Land and Sacred Sites From Destructive Rocket Testing.
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Australians deserve the truth
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AUKUS – https://aukuspublicinquiry.com/
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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