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
To 7 May – Climate and Nuclear News Australia
Arguably the biggest news – the world’s species are disappearing (and hey! – we’re vulnerable, too).
Both issues – climate change, and nuclear wastes have been in the political headlines in anglophone countries. A pity that these seem to be rarely reported in English language in other countries, and probably not reported at all in totalitarian countries. Good News: In Britain, climate activists, – Extinction Rebellion, and school children’s strikes have had their political impact, as UK declares a Climate Emergency. In Australia climate ‘paralysis’ looms over its coming election.
In USA, the battle over where to put nuclear wastes heats up with renewed political turmoil over plan for Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as nuclear waste dump. Radioactive wastes continue to trouble Europe and UK, though not a peep out of Russia, China about theirs.
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE.
- What’s the cost of not acting on climate change? Climate change costings that don’t count the cost of inaction are worthless. Mark Diesendorf on Fixing the gap between Labor’s greenhouse gas goals and their policies. Australian Greens will push Australian Parliament to declare a “climate emergency”, as Britain has done. Young people won’t accept inaction on climate change, and they’ll be voting in droves. Global emissions from Australian carbon exports dwarf any domestic cuts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCznSqt9Tqg
- Bob Brown leads convoy to Parliament House, says Adani coal mine expansion is the critical test for Australia’s climate action. Traditional owners fight Adani coal project, – fear destruction of their sacred wetlands. Most people now realise that the Adani coal mine expansion is not likely to go ahead. Schoolkids take their climate message to the politicians. Tony Abbott pooh poohs it.
- Vote Tony Out: Campaign hits streets as Steggall takes lead over Abbott. Zali Steggall, Independent candidate for Warringah, aims to tackle the health impacts of climate change.
NUCLEAR. It is left to rural South Australians to oppose the misguided national plan for nuclear waste dumping. Federal election candidates for Grey express their views on nuclear waste dump plan. Clive Palmer expects to hold the balance of power in Australian Parliament, says he will bring in nuclear power. Both Liberal and Labor oppose Clive’s plan.
The harm done to indigenous people, through uranium mining – and it’s happening again. Unfinished business: a new report on the Ranger uranium mine: what its clean-up means for Kakadu National Park.
RARE EARTHS. WA rules out Lynas waste imports Western Australian govt rules out importing Lynas’ wastes from Malaysia. Australian rare earths company Lynas is determined to keep its radioactive trash in Malaysia.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Labor will establish South East Queensland community power hub. Labor pledges funding for renewable jobs, support for Tasmania Battery of the Nation. Labor battery subsidy could deliver 80% cut to household electricity bills. Solar schools to create 364MW virtual power plant in Labor policy plan.
Bank Australia becomes first Australian bank to purchase 100% renewables. Big batteries help Tesla lift storage revenue near 10-fold in Australia. Wesfarmers dumps coal and turns to electric cars: Australia should follow . WA’s 130MW Badgingarra wind farm officially opens. World’s largest Tritium EV charging R&D facility launched in Brisbane. Hanwha to launch 100% renewable “next gen” energy retailer in Australia. International Award for Australian PV Leader.
INTERNATIONAL
Nuclear weapons companies doing very profitably out of governments. ICAN and PAX list the companies that make nuclear weapons.
Can the Non Proliferation Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons co-exist? Hibakusha continue their mission to eliminate nuclear weapons.
High blood pressure risk from prolonged exposure to low-dose ionising radiation. Low level radiation exposure and increased risks of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease.
Why cockroaches might be able to survive a nuclear attack.
To May 1st – Climate and Nuclear News – Australia
On climate change – where to start? Dahr Jamail– covers the world-wide impacts that are already happening. It seems that only the very young, Greta Thunberg, and the very old, David Attenborough, are able to get the message across. So many different impacts – the latest big one is another cyclone, followed by flooding, in Mozambique.
On nuclear issues, also, where to start? With the stalemate in nuclear weapons negotiations, in several countries, and India and Pakistan on the tightrope? Or with the nuclear financial messes in USA and UK?
Perhaps it’s best to find a note of optimism. Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, spoke convincingly, in Tokyo, about improving prospects for progress in nuclear disarmament.
$70 trillion cost predicted, as Arctic permafrost thaws.
Across the world, Extinction Rebellion climate activists stage “die-in“. Secretive Fossil Fuel Lobby Group, “Global Climate Coalition”, Manipulated UN Climate Programs.
UN assesses world environment in new report – it’s a grim story.
Reviewing the state of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. New report warns that world is dangerously close to increased use of nuclear weapons. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Weapons Command and Control.
AUSTRALIA
Nuclear power, climate change, and the Australian election.
CLIMATE. 2019: the climate election. Liberal Coalition gets a poor rating on climate policy. Australian children want Australia to take action on climate change: it’s about their future! Labor commits $10M to boost CSIRO climate science centre capabilities. Pauline Hanson denies humans behind climate change, blames ‘fearmongering’
The Adani coal mine is a test of Australia’s environmental intelligence – Bob Brown. Coalition slammed over ‘misleading’ Adani billboard. Adani coal mine expansion has become a decisive issue for Queensland’s marginal seats. Adani’s bid to bankrupt traditional owner hits court.
NUCLEAR. “Australia’s nuclear waste is a national issue and putting the burden on two semirural communities isn’t fair”.Labor remains silent on the issue. Petition to stop federal government’s plans to build a nuclear waste facility in Kimba or Hawker. Voters in South Australia’s Grey Electorate angry over 3 years of federal radioactive waste plan. South Australian aborigines again face a nuclear threat – as Federal Government plans a nuclear waste dump. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency righteous about possibly radioactive jewellery, silent on nuclear threats
Maralinga nuclear bomb test survivor reveals truth of what happened in the SA desert.
Federal Environment Minister, Melissa Price, fails the environment with secretive Yeelirrie uranium approval. Clandestine approval for controversial uranium mine is evidence Australia needs better environment laws. Morrison govt approved Yeelirrie uranium mine just the day before calling the election. Bill Shorten questions Environment Minister Melissa Price’s shonky Yeelirrie uranium deal. Yeelirrie uranium mine approval all pain no gain for Coalition. Uranium to be transported across Nullarbor Plain all the way from Yeelirrie to Port Adelaide – The yellowcake highway to Port Adelaide. Uranium miner coaxed government to water down extinction safeguards. Yeelirrie has a low grade of uranium, and Cameco has closed McArthur River mine with a much higher grade. It’s not worth wiping out a species for the Yeelirrie uranium mine.
Lynas’ rare earths miner: its troubles are a reminder that even renewables technologies involve radioactive trash.
RENEWABLE ENERGY S.A. begins search for energy provider after failure of solar tower project. CopperString is back, with plan to unlock outback wind and solar. Australian wave power technology tapped to power Spanish Canary Island. Tesla driver clocks almost 1000km in Australian outback in one day. Victorian water utilities join forces to source cheap solar power.
Climate crisis and nuclear news- Australia
In London yesterday, police arrested 963 people who were part of the Extinction Rebellion climate protest. This movement is continuing, and spreading to other countries. They will also set up a political taskforce to take forward public negotiations with the Government. Climate awareness is gathering momentum. Still, climate scientists seem unwilling and perhaps unable to talk to the general public, to explain the basic facts on climate change, and the complicating factors, such as the effects on oceans warning, on sea ice loss, on air current changes, on low pressure areas, the polar vortex. There are two climate scientists who do make this effort. Paul Beckwith has made over 200 YouTube videos, and he does tackle the complicated science in an understandable way. Katherine Hayhoe almost deceptively makes climate science seem simple, and is well known for her entertaining video series Global Weirding.
This newsletter was always intended to inform on the nuclear threat. It’s just that the climate situation is now a global emergency.
NATIONAL
NUCLEAR – Here’s a list of the many Candidates and Members of Parliament who support the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Why is Prime Minister Scott Morrison raising the suggestion of nuclear power, knowing it’s illegal in Australia? Scott Morrison chops and changes about nuclear power. Cory Bernardi sulks as Scott Morrison, in election campaign mode, abruptly reverses his support for nuclear power. Australian Nuclear Association’s Rob Parker continues to make absurd pro nuclear claims.
CLIMATE ABC’s Vote Compass finds that environment is a high issue amongst voters. The health dangers from climate change – catching Australia unprepared.
Scott Morrison misleads the public on the costs of Labor’s climate policy.
Adani did not accept key scientific advice. Documents contradict Minister For Coal’s statement that Adani “accepted in full” changes sought by scientists regarding Carmichael mine.
RARE EARTHS Lynas rare earths corporation still struggling with its tricky problem of its radioactive wastes in Malaysia. Malaysian government insists that Lynas must remove its 450,000 tonnes of radioactive waste from the country. Kevin Rudd, as Foreign Minister in 2011, aware of Lynas’ probable radioactive wastes problem. In 2011, secret report warned of dangers of Lynas’ rare earth’s wastes in Malaysia.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Renewables job numbers hit three-year high – led by Australia’s coal states. Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to model rapid transition to renewables, quicker exit from coal. Work begins on Warwick solar farm – University of Queensland’s ticket to 100% renewables. University of New South Wales looks to solar-powered desalination to help bust droughts. South Australia Power Networks taps solar to cut dependence on its own grid. Rooftop solar to add 2,000MW in 2019, another Liddell by 2022. Woolworths green bond flooded with orders as retailer looks to solar, efficiency .
INTERNATIONAL
Earth’s surface temperature steadily rose from 2003. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cRCbgTA_78 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Tpzwqlj-d4 Extinction Rebellion can act as a catalyst for political debate and change . Climate action: Invest in low-carbon but not in nuclear . Nuclear power plants in no way designed, or ready for, climate change extremes. “There is no such thing as a zero or near-zero-emission nuclear power plant”.
Climate Change Could Unleash Long-Frozen Radiation.
Debunking All The Smears Against Julian Assange.
EUROPE. More disappointments for Europe’s new nuclear stations– no nuclear future for Europe?
UKRAINE. Life as a liquidator after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Chernobyl: How bad was it? .
UK.
- ‘We will never stop fighting’: Greta Thunberg joins London climate protest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv9EkxudXmw Climate change rallies block London roads . Extinction Rebellion: The activists risking prison to save the planet. Britain’s slow path to zero carbon emissions.
- Britain’s Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA) notes that over 70 Welsh councils formally reject hosting nuclear waste dump. UK’s EPA concerned over proposals for Sizewell new nuclear power station in Suffolk. Nuclear Transparency Watch warns on the unwisdom of UK government subsidising Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs).
JAPAN. Japan Atomic Power looks to a big business in cleaning up dead nuclear plants. Japan’s plutonium surplus, its history, and its danger. Japan’s massive task to clean up nuclear fuel pools of Fukushima stricken reactors. Hazardous removal of spent fuel rods is just one step in the long Fukushima nuclear clean-up. Japan has a new kind of visa to lure foreign blue collar workers for Fukushima clean-up.
USA.
- An emerging hopeful trend for US nuclear weapons policy. U.S. Ignored Russia’s Nuclear War Prevention Pact – Reports. Trump’s administration speeds up the revolving door between Pentagon and nuclear weapons companies. Trump administration stops govt practice of disclosing numbers of nuclear weapons. Pentagon’s strange and dangerous plan for small nuclear reactors at the battle scene.
- On climate change impacts, nuclear lobby has captured the regulators. A conservative backlash against Trump, as he appoints fossil fuel insiders to federal agencies?
- Frida Berrigan’s personal story about nuclear weapons.
- Holtec’s nuclear decommissioning and wastes empire to grab Indian Point.
- U.S. Department of Energy seeks new certification for its Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. North Dakota prohibits nuclear waste dumping in the state.
- State subsidies for nuclear power in USA are simply not necessary. America’s nuclear lobby spending up big to get $millions in State subsidies. AARP Ohio, on behalf of its 1.5 million members and families, strongly opposes Ohio nuclear subsidies. U.S.nuclear bailouts – Exelon and the death of competitive energy markets. U.S. Supreme Court rejects challenge to nuclear subsidy.
- Lawsuit against Santee Cooper, claims that investors were deceived over nuclear project risks.
- The long-lasting unsolved problem of Three Mile Island’s radioactive trash. Three Mile Island, and the nuclear industry’s legacy of cancer.
- USA Congressmen concerned at slow clean-up of dangerous San Onofre nuclear site.
- Conflicts of interest in the Trump group’s push to sell nuclear reactors to Saudi Arabia.
- USA is preparing more charges against Julian Assange.
FRANCE. Some consternation in France, as EDF plans to split off its nuclear section. Electricite de France (EDF) €33 billion debt, and more problems – its nuclear section to be nationalised. EDF’s Belleville nuclear power plant to continue to have increased monitoring by France’s nuclear regulator.
CHINA. China gambles on untested “Hualong One” nuclear reactor, and plans for international sales.
RUSSIA. Putin’s new super-dooper longest submarine packed with nuclear torpedoes. More countries headed to go into nuclear debt to Russia.
INDIA. Dangerous electioneering: India’s Modi ramps up the nuclear weapons rhetoric.
CANADA. Canada’s Came co Corp slow to clean up groundwater contaminated with uranium at Saskatchewan mill.
BANGLADESH. China keen to sell nuclear reactor to Bangladesh – an inflated and costly project.
FINLAND. Finland to start constructing nuclear plant with Russian reactor in 2021 .
ISRAEL. History of Israel getting nuclear weapons.
Nuclear/climate news Australia – week to 14 April
On the surface, not much seems to be happening in nuclear news. Tensions between Pakistan and India have pulled back from the brink. USA and North Korea remain at a nuclear stalemate, while South Korea tries for moderate progress. The mainstream media continues to regurgitate nuclear lobby propaganda about solving climate change, especially by developing small nuclear reactors.
The optimistic picture that’s often given of Chernobyl’s supposed recovery from the 1986 nuclear catastrophe has been thoroughly contradicted, as three new books reveal. Manual for Survival: A Chernobyl Guide to the Future by – details the dedicated research done in Belarus and Ukraine, on radiation effects, and draws attention to the pervasive and growing effects of ionising radiation, globally. Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear Disaster
Once again the twin threats of climate change and ionising radiation come together. As glaciers melt, ionising radiation, (from nuclear bomb testing) is released from ice surface sediments. Good news : how we could get (almost) all our energy from the sun by 2050.
The Threat of Nuclear War Is Still With Us,
Police drag Julian Assange from Embassy. –Extradition of Julian Assange must be opposed. USA govt wants to silence all reports of govt atrocities. Wikileaks has won many awards for fine journalism. What Does Julian Assange’s Arrest Mean for Journalists?
AUSTRALIA
Police drag Julian Assange from Embassy. Scott Morrison says “no special help“, Bill Shorten pleads ignorance of the matter. ‘He uncovered war crimes’: Greens leader urges government to protect Julian Assange
CLIMATE Emergency experts issue climate warning . Liberal seats held by vacating and conservative MPs have extremely high levels of concern for climate change. “Grey Power” Queensland activists protesting against Adani coal mine, demanding action against climate change. Traditional Owners fighting Adani coal mine mount fresh legal challenge .
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Queensland enacts new solar rules, as stunned industry warns of investment standstill. Large scale solar developers warns of cost blowouts, job losses. Electric vehicles: Could this be Scott Morrison’s Prince Philip moment? Revolutionary Australian Clean Energy Startup Wins Global Award. Elon Musk says “no question” Australia can meet 50% electric car target by 2030 .er delays.
The week that has been in nuclear and climate news – Australia
This week, I’m briefly aberrating, to draw attention to the situation of Julian Assange. No, this is not directly relevant to nuclear or climate issues. But, knowing the corruption and lying ingrained in the nuclear and fossil fuel industries, it’s important to be mindful of the role of whistleblowers. The Australian government, which generously supports Australian convicted murderers and drug dealers in foreign lands, has done nothing to help Australian citizen, Julian Assange. Assange is in dire danger of extradition to USA, of being locked up, “disappeared” forever, because in 2010 he exposed US war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan. The branding of this truth teller as “criminal” should be a warning to the world.
On nuclear issues – India and Pakistan came close to the brink.
And the media is awash with propaganda about nuclear energy being essential to combat climate change. Especially propaganda about “new nukes” – small nuclear reactors (SMRs) . The reality is that it’s desperate hubris about a nonexistent technology without a future. Despite heavy promotion, SMRs are too expensive and there are no buyers.
CLIMATE – Climate change threatens millions of Bangladeshi children, warns UNICEF. Some good news. Dozens of Countries Have Been Working to Plant ‘Great Green Wall’ – and It’s Holding Back Poverty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIj764m7bys
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. –Port Lincoln the likely thoroughfare for nuclear waste entering South Australia? Incompetent management of CSIRO’s nuclear waste – used by ARPANSA to promote South Australian Hawker waste dump plan? Where do candidates stand on nuclear waste dumping? Friends of the Earth are finding out. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) can afford to help China build new reactors, but apparently not to maintain its own building safely. Australia and Britain’s shameful history of Nuclear Bombing of First Nations Lands .
CLIMATE. March was the hottest month ever recorded in Australia. Australian voters back Labor to deal with climate change. Coalition signs off with a budget tailored for climate denial. Labor’s emissions reduction policy: Does it really add up? How Sky News and Peter Ridd try to mislead Australians about the Great Barrier Reef. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg passes the buck on Adani coal mine to Minister For Coal , Melissa Price.
Australia gets a very bad environmental report for 2018.
Environment Minister Melissa Price confirms Malaysia’s request for Australia to take back Lynas’ radioactive trash.
Australian Greens Platform for equality for First Nations Peoples .
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Fate of big solar projects could ride on May election, and carbon credits The shocking regulatory and cultural fail in Australia’s energy transition. Australia: 100% renewables could be cheaper, quicker and easier than thought. Bank Australia signs up for 100% renewables, calls on business to lead transition. Pilbara wind and solar will be cheapest power in Asia. Daintree edges closer to Australia first renewable-only microgrid, with help from green hydrogen. SolarReserve abandons huge solar tower and storage plant near Port Augusta. Massive 700MW wind farm proposed for Victoria’s south west.
INTERNATIONAL
Before we enter “a new nuclear age” – learn from the newly declassified Chernobyl health records.
Risk of nuclear weapons use is now at a record high.- Nuclear weapons accidents and losses 1950s – 2000s.
Book – “Deadly Dust – Made in the USA: Depleted Uranium Weapons Contaminating the World”
Challenges in Nuclear Verification– IAEA .
Julian Assange, Chelsea Manning, and the campaign to criminalise whistleblowing.
Reflective roofs can reduce overheating in cities and save lives during heatwaves.
Climate and nuclear news to 2nd April
Serious indeed, as the nuclear threat is, the climate change threat is upon the world right now, and it’s accelerating. Paul Beckwith’s videos explain how Every spring, for the past 25 years, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) releases their State of the Climate report. This years edition clearly shows how dire our climate situation is becoming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4-Cb3bG9Sk
Climate change, while it is, eventually, a threat to everybody, is also very much an issue of injustice. While the rich world braces for future climate change, the poor world is already being devastated by it. youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQo5bIp4P5Q. It’s also an issue of generational injustice with the children at the losing end of this betrayal.
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE. Poll shows Australians increasingly see climate change as human-caused. Government ‘failing’ on climate change: poll . Labor’s climate plan. Bill Shorten’s climate policy, much better than Liberals’; it might appeal to some Liberal voters? Shorten’s climate policy would hit more big polluters harder and set electric car target. Labor sets 50 per cent Electric Vehicle (EV) targets for new vehicle sales and government fleets.
NUCLEAR. – Coalition government rejects Clive Palmer’s call for nuclear power for Australia. Clive Palmer will promise to build a nuclear reactor in South Australia.
The Australian govnt and ANSTO classify spent nuclear fuel from Lucas Heights as intermediate-level nuclear waste. Even in 1998, the nuclear lobby and Nick Minchin, were scheming for an international nuclear waste dump in South Australia. Nuclear waste dump proposal divides rural communities in South Australia.
URANIUM. Western Australian Aboriginal community uses solar hydropanel to solve problem of uranium in water.
RARE EARTHS. Construction begins on Australia’s biggest lithium processing plant. Lynas silent on long-term effects of radioactive waste. Malaysia wants Australia to help remove Lynas’ radioactive trash from rare earths processing. Lynas considers relocating its rare earths processing to Western Australia.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australia’s plunging wind, solar, storage costs stun fossil fuel industry. It took just two summers for renewables to replace Hazelwood coal-power station. Huge wind farm planned for Victoria’s coal centre, overlooking closed Hazelwood plant. Bad news. Closing coal-fired power stations costs jobs. We need to prepare. Coalition grants permit for Australia’s first offshore wind farm. AusNet: We’ve been swamped by the solar boom, and we’ve made some mistakes. Queensland delivers first “solar hydrogen” exports to Japan, backs pilot plant.
INTERNATIONAL
The unique role of the Earth Journalism Network (EJN).
Research group finds that ending the USA-Russia arms pact will bring about a nuclear weapons race. The huge financial risks of nuclear incidents.
Age and Gender Bias in Radiation Research.
To 27 March – Climate and Nuclear News Australia
Why single out one ecological disaster – when there are so many? I originally dedicated this weekly post to nuclear issues. Now it’s hard to prioritise nuclear. We have the biodiversity crash now going on, and picking up speed. Climate change is always there -its most notable expression this week is in the drowning of Mozambique. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toInwS5pE6c&t=151s
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE.
- Cyclones Veronica and Trevor continue to wreak havoc across northern Australia.
- Australia’s carbon emissions do have an impact .
- The Stop the Adani Convoy: An Interview With Bob Brown.
- Coalition’s Canavan launches the sausage sizzle climate scare campaign. Home Affairs Minister, and wannabe Australian P.M .Peter Dutton rubbishes the climate action schoolkids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL8a1YEhk_o NSW goes to the polls as major parties go quiet on climate, renewables. Coal became a dirty word in NSW poll, but wind and solar face uncertainty.
NUCLEAR. Australia is to build new nuclear reactors, in partnership with China (does Parliament know?) Nuclear waste, and court actions. Independent report found ANSTO’s health staff lacking in knowledge about radiation exposure.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Court rejects bid to block South Australia wind and ‘biggest’ battery project. Wind generation hits peak output of more than 4,000MW in Australia. CEFC tips $10m into home solar and battery-focused green bond.
INTERNATIONAL
A huge global wake-up call- the human devastation of climate change.
Drastic decline in insect numbers – the bugocalypse.
Small and Medium Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) – cost estimates, and what they cost to build. The sorry history of small nuclear power reactors.
Climate and nuclear news to 21 March
The various human-caused threats to life on this Earth are becoming more apparent. Sometimes, it seems almost silly to separate them out -as climate change, pollution, deforestation etc, as they all add up to one grand global human disrespect for nature. The latest U.N. study reports loss of biodiversity as a even greater crisis than climate change.
It’s a global disgrace, that it’s been left to children to take the lead on climate action. World wide climate protests, by hundreds of thousands of school students. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtZ12FOat_8
Southern African States, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, are now devastated by Cyclone Idai. Sure, they’ve had cyclones before, but climate change is increasing the intensity, to record levels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S5RlM7KGZI
On the nuclear scene, one veteran correspondent asks “Who will be the world’s next nuclear policeman?”, as USA abandons its historic role as the world’s chief advocate for de-nuclearis.ation. Meanwhile, Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton leads us back to the Nuclear Precipice. Trump’s USA is committed to dominating the world – heading for weapons in space.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. Curiouser and curiouser. Australia’s nuclear high priest, Dr Adi Paterson, has just been to China, and quietly signed Australia up to partnering a Chinese state-run nuclear firm in developing generation IV nuclear reactors. By whose authority, I wonder? More on this later.
Matt Canavan, Australia’ s Minister For Nuclear and Coal, skirts around the truth about radioactive waste dump plan. Do we want another nuclear industry puppet (RICHARD CARMODY – Independent) in the South Australian federal seat of Grey? Animal Justice Party – pro nuclear advocate in sheeps’ clothing? Hypocrisy in Scotland. For political reasons, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon refused to meet Aboriginal nuclear waste protestor. Dismissing Aboriginal objections, Leonora Shire Council, (Western Australia) wants an underground nuclear waste dump!
CLIMATE. Students’ climate action strike: 150,000 people at 60 locations across Australia. New South Wales school students rallied for climate action, despite the Premier’s disapproval. Good to see former Australian Chief Scientist Penny Sackett with the kids in Canberra climate march. Liberal Coalition government ramps up scare campaign against climate action, renewables . Angus Taylor, Energy Minister, confirms that the Morrison government considering supporting new coal projects . More drought, more heat, if a large El Nino event occurs in 2019. Adani protesters shut down Western Australian Parliament, ejected from public gallery.
Landmark High Court decision guides how compensation for native title losses will be determined.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australia was fourth biggest market in world for large-scale solar in 2018 . How the Tesla big battery kept the lights on in South Australia. New South Wales Solar powered election race hots up, as new round of PV policies unveiled. New South Wales Labor’s pledge for ‘solar schools. Federal election: Frydenberg challenger Oliver Yates unveils “bold” rooftop solar plan. Western Australia’s Carnegie wave energy project gets anew lease of life, with new investors.
11 March Fukushima anniversary, and the week’s news
Today we remember the catastrophe at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear station, and the fact that this is a continuing disaster for that local area, for Japan, and for the world. Eight years later, Fukushima nuclear wreck is still resulting in mounting tons of radioactive water, with no solution in sight. Japan continues its culture of cover-up and denial about this national tragedy. An indigenous leader continues the fight for the truth on Fukushima’ s radioactive impact on the world, and condemns the University of California, for its role in the cover-up and denial of the seriousness of the situation. Eight Years on, the Fukushima disaster still poses health risks. “Recovery Olympics” does not impress everyone.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. Defence Minister Christopher Pyne sadly admit’s that there’s no chance of Australia developing a nuclear industry.
Traditional owners and Western Australia’s Conservation Council continue legal action, to uphold environmental law . Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA) and three Tjiwarl Traditional Owners in court battle against uranium mining.
Independent environment campaigner, David Noonan, has drawn up a scoping document, regarding BHP’s plans to expand Olympic Dam uranium mine. I have broken this document up into 4 main themes:
- BHP’s plans for Olympic Dam uranium mine, using old legislation for open slather on water, Aboriginal rights, environment.
- BHP wants the South Australian government to further weaken standards at Olympic Dam uranium mine.
- Uranium tailings at Olympic Dam – radioactive for at least 10,000 years- must be SAFELY managed.
- Olympic Dam: Uranium responsibilities and alternative ‘No Uranium Recovery’.
CLIMATE. Poll finds strong majority support for declaring a climate emergency. Extreme weather is severely damaging Australia’s native creatures.
Julian Burnside, Greens candidate, will take on Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on climate change . Environment minister Melissa Price and Energy minister Angus Taylor lying to the public on Australia’s carbon emissions. Mining company Glencore behind global campaign to undermine climate change information.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Victoria leads again as rooftop solar installations set another monthly record.
The week that has been, in nuclear and climate news Australia
Well, Donald Trump and Kim Jong had a nice little photo-shoot in Vietnam. Nothing actually came of it. But , look on the bright side. It could have been a lot worse. Meanwhile USA and South Korea officially call off annual military exercises amid nuclear talks with North Korea.
Climate change’s impact on the oceans is already affecting marine life, and the world’s seafood stocks are declining. How to face what is happening – global environmental collapse. Good news – The young are stepping up to the climate challenge – The Sunrise Movement
AUSTRALIA
- Victoria’s major bushfires still out of control. Over 2000 firefighters working to contain bushfires around Victoria. How bushfires generate their own weather.
- Warm autumn likely to follow Australia’s hottest summer on record. Climate crisis – heating oceans affecting Tasman Sea marine life, and seafood industries. Drought wipes billions from Australian farm production.
- Climate experts warn the Australian government about the nations climbing greenhouse has emissions. Unique to Australia – the use of climate funding for upgrading COAL -FIRED plants !! New South Wales election – 3 Independent MP’s gather strength for climate action. Australia’s Energy Minister, Angus Taylor, lying about Australia’s greenhouse emissions.
NUCLEAR. Friends of the Earth congratulates “The Advertiser” on its coverage of the safety dangers of Kimba nuclear waste dump plan. Minister Canavan incorrect in saying that terrorism risks had not been raised. Matt Canavan, Minister for Resources (not very bright) , got very flustered about nuclear waste dump safety issues. Dept of Industry Innovation and Science promoting nuclear waste dump to Aboriginal group. Three people treated at Sydney’s Lucas Heights nuclear facility after chemical spill.
Olympic Dam Uranium Mine Major Development Declaration
Long delayed realisation of Australia’s brutal history of massacres of Aboriginal people.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. It’s time for Australia’s renewables industry to go all in. South Australia’s second biggest solar farm begins production.
To 27 February – Climate and Nuclear News Australia
I’ve tried to find good news – we need it. But, good news, by its nature, is not news. Most people try to behave decently, reasonable. When they don’t – that’s actually unusual , remarkable – and therefore is news. Anyway – here’s a good bit.:
Changing climate change“2040” paints an optimistic picture of the future of the environment, Youtube 2040 teaser http://www.whatsyour2040.com/
Meanwhile – New report warns of climate Armageddon in less than 150 years. New research indicates that world efforts towards climate change targets are likely to be too slow to take effect. Climate change bringing crises, population displacement, wars to Middle East countries. Climate change taking its toll on the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz2pmSw4aWU
Another good bit? South Korea offers hope that the Trump-Kim nuclear summit could bring an end to the Korean War.
Meanwhile – We are closer to a nuclear war than we would like to believe – new smaller bombs make this more likely. Indian and Pakistan relations have again reached a dangerous level.
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE Climate and Energy Policies – Liberal/National versus Labor. Slick talk by Scott Morrison – but the government’s “climate policy” is still pro coal, and not effective against global warming. Morrison tries to play both sides of climate debate . Legal advice: Government cannot fund new coal plants without parliamentary approval. Climate change protesters disrupt parliamentary question time.
A fearful future for Australia’s one big river system – the Murray-Darling basin.
Law firm AJ and Co to wage war for Adani coal company – as an “attack dog”. Australia’s democracy is threatened by Adani’s ‘legal intimidation’ tactics against community groups. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has refused to back the Adani mine.
NUCLEAR Kimba and Hawker communities kept in the dark about the dangers of hosting nuclear wastes. Call to scrap the plan for a national nuclear waste dump at Kimba, South Australia. Australia’s Liberal govt’s reaction to another earthquake close to planned nuclear dump site – “She’ll be right, mate!” Are there ANY members now on the Kimba radioactive dump community consultative committee? Scotland’s Ministers have the power to stop export of nuclear wastes to planned dump in South Australia.
Northern Territory passes law on nuclear wastes, reiterates opposition to NT nuclear waste dump.
Australia participating in the Waigani Convention, – banning import of nuclear wastes to island countries, controlling their transport,
In this time of critical drought, water shortage, South Australia’s govt lets BHP expand its water-guzzling Olympic Dam uranium mine.
Australia increasing protection for whistleblowers, (at least on matters financial)
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Cost-effective, clean, reliable grid: “You can have it all,” says Audrey Zibelman. South Australia Water on path to “net zero” power bills, with 154MW solar rollout.
to 13 February- Australia – climate and nuclear news
The discussion on climate change is subtly switching from warnings, and debates on, climate change impacts, to adaptation, preparation for those impacts. What prevents us from thinking ‘meaningfully‘ about climate change.
While all seems quiet on the nuclear front, the nuclear arms race is now grimmer than ever. Meanwhile angst over nuclear waste continues on both sides of the Atlantic. And I really wish that there were news from secretive Russia and China, about their waste problems.
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE
- Australia and water: the driest inhabited continent in the age of climate change. Climate change already having drastic effects on Torres Strait islands. Extreme weather in Australia – the economic effects : why we need to prepare for this. Cost of insurance becoming unmanageable in Australia, due to climate change?
- Australia is not on track to meet Paris emissions target – not without policy support. Morrison government not recognising the climate impacts already hitting Australia. How Australia has lost the plot on adapting to climate change.
- There is still no deal on royalties for Adani coal mine with Queensland government. Adani doesn’t want a “Mega-Mine” any more. Adani ramps up propaganda war, intimidation of activists. Resources Minister Matt Canavan takes cheap shots at the UN for Adani. Bob Brown to lead anti coal mine convoy from Hobart to Queensland’s Galilee Basin, and Canberra. Anti Adani protesters rally outside the Sydney Mining Club. Zali Steggall says Labor needs to commit to stopping Adani coalmine.
- This New South Wales court ruling will shake the coal industry to its core. NSW coal mine ruled out due to climate change, in landmark court decision .
NUCLEAR. Contrary to what ANSTO says, nuclear waste returning to Australia IS High Level Waste (HLW). Keeping South Australia nuclear-dump-free – a priority for Candace Champion, Greens candidate for Grey electorate Nuclear Engineering company Frazer Nash increasing its pro nuclear lobbying in Australia. The Department of Industry an Innovation now spending much time and resources in Hawker.Why?
RENEWABLE ENERGY. New South Wales Labor announces plan for 500,000 households to get rooftop solar. NSW under pressure to move quickly on renewables as coal clunkers fail .
The week in climate and nuclear news Australia
This week has seen extreme weather in both North and South hemispheres. Yes, there have always been cold snaps and heat waves – “one in a hundred years” events, but climate change is making them more frequent and more extreme.
The world seems to be taking it all too calmly, – that USA and Russia are both about to withdraw from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty , opening the way to a renewed arms race, and, with Putin and Trump in charge, increasing the risk of nuclear Armageddon.
AUSTRALIA.
Independent media is here to stay – and to keep the politicians honest.
CLIMATE.
- Climate change is here, in Australia, as temperatures rise faster than predicted. Climate change is back as a big issue in Australian federal politics. Australian government fudging the facts to make its climate policy look good. Australia’s Energy Minster Angus Taylor ready to subsidise new coal projects.
- Queensland floods: Townsville reels under record water levels as more rain arrives. Former fire chief lashes out at government inaction over climate change. Murray-Darling River report shows public authorities must take climate change risk seriously.
- Sydney to host international climate conference for women in 2020.
- Coal power plants in Australia broke down once every three days in 2018.
South Australian government changing Environment Dept, and cutting its budget. Mark Parnell calls on South Australian government to stop its plans to diminish environmental department.
NUCLEAR. Mark Butler ALP Shadow Minister rules out nuclear power. Labor Party’s latest policy platform – on nuclear waste, and opposition to nuclear industry development.
Australian Aboriginal politician Jacinta Price cynical about BHP, Rio Tinto backing Uluru Statement (I would be, too!)
RENEWABLE ENERGY. State by state – solar records fell across Australia in 2018. Energy efficient homes could save households $1,000-plus a year on bills. Western Australia unveils plan to lead global lithium-ion battery boom. Gupta challenges coalers with $1 billion plus solar and storage plan.
INTERNATIONAL
2 billion people at risk, as Himalaya’s glaciers melt. Paradoxically, extreme cold weather indicates that global warming is accelerating. Atlantic ocean circulation is being altered, by climate change.
China urges dialogue, as Russia and USA ramp up nuclear weaponry, pull out of weapons treaty.– Why so little public anxiety about risk of nuclear war? With Putin and Trump in charge!!
How the utilities financial system is rigged to give the nuclear industry the advantage.
Storage of nuclear waste a ‘global crisis’ as stockpile reaches 250,000 tons, Greenpeace warns.
Sending dummies into space, to test effects of radiation on women.
ITALY. Radioactive poisoning by the world’s military – the scandalous case of Sardinia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6-6AYQYJm8&t=6s
JAPAN.
- Propaganda for 2020 Olympics, and for the nuclear industry is behind lifting evacuation order for irradiated town of Namie. IAEA urges Japan to slow the Fukushima wastes clean-up – delay release to Pacific till after Olympic Games. Radioactive cesium above legal limit detected in fish caught off Fukushima. Governor of Fukushima Prefecture promotes Fukushima foods in Hong Kong.
- Radiation leaks at Japan’s Tokai plutonium lab; ‘no workers exposed’.
- Reflection on PM Abe’s sales pitch for nuclear at Davos.
USA.
- There’s money in climate denialism, as 150 U.S. Congressional Republicans have found! Extreme cold shuts down N.J. Nuclear Reactor, due to an unusual ice phenomenon.
- IAEA criticises USA’s efforts to sabotage Iran nuclear deal. Donald Trump confirms U.S. withdrawal from INF nuclear treaty. Sen. Elizabeth Warren introduces Bill to outlaw first strike use of nuclear weapons.
- New radiation panel leader appointed by EPA in the interests of nuclear corporations, not of the public. FirstEnergy nuclear bailout would be crony capitalism at its worst .
- USA’s $43 billion nuclear waste fund – but no nuclear waste has been buried. Nevada State Officials Are Outraged that the Trump Administration Secretly Shipped Plutonium in from South Carolina. Cleanup estimate for Hanford nuclear site increases by $82B. North Dakota Community Alliance urges public to watch progress of Bill on high-level radioactive waste. Clean-up of molten salt nuclear reactor continuing (shut in 1969)M – new plan to reduce the costs.
- Is Vogtle nuclear station expansion now further behind schedule? Report is delayed? Low-flying choppers monitoring radiation in Atlanta (fears of nuclear terrorism?)
- Judge refuses to unseal criminal charges against Julian Assange.
UK. UK’s ageing nuclear power stations are likely to close early. UK’s Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit’s under-reported analysis – renewables cheaper than new nuclear.
INDIA. India’s Kudankulam nuclear power station means big debt to Russia.
HUNGARY. Countries going into deep nuclear debt to Russia; Hungary the latest victim of this political blackmail.
CANADA. SNC-Lavalin, with its record of corruption should be barred from federal contracts. Grim outlook for uranium industry -financial analyst Jayant Bhandari.
SWITZERLAND. Employee faked radiation test data at Swiss nuclear plant.
FRANCE. Pump malfunction causes shutdown at Flamanville nuclear reactor.
BANGLADESH. Nuclear power: Surviving on secrecy and misinformation.
TAIWAN. Taiwan to abolish nuclear power in 2025.
RUSSIA. Russia also to withdraw from Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, weakening weapons control. Russia’s Plan to Solve the North Korea Nuclear Crisis?
CZECH REPUBLIC. Czech industry minister: nuclear reactor tender not realistic in 2019 .
1 This month
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/2352741955560
15 April – Zoom –Nuclear Power is Not the Solution
Apr 15, 2026 01:00 AM in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) on Tuesday, April 14th for a timely webinar exploring the risks associated with nuclear power and challenging the myth that it offers a simple, safe, carbon-free solution to the climate crisis
21 April Webinar: No Nuclear Weapons in Australia
Start: 2026-04-21 18:00:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
End: 2026-04-21 19:30:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
Event Type: Virtual
A virtual link will be communicated before the event.
Host Contact Info: australia@icanw.org
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 