The week in Nuclear News – Australia
Oh it’s climate again! How can we ignore it? This time, it’s not just the heat-waves across the Norther hemisphere, but the effects of that hot air moving to the Arctic. Greenland and the Arctic in general, are headed for a record sea ice melt. It will be an unprecedented ice loss – ultimately rapid loss will lead to rising sea levels.
Nuclear news? There doesn’t seem to be much. Is that because the important stuff is kept secret, or at best, pretty quiet? Russia is the best at this. Now it is revealed, by an international team of scientists, that in September 2017 there must have been a nuclear accident at the Mayak nuclear reprocessing facility in Southern Russia. It’s the only feasible explanation for the cloud of Ruthenium-106 across Europe in late September.
New economic research discusses nuclear power’s real costs – ‘seven decades of economic ruin’. (a brief report on this is here)
Bits of good news – International kindness to Chernobyl children from radiation-contaminated areas – but more help is needed. For First Time Ever, Scientists Identify How Many Trees to Plant and Where to Plant Them to Stop Climate Crisis
AUSTRALIA
It’s climate here, too. Except that the current Australian government doesn’t believe that climate change is a serious problem. Australia is in an unprecedented drought – long-lasting, and across wide areas. With this government, “water shortage”is becoming an unmentionable political term like “climate change”. (Officially no human -caused climate change in Australia) but Queensland towns are running out of water. And Norther Territory towns are running out of water.
- Chair of the Energy Security Board, Kerry Schott says Feds “can’t get their act together” on climate, so states will step up.
- Papua New Guinea Prime Minister urges Australia to help island nations threatened by climate change.
- Noosa the first Queensland council to declare a climate emergency – Mayor explains why.
- Adani’s Carmichael coal mine surviving on lifeline from Indian parent company.
NUCLEAR.
- Australian Senate passes motion to retain Australia’s ban on nuclear power. Australia’s legal ban on nuclear power will remain, says Environment Minister Sussan Ley. Flynn electorate, Queensland, would be happy to host nuclear power plant, National Party MP Ken O’Dowd says.
- Restrictions on operations of Lucas Heights nuclear reactor, following a litany of safety incidents. To add to its safety problems, ANSTO has had to increase prices for nuclear medicine from the Lucas Heights reactor.
- New Minerals Council chair Helen Coonan speaks out for nuclear power, and for Adani coal mine. Australia’s right-wing push for nuclear power is really a ruse to promote the coal industry.
- News South Wales South Coast touted as the place to site a nuclear power plant. Labor leader Anthony Albanese asks “Where would the Liberal Coalition like nuclear reactors to be placed“? National Party Member for Gippsland Darren Chester makes reassuring, but rather ambiguous, noises against setting up nuclear power.
- State Development Minister Cameron Dick says that nuclear power would gut Queensland. Union opposes nuclear power because it is uneconomic and dangerous.
- Senate moved to call on Senator Canavan to explain nuclear waste dump plan – size of dump, and types of wastes.
- “Smile With Kids”- Queensland welcomes Fukushima children for a much-needed holiday.
- URANIUM. Continuing problem of radioactive waste at Hunters Hill – contamination from old uranium processing site. Rio Tinto moves to own Ranger uranium mine remediation.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Energy minister Angus Taylor a no-show at clean energy summit. Wind and solar turn up ramping pressure in South Australia and Queensland. Queensland drops bidding directions, says wind and solar less than $50/MWh. Solar dominates day-time markets, lifting share and pushing down prices. CEFC looks to energy storage, grid stability, after record spend on renewables. Victoria drafts new guidelines to smooth way for solar farms.
BHP casts doubt on renewables as it commits $US400m to cut emissions – via including nuclear power and carbon capture,
Senate voted on Press Freedoms – Matter of Public importance.
INTERNATIONAL
‘Thermal limits’ – extreme heat effects on the body
The horrors of nuclear weapons testing – 460,000 premature deaths.
New report: nuclear energy cannot be classified as “clean”, nor as economic.
ARCTIC. Unprecedented wildfires in the Arctic release huge CO2 to the atmosphere.
To 23 July – Nuclear and climate news Australia
Again – hard to focus on nuclear issues, as extreme climate events continue. Africa is suffering from a crippling drought, as is Indonesia. Europe Faces Another Record-Setting Heat Wave This Week . India cops both flooding and heatwaves. Record high temperatures in America. Australian writer – outlines the plight not only of his country, but of countries across the globe.
Nuclear news – less dramatic, but still important. In USA and UK, how to fund nuclear development is the preoccupation of the industry. The State of Ohio is just about to finalise a vote for a dodgy plan that will subsidise its nuclear plants, while ending incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Meanwhile the UK plan is for consumers to pay upfront through energy bills, for new nuclear projects before they’re even built, – and might not even be built. Alas, we don’t have access to information on Russia and China, but it appears that both countries are more and more relying on selling nuclear reactors overseas, rather than making them economically viable at home.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. Energy Minister Angus Taylor grilled by Labor, says no to Barnaby’s “free” nuclear fantasy. MP Barnaby Joyce suggests free electricity as an incentive for communities to host nuclear power plants. The National Party’s Barnaby Joyce recommends nuclear power for impoverished rural Australians. The probably insuperable hurdles to Australia getting nuclear reactors. John Quiggan demolishes the case for Small Modular Nuclear Reactors in South Australia.
How the Mirrar Aboriginal people, helped by environmentalists stopped uranium mining at Jabiluka.
CLIMATE.
- Five years after carbon price repeal, Australia remains in policy abyss. Australian Greens are focusing on climate change – call for ‘climate emergency‘ this year. Greens push bill to prohibit coal funding.
- Adani coal mine protest: French journalists arrested while filming anti-coal activities. Warning on the likely police surveillance of young climate protestors. Federal Court Adani decision: Wangan and Jagalingou’s rights fight will continue. Adani’s search for scientists’ names – pressure on scientists to shut up about climate change, water scarcity?
No clear answer in sight, for Lynas’radioactive waste problem in rare earths project in Malaysia.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Electricity prices across the grid fall to zero as renewables reach 44% share. Melbourne’s tram network is set to be powered by the state’s largest solar farm. Northern Territory government backs 10GW solar and storage plant, biggest in world . Network plans for Victoria wind and solar sparks outrage from Federal Energy Minister Taylor. Fourth huge solar and battery project approved for South Australia. NSW to loan up to $14,000 to homes for rooftop solar and batteries. Solar industry fights back against surge of climate trolls on social media.
INTERNATIONAL
America’s original moon plan was to explode a nuclear bomb on the moon. A heightened solar cycle, by chance, reduced the exposure of Apollo astronauts to space radiation. Future space travellers will be, in reality, radiation guinea pigs.
Dangerous nuclear arms race to follow, if New Start Treaty is not renewed. World security needs nuclear New Start agreement – USA-Russia, not a distraction about China.
July to be world’s hottest month on record.
UN nuclear watchdog chief Yukiya Amano dies at 72.
New research shows how low dose ionising radiation promotes cancer.
A pity that Australians generally missed out on seeing the “Chernobyl” series
In Australia – the TV miniseries “Chernobyl” has pretty much passed us by, with minimum discussion. That’s because it has been available only on Foxtel. Foxtel does have many subscribers, but they”re mainly on Foxtel so that they can watch the AFL Football, which is the major religion in this country. So – it’ s no surprise that even the majority of Foxtel subscribers are not likely to watch “Chernobyl”.
Hardly remarkable, in a country so devoted to that religion, and secondarily devoted to reality and cooking shows. But a bit of a pity, as the influential, though poorly informed, right wing is pushing for nuclear power in Australia. Watching “Chernobyl” might have given Australians an opportunity to think about the downsides of nuclear power.
This week in nuclear news – Australia
You’ve seen the TV series, now understand that the Chernobyl catastrophe is far from over. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5SVDPOcg8o
It’s difficult for me to stick just to nuclear news, as the enormity of the climate crisis becomes more apparent. While extreme events might not be caused by global heating, climate change is exacerbating them and increasing their frequency. Millions of people displaced by floods – India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Tropical Storm Barry spares New Orleans but fuels fears of floods and tornadoes. New research – climate change is worsening wildfires.
Of course, there is a nuclear connection, too. Both floods and fires are potentially disastrous to nuclear power plants. You don’t hear much about this, but the nuclear industry is very worried about floods.
“Climate distress,” “climate grief,” “climate anxiety” – psychological effects on people.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR.
- Robert Parker of Australian Nuclear Association identifies 20 sites for nuclear reactors. Barnaby Joyce jumps on the Australian extreme right wing pro nuclear bandwagon. For Australia – the prohibitive cost and time involved in constructing new nuclear reactors. A warning to Australia on the nuclear cycle of destruction.
- New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro sucked in by slick propaganda from “New Nuclear” lobby.
- Dr Jim Green analyses the Australian super funds’ views about nuclear power. Union push to union trustees to formally exclude nuclear energy from industry super investments.
- The unlikely and unwise process towards Australia getting nuclear weapons. The cost if Australia were to get nuclear weapons – and it’s not only financial. Australia’s security and self-reliance – there’s a better path than getting nuclear weapons. A counterview to Hugh White’s book in favour of nuclear weapons for Australia.
- France’s latest nuclear-powered ‘Barracuda’ class submarine: why did Scott Morrison send Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds to France, for the launch.
- Campaigners vow to continue the fight to stop Canberra dumping nuclear waste in South Australia. South Australian communities DID NOT voluntarily enter into process for hosting nuclear wastes. Bangarla Aboriginal people’s Statement on court decision regarding ballot on nuclear waste dump site. Federal court rules against Aboriginal group who wanted inclusion in nuclear waste dump ballot.
- Sydney Morning Herald article provokes Australian pro nuclear troll’s vicious attack on Dr Helen Caldicott.
URANIUM. Huge volumes of water gulped by Olympic Dam uranium mine – even more with expanded mine. BIRDS VS BHP: Evaporation ponds at BHP’s Olympic Dam mine are killing hundreds of birds. Hasty, secretive federal approval of Yeelirriee uranium project shows contempt for the scientific environmental evidence.
.CLIMATE CHANGE. Country towns close to reaching ‘day zero’, as water supplies dry up in the drought. Australia’s military well aware of the security dangers of climate change. Adani demands names of CSIRO scientists reviewing groundwater plans.
RENEWABLE ENERGY –Wind and solar cut rather than boost Australia’s wholesale electricity prices. Wind energy sets new record output in Australia’s main grid. Victoria government resists calls to rein in rooftop solar rebate. Abbott era advisor Maurice Newman re-emerges to oppose Crookwell wind farm.
INTERNATIONAL
U.S., Russia to discuss nuclear arms limits in Geneva.
Heat waves, rising seas, – climate change threatens France’s and UK’s nuclear plants. Even the nuclear industry itself is pretty pessimistic about its future. Recycling nuclear waste still itself produces nuclear waste.
HISTORY. Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 – how close we came to World War 3
To 9 July Nuclear and Climate News Australia
The TV mini-series “Chernobyl” has reminded the world of something that the insurance industry fully understands: even if the probability of a nuclear accident is very small, the consequences of a nuclear accident are very big.
Two current events highlight the risks of nuclear disaster:
14 sailors died in a heroic effort to avert a planetary catastrophe, in a fire accident on a Russian nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea.
Earthquakes in Southern California raise anxieties about the safety of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Station. The Quake That Could Make Los Angeles a Radioactive Dead Zone. What are the risks at closed San Onofre during a big earthquake?
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR.
- Australia would be wise not to mindlessly follow USA into war against Iran.
- Is Napandee, (Jeff Baldock’s property) near Kimba the govt’s chosen site for expanded nuclear waste dump? Have the Nukunu Aboriginal people been consulted about proposed Wallerberdina nuclear waste suppository?
- New South Wales National Party formally adopts pro nuclear policy, Australian unions reject Industry Super’s backing of the nuclear industry . News Corpse comes out with a weird pro nuclear ramble.
- Why Australia should absolutely not contemplate getting nuclear weapons. Not Impressed with Professor Hugh White’s pro nuclear weapons stance.
- Former Environment Minister rejected department advice and approved uranium mine day before election called,
- Uranium contamination in groundwater in an Adelaide suburb.
CLIMATE. Australia now emitting record greenhouse gases.
RENEWABLE ENERGY Victoria rooftop solar rebate in hot demand, with July quota filled in just days. Victorian wind farm to power massive new recycling plant.
The raid on journalist’s home by armed federal police.
INTERNATIONAL
Far from stopping climate change – nuclear reactors are being stopped by climate change.
Special UN meeting to discuss Iran: Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany try to keep nuclear deal.
United Nations warns that climate crisis disasters are happening at the rate of one a week and work is urgently needed to prepare developing countries for the profound impacts. Rich countries are not immune.
Renewable energy racing ahead, close to beating nuclear power.
Recent Nuclear/Climate News Australia
It’s hard to stay focussed on nuclear news, as the climate news really can’t be ignored. As always, non European, non anglophone, and poor countries are copping it most – Climate Change is Devastating India With Heat Waves and Water Shortages. But right now, much media focus is on the Northern hemisphere – new heat records being set across Europe, wildfires, heat records in Alaska.
Climate change problems, and effective remedies, are often ignored. Air-conditioning is both a partial remedy, but also a big cause of global warming. Energy efficiency is the single best answer to climate change, but often a neglected one.
On the nuclear theatre- well, it seems to be all theatre – with Donald Trump basking in the spotlight entering North Korea – no actual negotiation achievement – but then the spotlight itself was the goal. More of a worry is the escaling tension and confusion over Iran, as it builds up enriched uranium, and Europe struggles to keep Iran in the nuclear agreement.
Urgent need for international diplomacy: the world facing a renewed nuclear arms race.
Bonn climate talks: Key outcomes from the June 2019 conference. Despite Donald Trump, the G20 nations (except USA) are sticking to the Paris climate agreement.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. Will Scott Morrison repeat John Howard’s mistake, and join in military action against Iran? Scott Morrison backs Donald Trump in getting tough on Iran.
A new book argues that Australia will need nuclear weapons. Christopher Pyne – Defence Minister in May – Defence Industry Lobbyist in July. Australia’s escalated defence spending, Christopher Pyne and his convenient advice to Ey defence consulting.
Nuclear enthusiasm from Australia’s right-wing MPs – the triumph of quackery over substance. Industry Super Australia (ISA) hitches its wagon to the nuclear unicorn. Energy Users Association of Australia opposes nuclear power: it’s ‘not the answer’.
CLIMATE.
- Energy Minister Angus Taylor ignores investors when he passes the buck on climate policy failures.
- Australia’s religious leaders call on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to act on climate change. A grandmother explains the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change.
- Australia grilled on emissions at Bonn – fires back with single slide, dodgy accounting. Tiny nations challenge Australia’s carbon ‘carryover credits’.
- Australia a top G20 leader in subsidising the coal industry. Coal price forecasts: Why we wouldn’t be building a coal power plant anywhere.
- Four Corners let Sussan Ley off lightly on environmental issues.
- Australia missing out on huge cuts in emissions through energy efficiency failure.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. South Australia the leader in energy efficiency . States doing heavy lifting on renewables, but NSW and Queensland lag behind. Rooftop solar rebate reopens to “pent-up” demand in Victoria.
Australian PM fawns over Trump and Bin Salman – how low can we sink?
I dunno about the rest of yers- but as a dinkum Aussie, I personally felt quite sick, at the sight of our Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the G20 summit, cosying up to Mohmmed Bin Salman, leader of the murderous Saudi Arabian regime.
And further, I felt vomitus, at the sight of Morrison fawning over that nasty piece of work, Donald Trump.
You know how low this once proudly humanitarian nation, Australia, has sunk, when our PM gets high praise from the likes of Trump.
The week that has been in nuclear news – Australia
Teetering about on the edge of nuclear war – that seems to be Donald Trump’s favoured position for the world. Or is it just that he is determined to be the dramatic centre of attention at all times? Trump has just threatened Iran with ‘obliteration’, (hardly something designed to give the Iranians confidence about peaceful negotiation). Meanwhile Trump received a “beautiful” letter from North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, who in turn received an “excellent” letter from Trump, although actual negotiations between USA and North Korea are at a standstill. It would be funny, if it were not so serious.
A bit of good news: ‘Projects For Good’ – This Ingenious Website Makes it Easier to Change the World
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR
- Busting the spin of Australia’s pro nuclear propagandists. –Resources Minister Matt Canavan changes his tune – now REJECTS nuclear power ! Queensland’s nuclear cowboy MPs join One Nation’s Mark Latham to push for nuclear power. Australian Nuclear Association lobbies government with its “nuclear vision”. Australians’ support for nuclear plants rising – but most don’t want to live near one. Robert Parker still pushing the fantasy that nuclear power could be viable in Australia. Northern New South Wales MP – “NO nuclear power – not on my watch!“
- Ignorance of the Morrison Government on the scientific and medical aspects of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors.
- Australians are more likely to be scared about the costs of nuclear power, than about the Chernobyl miniseries.
- The reason Australia doesn’t have nuclear power: the workers fought back.
- Two workers exposed to unsafe radiation dose at Lucas Heights nuclear facility’ .
- BHP’s Olympic Dam uranium mine: tailings dump to be larger than Adelaide and up to 30 metres high.
Problem of Western Australia’s enormous lithium mining tailings dump. New explorer for rare earths in W.A. – doesn’t mention processing, or radioactive wastes.
CLIMATE. Sydney Mayor Clover Moore declares city climate emergency . Climate change bringing sea-level rise to Victoria’s low-lying towns and suburbs. Environmental groups are now considering a legal challenge To Queensland’s approval of Adani mine. Extinction Rebellion activists occupy four Australian cities protesting Adani.
Australian States taking the lead on energy policy, as renewable energy generates more Queensland jobs than coal does.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Mining industry turns to wind, solar, batteries and hydrogen – Rooftop solar throws massive curve ball to world’s most isolated grid. Australian Capital Territory ACT looks beyond 2020 renewables target, seals community solar off-take deal. Gannawarra battery-integrated solar farm – Australia’s largest – officially opened. Beryl solar farm reaches full output after single month of commissioning.
The Middle East presents a dangerous nexus of nuclear reactors and violence: military action is still an option. “It’s absolutely essential to avoid any form of escalation in the Gulf” – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. World’s nuclear weapons – fewer in number, but not safer.
Nuclear power to solve climate change? Too many sound reasons against it.
Researchers Find Radioactive Particles from Fukushima or other Nuclear Disasters Could Stay in Environment, Human Lungs for Decades.
The world’s societies on the brink of unmanageable climate chaos. Worrying feedback loop between damaged ozone layer and climate change.
The week in nuclear news – Australia
Nations with nuclear reactors are slowly waking up to the fact that mounting nuclear waste is a global emergency. At the G20 meeting in Japan, Japan proposed setting up an international framework for cooperative research into how to dispose of high-level radioactive waste from nuclear power plants. The first meeting on the framework is planned for October in France.
A bit of good news: First UK Supermarket Chain to Eliminate Plastic From Produce Will Save 1,300 Tons of Plastic From Landfill
AUSTRALIA
Silly talk from Sussan Ley, Australia’s Minister Against the Environment. Pick out the anti-environment statements in Sussan Ley’s spiel!
NUCLEAR. “Chernobyl”s warning: attempts by governments to conceal and manipulate the truth. Energy Minister Angus Taylor contemplates reversing Australia’s nuclear energy ban. In Australia, support for nuclear power is increasingly marginalised to the far-right. In pro nuclear push, Victorian Liberal Democrat David Limbrick (thick as a brick) gets it wrong about nuclear power. Tailings dams at Olympic Dam uranium mine are in the “extreme risk” category.
CLIMATE. Queensland can expect catastrophic heat waves (but then coal is more important than climate, isn’t it?). Australian government’s own data shows that its greenhouse gas emissions policy is failing. Australia’s Federal and State governments keen to frack up the land with coal, gas, nuclear. Queensland clears the way for Adani to begin work on Galilee basin “carbon bomb”. All the same, Adani coalmine: minister loses legal challenge on water pipeline assessment. ‘Stop-Adani’ protest to go global, says Bob Brown. Adani is not about jobs, and never really was. Australia’s governments keen to frack up the land with coal, gas, nuclear. Adani mining project: Court asks Australian govt to look into public concerns. Anti-Adani protests continue in Canberra.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australia has to look forward on energy, says Zibelman: “We have no choice”. South Australia’s stunning aim to be “net” 100 per cent renewables by 2030. Record wind output in South Australia, thanks to “butterfly” effect of failed coal plant. NSW promises details of solar and storage interest-free loans program soon. Storage is key to NSW government plans, in race to clean energy . Zali Steggall issues call to arms to renewables sector .
INTERNATIONAL
Nuclear power is far from “emissions free”.
Escalating collapse of global insect populations.
Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, Journalism on trial, Scahill, Hedges, Pilger and more: the charges, the defense, what you can do.s seriously working on nuclear decommissioning system.
Nuclear news to 13 June – Australia
Although climate change is still the monumental threat to all life on earth, I’ve decided to return, above all, to the original focus of this newsletter – nuclear news.
The nuclear issue is the perfect subject for examining how prevailing journalism and shonky history distort genuine historiography. And, this week, there’are fine examples of this in articles about the HBO TV min-series “Chernobyl”. There are articles claiming that the series is “inaccurate”, “exaggerated”, and quoting minimal health effects, and the area as a wildlife paradise.
In fact, series writer Craig Mazin extensively researched the subject, to faithfully retell the events of the April 1986 nuclear disaster. Historian Kate Brown thoroughly examined copious records of the huge health toll in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia and reported on this, and on its implications for the future. Daniel Taylor discusses the accuracy of the series, and reflects on the secrecy, bureaucratic mismanagement, and the war on truth which prevails concerning the nuclear industry, both in the Soviet era, and in today’s world, whether East or West.
AUSTRALIA
Australia heads for authoritarian rule, as Federal Police under government control, threaten press freedom. Australia’s police raids on the media will silence whistleblowers. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton “knew nothing” about police raids on Australian media offices, and on a home!! Statement by Ita Buttrose, ABC Chair, on the public’s right to know. Journalists who joined in the attack on Julian Assange may find themselves to be the next victims.
NUCLEAR. Liberal National Coalition’s “nuclear cowboys”. Despite the evidence, the Australian government refuses to accept Chronic Radiation Syndrome in nuclear test veterans. The health toll of Australia’s uranium nuclear industry.
CLIMATE. Australia’s reputation in the Pacific now trashed due to its failure to help, in climate crisis. Adani’s flawed protections for groundwater: its Carmichael mine may dry up ancient desert springs. Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor delayed releasing data that shows greenhouse gas levels continue to rise. Al Gore – Australia is at climate crossroads, – could lead on renewable energy. ClimateWorks to launch platform to track business pledges on zero emissions.
RENEWABLE ENERGY – AEMO to model “step change” in energy transition and major emission cuts CEFC big solar investments pass $1 billion, with stake in Kiamal Solar Farm. Colonial backs solar and battery roll-out in major shopping centres. Sydney Catholic schools install 1.3MW “power generator” worth of solar. Victoria’s biggest solar farm secures finance, may add huge battery. NSW notches up 2GW of rooftop solar, as record installs continue. Renewable hydrogen getting cheaper, Australia could lead global market. Sydney Opera House turns to wind and solar, may add battery for perfect match.
INTERNATIONAL
Investigative journalism : Detailed history of violence of nuclear power – from start, to finish in the very very long future.
These Are the Banks and Financial Institutions Investing $748 Billion in Nuclear Weapon Producers.
Mars and travel to Mars – will kill astronauts with ionising radiation.
Global extinctions of plant species – going at a frightening rate.
A ‘P5+4’ summit could break the nuclear weapons deadlock.
Nuclear news, and some climate news – to 5 June
It is clear that the climate crisis is the greatest threat to humans and other species. This week, Dahr Jamail and others have spelled out the intensity of the effects of ever accelerating global warming. One report gives a harrowing scenario analysis of how human civilization might collapse due to climate change.
Nevertheless, at this stage, I’ve decided to focus on the original purpose of this weekly summary – nuclear news.
Why? Two reasons:
1, I can’t keep up with the variety of climate change impacts happening, and with the overall understanding of communicators such as Dahr Jamail, climate researcher Paul Beckwith , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9NvCwVDmFI and Radio Ecoshock.
2. The global nuclear lobby is peddling the untruth that nuclear power is essential to save the climate. And – journalists, politicians, and other influential people are buying into this fiction, without troubling to look into the full picture. The information on the climate chaos is out there, and its effects are visible (e.g. the melting ice). The lies about “new nuclear”, about “harmless , even benign” ionising radiation are being allowed to prevail in the media.
AUSTRALIA
Julian Assange a victim of torture: Australian government just let it happen. Swedish court rules in favour of Julian Assange: he will not be extradited to Sweden.
Australia joins with Japan and USA in urging North Korea to return to nuclear talks.
Concerns about the safety of 5G mobile network technology.
NUCLEAR. New Labor leader Anthony Albanese supports UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty : News Corpse doesn’t like him! Queensland National Party MPs keen for nuclear power in Australia. Anthony Albanese keeps Mark Butler in climate and energy portfolio, as COALition renews call for nuclear. Australia’s uranium lobby imports a very unreliable “radiation expert” to spruik at Adelaide conference. Vimy Resources managing director Mike Young talks up uranium industry, despite its gloomy market.
Rare Earths. Lynas still struggling to deal with its Malaysian radioactive waste problem.
CLIMATE.
- Morrison government fails first climate test – Greens demand answers on missing emissions data. Resources Minister Canavan enthuses for coal, Labor leader Albanese points out coal market problems. Galilee Basin “carbon bomb” about to explode as coal and gas developers rush in.
- Adani edges closer to coal mine start as Queensland accepts plans for endangered finch. COURT STATEMENT: WANGAN and JAGALINGOU COUNCIL – on the Adani coal project and Aboriginal rights. Adani coal project has a doubtful financial future. Clive Palmer’s plan for new coal-fired power station in Galilee Basin. Why the coal lobby has misled Queensland on value of thermal coal.
- Australian companies, later, governments, may face legal action over climate issues. Rising seas threaten Australia’s major airports – and it may be happening faster than we think.
RENEWABLE ENERGY Western Australian councils urge state to step up on clean energy . Relief as “common sense” and Supreme Court prevail over Queensland solar rule change . Off the grid: AEMC paves way for stand alone systems to replace poles and wires. Wind energy sets new records as strong investment and windy weather combine.
Energy transition has only just begun, but solar has already changed the game. New APVI solar tool shows daily, time-based forecast for each state. .Solar farms push 2019 PV tally past 1.5GW. Electricity emissions fall sharply as renewable energy continues heavy lifting. AEMO pushes solar register as rooftop installations head to 56GW. Gupta secures China EPC contract for $350 million Cultana solar farm. Two new solar farms connect to the grid in Queensland. Queensland electric super highway will soon have 50+ EV chargers. Mirvac taps Melbourne start-up for shared solar at new apartments.
INTERNATIONAL
Nuclear industry and governments colluded to obscure the health effects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. “Energy for Humanity”, “Nuclear Pride” – the greenwashing of Fukushima, Chernobyl, and the global nuclear industry. Nuclear Pride Coalition and Michael Shellenberger: Greenwash and Propaganda 2019. Panicky nuclear lobby produces a propaganda book, desperate to win public support
Nuclear power, useless against climate change, is itself threatened by climate change‘s weather extremes.
Nuclear weapons even more risky in this age of Artificial Intelligence, Cyberattacks.
Ionising radiation in space will kill astronauts headed for Mars.
Record viewing of HBO miniseries “Chernobyl”. Breathtaking series on Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe. Accuracy of HBO’s “Chernobyl” mini series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wk9JRbTTqc
Problems in nuclear fusion, radiation risks – some active wastes, intermittency.
Continuing glum lookout for the uranium market.
Edward Snowden warns of greatest social control scheme in history .
Volcanoes not the major cause of global warming. A new way to remove CO2 from the air – (perhaps – or too good to be true?)
The week that has been, in climate and nuclear news – Australia
Media freedom now under grave threat, as USA aims to gaol Julian Assange for life.
Journalism should awaken the world to the looming climate catastrophe. Link between global warming and war. Despite misogyny, women continue to fight the reckless spending on nuclear weapons. Carbon dioxide soars to record-breaking levels not seen in 800,000 years. Climate crisis – the Impact of Ocean Acidification? A fight for the future as climate change school strikes grow for fourth month running.
AUSTRALIA
US charges Julian Assange with 17 counts under Espionage Act. (He’s an Australian citizen. Does the government or anyone care?) Gross injustice! Ecuador to hand over Assange’s entire legal defense to the United States .
CLIMATE . ‘We have lost Australia for now,’ warns climate scientist in wake of election. Australia can be a global leader on combating climate change, and rejecting nuclear. Mass protest in Melbourne, demanding action on climate change. Australian courts will consider the risks of climate change to be foreseeable, thereby creating further responsibilities for companies and directors.
Torres Strait lodges case at UN against Australia on human rights as climate change issue.
Prime Minister dumps Melissa Price from Environment Ministry, even though she had done exactly what the Liberal COALition wanted, on Adani coal mine. Divisions in Labor Party over climate change policy. The Australian Labor Party wavers about the Adani coal project, but the anti-coal activists are not giving up. There are still serious obstacles to Adani’s coal mine expansion. Queensland government hits panic button on Carmichael coal mine approvals. Adani coal mine approvals could be granted within weeks as Queensland Premier Palaszczuk sets deadline.
Albo [new Labor leader Anthony Albanese] and the Green New Deal: Great name for a band, but is it good policy? BHP sees early end for thermal coal, plugs in to electric future.
NUCLEAR –
Support for nuclear power is support for coal: John Quiggin refutes the arguments of Australia’s pro nuclear shills. Corruption in the Australian uranium industry.
Rare Earths. Need for awareness on what Lynas will do with its rare earths radioactive trash. Lynas plans rare earths “upstream” processing in Australia and “downstream” processing in USA and Malaysia. It’s not clear what will be done about Lynas’ radioactive wastes in Malaysia, as Lynas plans rare earths processing also in Texas.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Western Australia taps into boom for raw materials for EV and storage batteries . How serious is Queensland about its 50 per cent renewable energy target? Twin Creek wind farm and Australia’s biggest battery edge closer to approval. Electric Landcruiser conversion – made for Australian mining – goes viral .
Climate and Nuclear News to 21 May – Australia
With bewildering rapidity, opinions on climate change action are shifting. Corporate America is calling on Congress to pass big climate policy , while President Trump outright dismisses climate change as a serious issue. Climate change action is a top priority for UK’s moderate Conservatives. France is setting up a Citizens’ Convention
for the Climate. Despite record hot summer, in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s remorseless focus on costs outweighed climate concerns, and his climate-sceptic government was re-elected.
The media is, as usual, awash with articles about the “need” for nuclear power – to solve climate change. It’s like a religious belief for journalists to mention “zero carbon” or “clean” nuclear in otherwise well-researched articles.
International politics’ nuclear news can be scary. Chilling similarity between out-dated nuclear weapons policies and world of Game of Thrones. The escalating danger and unpredictability of nuclear weapons. Border tensions continue between India and Pakistan. Trump and Kim “in love”, but have few options now that discussions have collapsed. Donald Trump making belligerent statements on Iran. Danger of war – Israel vs Russia – could lead to nuclear war.
AUSTRALIA
News Corpse – a propaganda machine for the mining industries.
NUCLEAR. Warren Mundine, nuclear stooge, loses Gilmore election – the only Liberal loss in the country. PM Scott Morrison would not rule out nuclear power. Resources Minister Matt Canavan has failed to comply with an order to process information about the nuclear waste dump plan. Why is UK govt covering up the records on nuclear bomb tests in Australia in the 1950s?
CLIMATE.–
- From Australian Conservation Foundation’s Dave Sweeney – – a few thoughts after a bruising election. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is adamant that there will be no increase in climate action from this government. Environmentalists shocked at election result, but resolute. Independent candidate Zali Steggall’s win in Warringah is a message about need for action on climate change. What to expect from Coalition: Coal, coal, coal and a battle over National Energy Guarantee . Crossbenchers put climate on agenda.
- Denial and confusion live on, as energy hopes turn to states and Australian Energy Market Operator .
- Western Australia’s taskforce to plan the state’s exit from coal. Melissa Price – Australia’s Minister For Coal – but don’t we need a Minister for the Environment? Coal industry lobbying Morrison govt to build new coal plants. Adani coal mine is a proxy climate war and campaigners need to focus on energy transition. Environment markets suffer as Coalition win kills emissions, renewable targets.
- Distinguished Australians, and over 60 scientists press the government for immediate action on climate change.
- Pacific leaders have voiced frustration over Australia’s failure to curb its emissions.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australian Electric Vehicle industry faces 12 month policy wait
INTERNATIONAL
Ionising radiation as a cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Women poorly represented in, and disparaged by, the nuclear security “priesthood”.
Morrison’s reelection is a disaster for the future of the country — and the world.a.
Beware Bill Shorten’s quietly pro nuclear attitude
Yes, Shorten is better than Liberal’s aggressive pawn of big industry , Scott Morrison. And, more importantly, yes, the Labor Party’s policies are much, much better -on climate change, renewable energy, along with so many other areas. Indeed, Liberals barely have any policies, other than kow-towing to their corporate donors, and to their far right Abbott-led faction.
Labor has a clear anti nuclear policy, and backs the Federal law prohibiting the building of nuclear reactors, or of any stage of the nuclear fuel cycle, except for uranium mining. Building of a nuclear waste dump is prohibited, as is the importation of nuclearwaste. However, it does permit the building of a dump for waste produced in Australia.
Bill Shorten has been equivocal about nuclear issues. I suspect that he would go with whatever policy helped him to pursue his own career.
Both Liberal and Labor have maintained complete silence about the proposed Kimba/Hawker nuclear waste dump. It’s almost as if the dump idea is just a little plaything of ANSTO’s nuclear archbishop Dr Adi Paterson, nothing to do with the nation.
The week that has been in climate and nuclear news – Australia
Climate change – climate crisis might be the more accurate phrase. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New Zealand, said the political will to fight climate change has faded at the same time as it is getting worse for those feeling its effects.
Some videos of this week’s news on the effects of global warming -Arctic Ocean Coastal Temperatures Surge to 84.2 F 11 May https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk4sTnfsVcQ -Global Sea Ice Plunges to New Record Lows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukc7-OVMx_Q . A tiny bit of good news: Rooftop Panels of Tiny Plants Can Cleanse Polluted Air at 100 Times the Rate of a Single Tree.
Nuclear news – the focus this week has been on international politics. While nuclear competition between India and Pakistan is accelerating, Stimson’s South Asia Program offers ways to reduce tensions. Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign: paving the way for war against Iran? Donald Trump likes strutting on the global ‘nuclear summit’ stage, but is not interested in genuine arms control.
AUSTRALIA
Federal election on 18 May. If the climate-denying, nuclear-loving Liberal Coalition gets back in, I reckon that there’ll be wholesale emigration to New Zealand, where they have decent and compassionate policies, and a Prime Minister with integrity!
Australia’s role in the species extinction crisis.
Australia’s major parties’ climate policies side-by-side. Climate emergency is here, whatever the election result . Missing in action’: hunt goes on for Coalition’s invisible environment minister. Bill Shorten urged to declare climate emergency if Labor wins.
Yeelirrie uranium approval, Adani coal – Australia needs new and stronger national environment laws.
CLIMATE.
- Climate change still key in election social media. Labor to remove Coalition’s “climate fig leaf”, push funds to clean energy. Former UN climate leader supports MP Zali Steggall, Kerryn Phelps, Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie, and MP, Julia Banks. Scott Morrison on “cutting green tape” – commentators respond savagely and sceptically. Scott Morrison’s fib: claims that the Liberal Coalition saved the Great Barrier Reef!!
- Protesters scale Sydney Harbour Bridge to declare ‘climate emergency’ . CSIRO unsure on Adani coal project’s water plans, but Minister For Coal, Melissa Price gave it environmental approval anyway. Adani project faces another hurdle – another groundwater review. Wangan and Jagalingou Country The Frontline In ‘Adani’s Federal Election’.
- Port Augusta power station sale to mark final closure of South Australia’s coal. Age of cheap coal power is over for Australia, says Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
- Global fossil fuel subsidies reach $5.2 trillion, and $29 billion in Australia. $571 billion loss by 2030 estimated for Australian property values due to climate change.
- Torres Strait islanders to United Nations – allege Australian government failure to act on climate change. Bill Shorten urged to declare climate emergency if Labor wins.
NUCLEAR. Duplicity of the Australian government on nuclear waste dump (“Temporary” means “Indefinite”) At last – HENRY COX, a Senate Candidate with the guts to fight the nuclear waste dump plan ! Confident Clive Palmer predicts tax-payer funding for nuclear power.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Solar’s stunning rise takes big chunk out of coal in daytime market. Numurkah solar farm, to help power steel works, Melbourne trams, begins production. First turbine completed at Tasmania’s Cattle Hill wind farm. Western Australia to fund solar farms in six remote indigenous communities. Rooftop solar kills summer peak demand in W.A., as renewables nudge 50% share. NSW green-lights 100MW solar farm plus battery for Riverina region. Solar and storage to power disability housing in first of its kind. Australian mayors want more ambition on climate change, 100% renewables.
INTERNATIONAL
Radioactive fallout could be released from melting glaciers. Deep ocean animals are eating radioactive carbon from nuclear bomb tests.
Deep divisions between nations as preparations made for next year’s review of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Global paralysis in weapons control agreements as a new arms race begins.
The problematic arrival of Artificial Intelligence for Nuclear Weapons.
The vulnerability of nuclear weapons systems to cyber threats.
Nuclear power is subject to human error. — and that makes it a poor solution to climate change.
The World Blows Over $5 Trillion A Year On Oil And Gas Subsidies: Report
1 This month
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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