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
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.
1 This month.
20 September –National Day of Action in Melbourne on the International Day of Peace
Help Aunty Sue Protect Her Land and Sacred Sites From Destructive Rocket Testing.
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Australians deserve the truth
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AUKUS – https://aukuspublicinquiry.com/
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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