Peter Dutton and the pursuit of fame.
21 September 24 https://theaimn.com/peter-dutton-and-the-pursuit-of-fame/
Peter Dutton is the leader of Australia’s opposition party – the Liberal-National Coalition.
Which is pretty noteworthy and important, anyway. But of course, he would be more important if he is elected as Prime Minister in 2025. But is that enough fame for him?
Dutton aspires to a greater, global, significance. He would be the first world leader to introduce the commercial, peaceful, advanced nuclear industry to not just a country, but to an entire continent. And not to some “third-world” “undeveloped” country “in need of charity” – but to a prosperous, privileged, purportedly well-educated, and still mainly white population.
For the global nuclear industry – that would be a first! And not just any old first, but an extremely timely one. Just released this week, The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2024 describes an industry on life support. Even back in 2016 Former World Nuclear Association executive Steve Kidd spoke to this problem, noting that “the industry is essentially running to stand still.”
For Australia to adopt a government-run nuclear industry involving both large and small nuclear reactors across a continent – what a wonderful shot in the arm for the global nuclear lobby. And Dutton – what a hero!
Dutton would be famous not just in Australia, but world-wide
Is this why Peter Dutton is promoting his nuclear policy?
I can’t think of any other reason.
Australia, especially in the State of South Australia, is becoming a world leader in renewable energy use – particularly in decentralised household rooftop solar, but also in large solar and wind programmes. Of course, Australia’s mining magnates are pretty happy with Dutton’s plan, as it will mean more mining, not just of uranium, but of coal and gas in the decades before nuclear power actually comes into use.
So – look – it’s a winner for Dutton’s fame.
And if that doesn’t work, there’s fame in another way
The last Liberal Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, is a great contender for the worst Prime Minister in Australian history. Just a few of his achievements to merit this award were:
- By 2022, Australia’s gross national debt was 42.5 per cent of GDP (Peak Whitlam government was 24.5. Peak Hawke-Keating was 24. Peak Rudd-Gillard Government debt was 20.)
- Notorious for taking a holiday during Australia’s 2019–20 bushfire season.
- Signed Australia up to the costly AUKUS nuclear submarine deal
- Secretly appointed himself to five ministerial positions without the knowledge of the public or his own government.
Economically, the nuclear power programme, added to the continuing AUKUS nuclear deal, could pretty well bankrupt Australia. Although Dutton claims that nuclear power will be cheap, he’s given no costings, and the over-riding opinion of energy and economics experts is that nuclear power would be the most expensive form of energy for Australia.
Environmentally, Dutton’s plan includes advanced nuclear reactors, which will require plutonium or enriched uranium – so this brings virtually eternal radioactive pollution into Australia (something that has been nearly avoided up until now). It also brings the hazards of nuclear weapons proliferation, and terrorism targets.
So – it’s a bold venture for Peter Dutton, to centre his election campaign on promoting the nuclear industry. He is to be commended for bravery in taking such a big risk.
If Dutton carries this through, as Prime Minister, he will rapidly gain world fame.
But also, as far as Australia is concerned, he could beat Scott Morrison into history as the nation’s worst Prime Minister.
Dutton’s big risk is that he might not get elected in 2025, and vanish very quickly from history.
ABOUT THE Submissions – re new agreement on Naval Nuclear Propulsion
I started out to copy and publish the Submissions – from the Australian Parliament website – https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/NuclearPropulsion/Submissions
I expected that there would be very few
Even the Parliament, let alone the public, has not been properly informed about this planned Treaty : Agreement among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion.
The vast majority of Australians, and most of the Members of Parliament would have been unaware of the government Inquiry into this, and its call for Submissions.
No wonder the government liked it all to be pretty hush-hush. This Treaty will surely go down in history as the Albanese government’s biggest botch-up. Mind you, it all was started in an equally quiet and uninformed way by the previous Scott Morrison government’s disastrous AUKUS pact. At the time, the then Labor Opposition had less than 24 hours to decide on whether to support it. Afraid of looking “weak on China” – they made the wrong decision.
While the media concentrated on the “important” stuff – Paris Olympics, celebrities, fashion, and some real news, – the new AUKUS plan was not in it.
Anyway, surprisingly, the number of submissions published is now up to 191. I am not able to publish them all. But I’m going through them, to find out their themes , and to see in anyone actually supports this very odd Treaty.
An avalanche of objections to the latest proposed AUKUS nuclear treaty.
Have pity on me. I said I would copy and publish all the submissions to this jargonistic, almost impenetrable latest USA/UK plan to hoodwink Australia into paying $squillions for useless soon-obsolete nuclear submarines, and also taking in their foul radioactive trash.
The proposed Treaty had virtually no publicity, and a short-timed not-publicised call for submissions.
So I thought that there’d be only a very few intrepid souls from the usual suspects – Friends of the Earth etc – who would wade through it all, and write an excellent submission.
But – I was wrong – it’s now up to 134 submissions published. Not counting the earliest 2 pro-nuke ones, I’m just coming across angry submission after angry submission saying NO to this AUKUS proposal. I’m sure I will come to the pro-nuclear ones – but not so far.
Anyway – gotta stop now and have A Nice Cup Of Tea.
It is good to know that not all Australians are suckers for American militarism.
Yah wouldn’t know it was happening. USA military might and toxic nuclear waste quietly infiltrating Australia?
I think that you’ve got to give credit to the corporate media, especially the Australian media.
I dunno about the rest of you, but I am pretty much numbed by the blanketing of all news for weeks on end, with coverage of the Olympics. Former Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser wished that politics should be relegated to page 3,with sport at the front page. He would be delighted with today’s situation where sport occupies about the first 37 pages of the news.
In Melbourne, we are about to come up for air after being submerged in Olympics news, only to face the next inundation, which is of course Australian Rules Football.
But the media here will dutifully make an exception for news about an enormous weapons industry fest now being held in Melbourne. No doubt there’ll be condemnation of those evil protestors who want to stop this wonderful industry – that brings in the dollars in weapons sales to places like Israel and Ukraine – so good for the Australian economy!
There are bits of news that just do not surface at all.
There’s a government Review going on – that just about nobody has heard about – https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/review-woomera-prohibited-area-coexistence-framework .
It’s all about how the government uses a large stretch of land in South Australia – almost certainly a quiet introduction to the idea of dumping USA’s AUKUS nuclear waste there. They very quietly called for Submissions by September 6th.
So pretty much nobody knew anything about that. (One investigative nuisance – David Noonan actually managed to get a Submission in)
Australians are pretty much conditioned now, to know that the only important news is sport, preferably with Australia winning, – (because it’s the only thing we’re good at, isn’t it?). Some Aborigines might be anxious to learn that South Australian land, already polluted by British nuclear bomb tests in the 1950s, is going to get another burst of nuclear weapons pollution from our “friends” the UK and USA.
But last year, the Australian media managed to kill off any plan for the Aborigines to have a Voice to Parliament. This year, media silence on the AUKUS nuclear waste plan will probably be even more effective in removing any Aboriginal objection from the process.
A quick update on Submissions to Parliament about the new AUKUS agreement
The remaining 16 Submissions are clear and straight-out in their condemnation of the agreement.
So far, – at 6 pm Tuesday 3rd September – 18 Submissions have been published
For several days, there were only 2 Submissions up. One, (by Robert Heron) – gives some weak criticism of the agreement. The other gives fulsome support to the agreement – it’s by Crispin Rovere – poker player, AI enthusiast, science fiction writer – who claims to be an “internationally recognised nuclear expert” – recognised by whom, I wonder?)
The remaining 16 Submissions are clear and straight-out in their condemnation of the agreement. On the whole, they give sound arguments for their opposition. I will be publishing them over the next days.
One wonders whether Australia’s always conformist and now cowardly Labor politicians will take any notice of these strong opinions. Liberal/National politicians can be relied on to kow-tow to their corporate backers and to the USA. Thank goodness Australia’s system gives intelligent iIndependents and Greens a chance to have a say.
Here are some of the core statements among those 16 Submissions:
I wish to express my complete opposition to the Aukus agreement. Australia should pursue an independent non aligned foreign policy.
It is sheer lunacy that we have put ourselves in a position which only profits the US and UK.
It is not in the best interests of the Australian people on a number of grounds
This Agreement should be rejected – the underlying premises are false or misleading.
The National Interest Analysis is negligent
Proceeding down the path of AUKUS will not make us safer. This Agreement should
not go forward.
Firstly, AUKUS is a horrifying idea in the sense that it is taking money away from the
Australia institutions that well and truly need it.
The acquisition of a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines (some of them second-hand) costing up to
A$368 billion is the largest defence project since World War Two and the worst foreign policy
mistake.
Not only does the AUKUS spending not produce social good it is harmful and causes risks to
Australian society.
Much to lose and nothing to gain.
Countering the nuclear lobby spin this week
Some bits of good news. How Copenhagen cleaned up its harbour. Renewable energy consumption hit a record high. The US finally supported a global plastics treaty
***********************************
TOP STORIES.
How US Big Tech monopolies colonized the world: Welcome to neo-feudalism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf1wQ9QeaKM
The heroes who saved the world from Chernobyl Two.
‘Very serious’ nuclear situation could happen ‘at any moment’ in Ukraine, says IAEA chief.
Donald Trump and Nuclear Weapons.
Molten salt reactors were trouble in the 1960s—and they remain trouble today.
From the archives. A new French fairy tale: “Cheap” nuclear electricity in France is not what it appears.
Biodiversity. Capitalism is killing the planet – but curtailing it is the discussion nobody wants to have. ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/08/20/2-b1-capitalism-is-killing-the-planet-but-curtailing-it-is-the-discussion-nobody-wants-to-have/
Climate. Climate scientist says 2/3rds of the world is under an effective ‘death sentence’ because of global warming. Think we don’t have a choice when it comes to saving the planet? Think again– ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/08/20/2-b1-think-we-dont-have-a-choice-when-it-comes-to-saving-the-planet-think-again/ Project 2025: The right-wing conspiracy to torpedo global climate action. Meeting 1.5C warming limit hinges on governments more than technology, study says.
Plastic pollution. Human brain tissue made up of 0.5 per cent microplastics, study reveals.
Noel’s notes. A whole new way of thinking about nuclear weapons – THEY’RE SILLY! “Churnalism” – that is a timely word that we all need to consider.
***********************************
AUSTRALIA. Is the USA now considering withdrawal from AUKUS? Australia offers U.S. a vast new military launchpad in China conflict. AUKUS 2.0: Albanese Drives It Like He Stole It, and Then Gives It Away to the US. Civil Society faces imposition of an AUKUS military High Level nuclear waste dump. The anti-renewables groups pushing the nuclear option to rural Australia – ALSO AT https://antinuclear.net/2024/08/26/the-anti-renewables-groups-pushing-the-nuclear-option-to-rural-australia/ Too big to fail? Who cares if there’s no accountability – the Nuclear Lie. More news items at https://antinuclear.net/2024/08/19/australian-nuclear-news-headlines-19-26-august/
NUCLEAR ITEMS.
ARTS and CULTURE. The lost world of Chornobyl: inside a nuclear disaster zone – in pictures. The UK nuclear lobby’s festival of joyous propaganda.
CLIMATE. Why Nuclear Energy Is Not the Solution to the Climate Crisis. Why the big push for nuclear power as “green”?
ECONOMICS. Atlantic Canada’s only nuclear power station is offline, again.
Final investment decision on new nuclear plant Sizewell C is delayed. “Final Investment Decision (FID) ” in Sizewell C nuclear station might never happen. Nuclear unicorn Newcleo to move holding company from UK to France to tap EU funds.
China keeps door firmly closed to Japanese seafood imports.
SMRs and nuclear renaissance: Learning from past to avoid over promising on low costs.
ENERGY. AI’s insatiable energy demand is going nuclear.
Global disappointment with the most promising energy: ‘The dream is dead’, and we are in ‘big trouble’
ENVIRONMENT. Sizewell C seeks permit for ‘water vole displacement activities’ ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/08/24/1-b1-sizewell-c-seeks-permit-for-water-vole-displacement-activities/
EVENTS. 1 September, Ontario WALK AGAINST NUCLEAR WASTE https://www.facebook.com/nonukesontreatylands
| MEDIA. Defence Correspondents: The Journalistic Wing of the Military? |
| POLITICS. Harris’s concluding speech at DNC embraces agenda of global war. Democrats Release Insanely Hawkish Middle East Policy Platform. ‘Strong record of supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship’: a look at Tim Walz’s votes on Palestine as a member of Congress.Biden’s Convention Speech Made Absurd Claims About His Gaza Policy. | POLITICS INTERNATIONAL and DIPLOMACY. Blinken ‘Sentenced Ceasefire Talks to Death’ With Comments on Netanyahu.Hungary again breaks with West: Ukrainian attack on Kursk is ‘wrong‘ .The U.S. and China Can Lead the Way on Nuclear Threat Reduction. White House downplays Chinese concerns over possible US nuclear strategy change, |
| SAFETY. Rafael Grossi to visit Kursk nuclear power plant in Russia , following reports that remains of a drone were found there Nuclear power risks rising in Russia-Ukraine war. Fire at Zaporizhzhia elevates meltdown risk. IAEA chief to visit Kursk nuclear plant due to Ukraine incursion. UK’s nuclear facilities ‘at high risk of atomic blackmail’ from Putin. Flight attendant turned author reveals terrible security vulnerability she fears could trigger nuclear apocalypse. How EDF almost plunged France into darkness .Incident: Fluid leak forces rail shipment to return to the San Onofre nuclear power plant | SECRETS and LIES. Report on nuclear power in Wales is so secret the UK Government won’t even disclose its name .Labour MP under fire for accepting £2,000 donation from Sizewell C developer. ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/08/22/1-b1-labour-mp-under-fire-for-accepting-2000-donation-from-sizewell-c-developer/ Inside the ‘suitably opaque’ response to a toxic sewage spill at Chalk River nuclear lab. |
| SPACE. EXPLORATION, WEAPONS. Rocket Test on Remote Scottish Island Ends in Flames. | SPINBUSTER. Nuclear power on the prairies is a green smokescreen. ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/08/21/2-b1-nuclear-power-on-the-prairies-is-a-green-smokescreen/ Why fans of nuclear are a problem today. |
| TECHNOLOGY. Small modular reactors: Not all that glows is gold. The Risk of Bringing AI Discussions Into High-Level Nuclear Dialogues. A robot’s attempt to get a sample of the melted nuclear fuel at Japan’s damaged reactor is suspended | WASTES. Britain’s Dirtiest Beaches – Don’t Mention the Pu! Japan: Removal of nuclear fuel remains in Fukushima will begin on August 22.The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)NDA’s £30 million investment into nuclear research & innovation.We don’t want your garbage‘: Northern township in shock after hearing Ontario is sending it radioactive waste. |
| WAR and CONFLICT. Blinken Heads to Israel for Gaza Cease-Fire Push as IDF Slaughter Continues. Moscow Says Ukraine Destroyed Russian Bridge With Western-Provided Missiles. Ukraine could trigger ‘another Chernobyl’ – ex-US Army officer. Zelensky’s Misadventures in Kursk. Kazakhstan Takes Lead in Global Push for Nuclear Disarmament Amid Heightened Tensions. | WEAPONS and WEAPONS SALES. From the NPT to the UN Summit of the Future: Cut nuclear weapons budgets and investments. ‘US the primary source of nuclear threat in world’. Biden approved nuclear strategy focusing on China: Report. US crying wolf over China’s ‘nuclear threat’ while expanding nuclear arsenal. Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt says the Ukraine War turned him into an arms dealer. |
This week’s nuclear news- miles too long- sorry!
above – Julian Assange – home with his familySome bits of good news – People power changes lives – Six months of wins for human rights. Anti-corruption strategies in Nigeria are working.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are having a positive spillover effect.
TOP STORIES
The Impact of Nuclear Weapons on Children.79 Years After Hiroshima & Nagasaki: A Grim Reminder of Nuclear Annihilation.
Mutually assured destruction is an outdated nuclear deterrence doctrine.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVunlJOyfB0
World-Ending Maneuvers? America’s Nuclear Weapons Quagmire. Inside the Nuclear-Weapons Lobby Today.
AUKUS Revamped: The Complete Militarisation of Australia.
Why US nuclear waste policy got stalled. And what to do about it.
UK’s most dangerous nuclear site pleads guilty after endangering national security.
Germany may take another 50 years to find final repository for waste from shuttered nuclear power.
Climate. Extreme heat in South Korea kills 11 and decimates livestock. ‘It made me cry’: photos taken 15 years apart show melting Swiss glaciers.
Noel’s notes. Relief – Hiroshima Day is over – now to our glorious $2 trillion nuclear weapons “modernization”! 6th August – a day of respectful remembrance, and a day of absurd nuclear hypocrisy World “experts” are kicking the nuclear waste can down the road – to our great grandchildren.
*************************
AUSTRALIA.
- The AUKUS operations are stalled because Australia cannot meet the nuclear waste disposal requirements of the non-proliferation treaty regime. Australia, US, UK sign nuclear transfer deal for AUKUS subs – AUSTRALIA RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SPENT FUEL WASTES. Australia is still finding out what it doesn’t know about its secretive AUKUS deal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H8_vQkKkgA Australia being turned into ’51st US state‘ – former Prime Minister. Australia makes undisclosed ‘political commitments’ in new AUKUS deal on transfer of naval nuclear technology.
- Peter Dutton’s nuclear lies – ALSO AT https://antinuclear.net/2024/08/12/peter-duttons-nuclear-lies/
- Australian Conservation Foundation’s X account suspended after apparent ‘report bombing’ . Lots more Australian news at https://antinuclear.net/2024/08/09/australian-nuclear-news-headlines-8-12-august/
NUCLEAR NEWS ITEMS
| ATROCITIES. Why We Must Oppose Israel’s Dangerous Gamble Before It’s Too Late. ‘Heinous’: Children Among 100 Killed by Israel Bombing of Gaza School Just Hours After US Weapons Approval. Nothing’s changed since 1948 – except now Israel’s excuses don’t work. | CLIMATE EDF extends heat-related warning cuts at 3 nuclear plants. France Warns of Nuclear Power Cuts as Heat Triggers Water Curbs. IAEA concerned about forest fires near occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. |
| ECONOMICS. Lemon socialism? – Rolls Royce might like to gracefully get out of Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? UK Government refuses to release Sizewell C’s predicted price tag. Biden’s $1.5 Billion Deal To Resurrect A Nuclear Plant Is Facing Fresh Drama. | EMPLOYMENT. Over two hundred jobs may be lost if Haverigg jail is displaced by nuclear dump. |
| HEALTH. Red Cross Hospital in Japan continuing to treat nuclear bomb victims – the hibakusha | HISTORY. US atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remembered amid growing threat of nuclear war. Hiroshima marks 79 years since atomic bombing, as nuclear war fears rise. |
| PUBLIC OPINION. What do Americans really think about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Majority of Americans support more nuclear power, but future of large-scale nuclear is uncertain. Radioactive Waste Management – Public Attitudes Survey for Scotland. | SAFETY. IAEA: Cooling pond water levels decreasing at Ukraine nuclear plant. IAEA Director General Statement on Developments in the Russian Federation, (with Kursk Nuclear Power Plant under threat). Nuclear disaster warning for two countries as Putin orders urgent mass evacuation. Will Ukraine’s attack on Russian territory lead to the seizure of the Kursk Nuclear Plant? Russia strengthens security at Kursk nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s assault in region. It must be no to nuclear – whether energy or weapons. |
SECRETS and LIES.
- Biden administration lies on Ukraine war are monstrous.
- ‘Massive disinformation campaign’ is slowing global transition to green energy.
- Ukraine and Russia trade accusations over fire at occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
- Nine spycops snooped on anti-nuclear protests in Scotland.
- Spy cop ‘made up absurd bomb plot’ over nuclear waste on railway route.
- The Trump link to Ohio nuke corruption.
SPINBUSTER. A DUBIOUS PROSPECT? Rolls-Royce looks to sell stake in small nuclear reactor business.
URANIUM. While Cumbrian MPs Blindly Agitate for More Uranium Mining to Feed More Nuclear New Build, Indigenous Australians are celebrating Halt to Poisoning of their Lands
WASTES. Too short, ill-timed and clumsy: Welsh Nuclear Free Local Authorities critical of Trawsfynydd radioactive waste consultation. Lake District’s Coastal Nuclear Waste Dump Screw Tightens. Radiation monitoring keeps track of nuclear waste contamination. Anti-nuclear Group Criticizes Short Consultation over Trawsfynydd Lake Radioactive Contamination.
WAR AND CONFLICT.
Ukraine war briefing: Main fire at Russia-controlled nuclear plant in Ukraine extinguished. IAEA chief calls for restraint as fighting remains ongoing ‘in the vicinity’ of Russia’s Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.
Israeli policy means ‘difficult to know’ how close world is to nuclear war, warns International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Shin Bet said to prepare bunker for Netanyahu, senior leadership amid Iranian threat. Majority of Americans Oppose Using US Troops To Defend Israel .
Nuclear weapons can never bring peace or security – only mass death.
Modernizing Nuclear War’
WEAPONS and WEAPONS SALES.
- Desperate for escalation, did Zelensky bomb Zaporozhye Nuke Plant in Frustration ? US to send more military aid to Ukraine, as Ukrainian drones target Kursk and the Kursk Nuclear Power PLant
- The United States is launching a new nuclear arms race: to catch up and outsmart Russia and China.
- The Space Force can require private companies to cut off service to their other customers.
- Iran Is Better Positioned to Launch Nuclear-Weapons Program.
- UK’s Astute nuclear submarines stuck in port waiting for maintenance. ALSO AT https://antinuclear.net/2024/08/07/uks-astute-nuclear-submarines-stuck-in-port-
TODAY. Relief – Hiroshima Day is over – now to our glorious $2 trillion nuclear weapons “modernization”!
August 7th. Hiroshima day is over. We can all breathe a sigh of relief. No need to be sad any more , about nuclear bombing. (Oh wait – there’s Nagasaki Day on the 9th. No matter, there’s very little coverage of that, and the people who count – the smart young people, probably have neder heard of it,
The good thing is – industry races on! Especially the USA nuclear weapons industry. Ain’t that great! They’re going to spend $2 trillion on “modernizing” nuclear weapons. And if Donald Trump gets in, backed by the Heritage Foundation, well – it will be more than $2 trillion.
I mean – think of the jobs jobs jobs! Think of the return to shareholders!
(Think of the American national debt – Nah – don’t go there. That is communist -style thinking and negativity)
No we don’t need negativity. Some people moan about not spending enough money on combatting climate change, on cleaning up plastic pollution, on preserving biodiversity, or even on feeding the world’s refugees and the hungry second-rate peoples.
No – positivity is the way to go. A positive approach to later on having a war against the evil Chinese and the evil Russians.
This week: The other side of news on nuclear and related issues
Some bits of good news– Trees Reveal Climate Surprise: Bark Removes Methane from the Atmosphere
Global population predictions offer ‘hopeful sign’ for planet, UN says. UNICEF and UNWRA work together in Gaza.
TOP STORIES.
79 years since the unthinkable.
The Great Global Computer Outage Is a Warning We Ignore at Our Peril .
Eastern Europe’s purchase of US nuclear reactors is primarily about military ties, not climate change.
How Many Nuclear Bombs Has The US Air Force Lost?
Climate. Extreme ‘heat dome’ hitting Olympics ‘impossible’ without global heating. Largest wildfire in US grows to cover area bigger than Los Angeles
Noel’s notes. “People of a generally nervous disposition” worry about mishaps with nuclear bombs. Who will honestly face up to the problem of nuclear wastes? Rolling Stewardship as a practical option.
*******************************
AUSTRALIA. Nuclear is a toxic idea … here’s why. Australia should avoid small nuclear reactors until 2040s, engineers warn. AUKUS servility just one facet of poor governance. Israel lobby ramps up scare campaigns in fear of truth. America’s war machine: Unless Australia acquires nuclear weapons, why acquire AUKUS subs? Lots more Australian nuclear news at https://antinuclear.net/2024/08/01/australian-nuclear-news-headlines-29-july-5-august-2/
| ARTS and CULTURE. 2-3 August, and 6-8 August Hiroshima Seen: Survivors and Witnesses Picture the Nuclear Age. The pictures worth a thousand words. | CLIMATE. Atomic Fallacy: Why Nuclear Power Won’t Solve the Climate Crisis. Californians defy evacuation orders as wildfire threatens homes. As record heat risks bleaching 73% of the world’s coral reefs, scientists ask ‘what do we do now?’ |
ECONOMICS.
- Point Lepreau nuclear station – a heavy financial burden that keeps getting heavier-ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/07/30/3-b1-point-lepreau-nuclear-station-a-heavy-financial-burden-that-keeps-getting-heavier/
- NuScale Power plunges after report says it is under SEC investigation.
- U.S. company HOLTEC approaches South Yorkshire with £1.3bn offer to start Small Nuclear Reactor production.
- Rolls Royce – the “burning platform”? Rolls-Royce to sell stake in mini-nukes arm ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/08/05/1-b1-rolls-royce-to-sell-stake-in-mini-nukes-arm/
- Government partnership is needed if Dutch pension fund PME is to make “risky” nuclear investment.
- ‘Ultra-cheap energy for every household’: could a different kind of tariff change everything?.
| EDUCATION. Some UK higher education rejoices in the nuclear and military partnership. | ENERGY. UK Electricity System Operator (ESO)s Future Energy Scenarios for a green UK – nuclear power is uncertain. This. nuclear waste site could soon host a massive solar installation. California achieves 100% renewable energy for 100 days. How much electricity comes from the Sun on summer days in the UK? Renewables are crushing gas-fired power. |
| ENVIRONMENT. Oceans. Link between unexploded munitions in oceans and cancer-causing toxins determined. | ETHICS and RELIGION. Project 2025 – A New Pax Romana | LEGAL. Assange, CIA Surveillance and Spain’s Audencia Nacional. |
MEDIA. Mass Media Goons Are Still Reporting That Biden Is Getting Tough On Netanyahu.
The Hidden Ties Between Google and Amazon’s Project Nimbus and Israel’s Military.
OPPOSITION to NUCLEAR . Japan, U.S. urged to work for nuclear abolition at symposium.
Blackwater Against New Nuclear Power Group (BANNG)campaigners say company’s claims over Bradwell B are false.
PERSONAL STORIES.
‘True horror’: Japan’s Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor campaigns for a nuclear-free world.
Canada and the Atom Bomb: Remembering As an Act of Resistance.
| POLITICS. US Congressmen Say ‘No War With Iran!’ Trump could win back the nuclear codes-Biden should put guardrails on the nuclear arsenal—now. Americans! How to make your vote count in November, and save the world in the process. Kamala: We need a ceasefire and arms embargo NOW! UK – the Ed Milliband Nuclear Nonsense Show. Generic Design Assessment Step 1 of the Holtec SMR: statement of findings. Bruce County Council nuclear endorsement undermines local democracy. | POLITICS INTERNATIONAL and DIPLOMACY. Putin warns the US of Cold War-style missile crisis. Nagasaki decides against inviting Israel to commemorate nuclear bombing of Japan amid war on Gaza. Understanding China’s Approach to Nuclear Deterrence. The Abrahamic Alliance: Reality or work of fiction? Behind a Nuclear Cooperation Agreement With Washington -Singapore not committed to nuclear power |
| SAFETY. Japan nuclear watchdog panel decides against restarting Tsuruga reactor. US nuclear plant unfit for quick resurrection, former lead engineer says. | SECRETS and LIES. Greasing Palms: The Thales Blueprint for Corruption. Britain’s nuclear submarine software built by Belarusian engineers. | TECHNOLOGY. Is the dream of nuclear fusion dead? Why the international experimental reactor is in ‘big trouble’ |
WASTES. Burying radioactive nuclear waste poses enormous risks.
Is Manitoba willing to accept nuclear waste risks?
Japan continues search for its first nuclear waste disposal site by screening tiny rural town.
WAR and CONFLICT.
- US Will ‘Certainly’ Defend Israel If Attacked By Iran In Wake Of Haniyeh Killing. US deploys 12 warships to Middle East as Israel escalates attacks in region.
- Iran vows revenge after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran. Major escalation’: Israel bombs densely populated area of Beirut, Hezbollah says commander survived the attack.
- Israeli Forces Have Killed 366 UN Workers and Family Members in Gaza: Leaked Report. “Unspeakable”: Doctors Back from Gaza Say Death Toll “Much Higher,” Push Harris, Biden for Ceasefire.
- Where Is the Biden Plan to End the War in Ukraine?
- Putin often cites Russia’s ‘nuclear doctrine’ governing the use of atomic weapons. But what is it?
- The US might lose a war with China, congressional commission says.
WEAPONS and WEAPONS SALES.
First NATO F-16’s delivered to Ukraine (nuclear capable).
Replacing the UK’s nuclear deterrent: The Warhead Programme– without appropriate Parliamentary scrutiny.
‘Nuclear weapons money could tackle climate change‘- Martha Wardrop, Scottish Greens.
Counteracting the nuclear spin, and more – week to 29 July
Some bits of good news. The Gambia’s decision to uphold ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) a critical win for girls’ and women’s rights. Oceana Canada Celebrates Major Conservation Victory: Underwater Mountains off the Coast of B.C. Now Permanently Protected, under indigenous guidance. Great Green Wall has revived Africa’s degraded landscapes
**************************************
TOP STORIES.
What the top UN court’s ruling means for Israel. Netanyahu Commands, US Obeys.
Rolling stewardship of nuclear waste.
Young Changemakers Advocate for Nuclear-Free Future through Educational Journey in Kazakhstan.
Climate. Severe heatwave in Iran forces shops and public institutions to close
Noel’s notes. Militarism: How NATO is co-opting women and young people – with a veneer of peace and fun. The digital system threatens the nuclear industry – it’ll get worse with AI. Absolutely fed up with Facebook and Google’s censorship of nuclear issues.
************************************************
AUSTRALIA. Dutton’s nuclear delusion an exercise in stupidity. Czech nuclear deal shows CSIRO GenCost is too optimistic, and new nukes are hopelessly uneconomic. Aussies react to Dutton’s Nuclear Policy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o4S335dXM4
Canada rejects AUKUS nuclear submarine deal. AUKUS and the pride of politicians.
From the archives. Gina Rinehart’s threat to the proud independence of Australia’s Fairfax newspapers.
Respect and responsibility: Jabiluka safe as uranium mining lease for Kakadu site not renewed8.
Lots more Australian news at https://antinuclear.net/2024/07/23/australian-nuclear-news-headlines-22-29-july/
NUCLEAR ITEMS
CLIMATE. Hungary to allow nuclear plant to exceed Danube water temperature limit. Huge wildfire rips into California.
ECONOMICS.
- Critical AUKUS contract doubles in price and now a year late.
- ‘ Regulated Asset Base’ system mulled in Japan to add nuke plant construction costs to rates.
- Point Lepreau nuclear station down till at least September, costing utility extra $71M ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/07/24/3-b1-point-lepreau-nuclear-station-down-till-at-least-september-costing-utility-extra-71m/ A New Brunswick reaction to the exorbitant costs of Point Lepreau nuclear power station.
- Spain: Nuclear Industry Reels After Tax Increase.
- UK / New Energy Minister Underlines ‘Absolute Support’ For SMRs, But Less Certain On Wylfa Plans.
- French nuclear giant ORANO slips into the red following Niger-French breakup. EDF looks towards future projects after flagging tough second half.
| EDUCATION. Bangor University to collaborate with Rolls Royce and the University of Oxford to develop nuclear power for space. | ENERGY. Solar doesn’t need a toxic “friendship” with nuclear power. | ETHICS and RELIGION. A letter to the children of tomorrow. “Nuclear disarmament is a right to life issue” – Catholic Archbishop John C Wester. |
EVENTS. 30 July Webinar: Halt Holtec – the Nuclear Mafia Atomic People will be broadcast on Wednesday 31 July on BBC Two and BBC iPlaye 6 August WEBINAR. Never Again! Remembering the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
| LEGAL. A $36.8 billion lesson from Georgia– “The most expensive electricity in the world”Potential claims against NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. The World Court Has Cleared the Fog Hiding Western Support for Israel’s Crimes.Hundreds protesting Netanyahu visit arrested at US Capitol. Two legal actions against the hasty commissioning of Flamanville nuclear reactor. | MEDIA. BBC correspondent exposes ‘collapse of journalistic norms’ after 7 Oct. Meta’s Policy On Zionism Exposed: Cyberwell Scrambles After Israel Ties Revealed. U.S. media downplays and ignores ICJ ruling declaring Israeli occupation illegal. We published an analysis from a leading economist on soaring nuclear costs. Facebook removed it |
OPPOSITION to NUCLEAR . Nuclear energy not the way to go: coalition Taiwan. UK Nuclear Free Local Authorities back joint statement condemning AUKUS nuclear proliferation. Nuclear Free Local Authorities congratulate marchers on Lakenheath protest.
| PEACE. 2024 Golden Rule Voyage Begins! | PERSONAL STORIES. ‘Atomic bomb hell must never be repeated’ say Japan’s last survivors. | PLUTONIUM. Is nuclear waste able to be recycled? Would that solve the nuclear waste problem? |
| SAFETY Safety warnings as cracks rise at Torness nuclear plant. Japan Nuclear Restart Suffers Major Setback. | TECHNOLOGY. Humans should teach AI how to avoid nuclear war—while they still can. | WASTES. Radioactive Wastes from Nuclear Reactors. |
| WAR and CONFLICT. Israel nearing ‘all-out war’ – foreign minister. Washington gives Netanyahu ‘full backing’ to expand war on Lebanon: Israel Report. While Netanyahu is feted in U.S. Congress, Israeli airstrike hits a school sheltering people in Gaza, killing at least 30. Scottish parliamentarian highlights ‘nuclear annihilation risk’ in major UN speech | WEAPONS and WEAPONS SALES. Will US defend Japan with nukes or turn it into the line of fire? US Forces Japan to be upgraded to warfighting command. Tit for tat? Putin warns Russia may resume production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons. EU sets date of transfer of Russian money to Ukraine for arms purchases. |
This week – nuclear news to 22 July
Some bits of good news. Support for parents and children from birth. Montenegro signs the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action
TOP STORIES.
Nuclear industry faces acute cybersecurity threats – report.
International Court of Justice Tells Israel to End Occupation of Palestinian Territories, Pay Reparations.
- History of Ionizing Radiation and Human Health.
- ‘Low level’ ionizing radiation, and the history of debate about its effects.
- Time to confront to cover-up of the harm of low-level radiation.
- History of the medical profession’s role in illnesses and death caused by nuclear radiation. (Originals at https://ionizingradiationandyou.blogspot.com/)
From the archives. An unacceptable risk to children
Climate. 27 Ways Heat Can Kill You – Update 2024
Noel’s notes. The cover-up of the danger of nuclear radiation and health, but who is speaking for our grandchildren? Nuclear power -costs, wastes, etc, but what about the children? More American media madness.
********************************************
AUSTRALIA.
- Behind the plans for Australia to become a nuclear dumping ground and leverage synergies with the US military alliance and civilian nuclear.
- What are the steps (and the COSTS) to building nuclear power stations – by Peter Farley
- Greens up pressure against nuclear.
- Dutton’s Quixotic Proposal: Nuclear Lunacy Down Under.
- Can the Voices model help communities fight off nuclear reactors? Agriculture ministers raise ‘serious’ concern over nuclear plans,
- Australia: Opposition’s nuclear power plans open the door for nuclear weapons.
- Australia’s secret support for the Israeli assault on Gaza, through Pine Gap.
- How close are we to chaos? It turns out, just one blue screen of death. Lots more Australian nuclear news at https://antinuclear.net/2024/07/17/australian-nuclear-news-headlines-week-to-22-july/
………………………………………….
NUCLEAR ITEMS.
| ART and CULTURE. The chilling map that shows the devastation of a nuclear attack on Scotland. | ATROCITIES. Israeli soldiers tell story of savage cruelty in Gaza – one given blessing by the West. | CIVIL LIBERTIES. Never Forget Julian Assange. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZLbFkv7I4k |
| ECONOMICS. Premier of New Brunswick Higgs suggests New Brunswick’s Small Nuclear Reactors may not win race to commercialization. ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/07/19/2-b1-premier-of-new-brunswick-higgs-suggests-n-b-s-smrs-may-not-win-race-to-commercialization/ France’s EDF faces fresh setback after losing Czech nuclear bid. | ENERGY. China is installing the wind and solar equivalent of five large nuclear power stations per week. Nuclear does not mean reliable power for Australia – by Peter Farley. |
| ENVIRONMENT. EDF’s plans to create new saltmarsh. | EVENT. Cold War Scotland – Exhibition National Museum of Scotland24 July. Rally – Washington – Stop the Gaza Genocide . |
| HEALTH. Radiation.New Book. The Scientists Who Alerted us to Radiation’s Dangers.Mounting evidence of cancer risk from low dose radiation in childhood, or in the uterus.Specific Radioactive Elements and Their Effects on Health – (Original at https://ionizingradiationandyou.blogspot.com/) | INDIGENOUS ISSUES. In New Mexico, a Walk Commemorates the Nuclear Disaster Few Outside the Navajo Nation Remember. | LEGAL. Overwhelming ICJ Ruling against Israeli Occupation Highlights Need for UN Action. ActionAid welcomes the historic judgment of the International Court of Justice. |
| MEDIA. With Media Enamored by US Presidential Race, Israeli Massacres in Gaza Get Even Deadlier. | OPPOSITION to NUCLEAR . Anti-nuclear weapons activists to camp outside RAF base for ten days. Nuclear Free Local Authorities challenge UK government on New Cleo’s application for “justification” of its small nuclear “fast” reactor. Nuclear convoys travelling to Coulport should be peacefully stopped |
| PERSONAL STORIES. Testimonies from the Mawasi massacre: 90 people buried in the sand. | PLUTONIUM . North Korea’s Yongbyon Nuclear Complex: New evidence of increased activity |
| POLITICS.J.D. Vance unlikely to advance peace advancing to Vice Presidency.UK: Ed Miliband unveils plans for mini-nuclear reactors ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/07/22/1-b1-uk-ed-miliband-unveils-plans-for-mini-nuclear-reactors/Campaigners against Sizewell C hopeful new MPs will take their concerns to parliament.Absent but not missed: No mention of nuclear in King’s Speech.80 CANADIAN ORGANIZATIONS CALL ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO RESCIND APPOINTMENT OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY AGENCY PRESIDENT. | POLITICS INTERNATIONAL and DIPLOMACY.AUKUS – Australia-United Kingdom-United States nuclear pact endangers us all.Saudi Arabia wants to fully recognize Israel in exchange for arms, nuclear facility — Biden.Nuclear-weapon states are disregarding political commitments accepted under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), |
| SAFETY. Major failure at southern Russia’s largest nuclear plant, 1 power unit shut down.‘Near miss’ incident reported at nuclear waste site near Carlsbad. High hopes and security fears for next-gen nuclear reactors | SPACE. EXPLORATION, WEAPONS. Space-Based Warfare: America’s Dominance Challenged.Please, No Weapons and Wars in Space. |
| SPINBUSTER. Shiny New MP’s Fizzingly Push For More Nuclear Waste – Hotter the better! And a Complaint to Advertising Standards – Standards? What Standards!. | TECHNOLOGY. Massive IT outage spotlights major vulnerabilities in the global information ecosystem. Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)– Dirty Dangerous Distractions from Real Climate Action. | WASTES. Pacific leaders, Japan, agree on Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge (not everyone is happy). Fukushima plant ends 7th round of treated water release into sea. |
| WAR and CONFLICT. Nuclear War Is Imminent. Exposing the Myth of the ‘Good War’US Ally South Korea Threatens Nuclear-Armed North Korea With Regime Destruction. | WEAPONS and WEAPONS SALES.Democrats to Keep Unconditional Military Aid to Israel in Party Platform. NATO’s Obscure Relations With Israel and its weapons industry. NATO/US Complicity in Israel’s Relentless Genocide of Gaza. Israel using water as weapon of war as Gaza supply plummets by 94%, creating deadly health catastrophe: Oxfam. North Korean nuclear weapons, 2024. China Stops Arms Control Talks With the US Over Arms Sales to Taiwan. Russia Says It May Deploy Nuclear Missiles in Response to New US Missile Deployment to Germany. |
Nuclear news – week to 15 July
Some bits of good news – Ancient conservation practice restoring the Middle East. Restoration of Maple River offers hope for future conservation initiatives. China cleans up its air and water.
TOP STORIES
NATO SUMMIT: Collectively Losing Their Minds. For 75 Years, NATO Has Been Terrorizing the Globe. German Parliamentarian in Washington Says No to NATO – Yes to Peace.
The Atlas Network and the Council for National Policy: America’s global revolution. The Atlas Network’s transnational revolution. https://johnmenadue.com/the-atlas-networks-transnational-revolution/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ_AG6irJ_g
Climate. Temperatures 1.5C above pre-industrial era average for 12 months, data show.
Noel’s notes. The NATO statement – absurdity and collective suicide? The insanity of rampant mindless new technology.
****************************************************
AUSTRALIA.
- Experts argue for an Australian ban on nuclear weapons ahead of UN Summit.
- Book – “Nuked” on Aukus ‘fiasco’ says decision to embrace pact will ‘haunt’ Labor for years.
- South Australia’s renewable triumph is stunning proof that Dutton’s nuclear plans are a folly. No room for nuclear: AGL Energy, Australia’s biggest supplier of AGL baseload power, says flexibility is key as it plans to dump coal for renewables in a decade.
- Aboriginal supporter of right-wing racism, Warren Mundine’s interests in mining uranium -not doing too well.
- The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) just exploded their argument that the “Atlas Network” is tinfoil hat conspiracy.
- Don’t make my home a nuclear power hub– nuclear reactors in Latrobe Valley unsafe and unrealistic ALSO AT https://antinuclear.net/2024/07/12/2-a-dont-make-my-home-a-nuclear-power-hub-nuclear-reactors-in-latrobe-valley-unsafe-and-unrealistic/
- Decoded: Defence Department’s deadly deceits.
- Power-hungry data centres are booming in Australia. Can the grid cope?
- Game of Mates. The Australian War Memorial and its military industrial conflicts of interest.
- More Australian nuclear news at https://antinuclear.net/2024/07/09/nuclear-and-associated-news-to-16-july
NUCLEAR ITEMS
| ATROCITIES. The Lancet study estimates death toll in Gaza 186,000 or even more. Counting the dead inGaza: difficult but essential. ‘Horrific Massacre’: Israel Bombs Gaza School Used as Refugee Camp, Killing Dozens. | CLIMATE. Texas Nuclear Power Plant Hit By Hurricane Beryl. | ECONOMICS.Analyst Says Nuclear Industry Is ‘Totally Irrelevant’ in the Market for New Power Capacity.New Brunswick’s nuclear-powered rate hikes.New nuclear is ‘too expensive’ for UK zero-carbon energy target.EDF pulls out of competition to build mini-nuclear reactors in Britain.€130 Billion Nuclear Dream in Europe Meets Financial Reality. |
| EMPLOYMENT. With global race to decarbonize electricity sector, demand for skilled nuclear workers heats up.https://nuclear-news.net/2024/07/09/2-b-with-global-race-to-decarbonize-electricity-sector-demand-for-skilled-nuclear-workers-heats-up/ | ENERGY.“The Sun has won”: exponentially growing solar destroys nuclear, fossil fuels on price.Solar power will lead globally- says Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). South Australia locks in federal funds to become first grid in world to reach 100 per cent net wind and solar. U.S. Solar and Wind Power Generation Tops Nuclear for First Time. | ENVIRONMENT. NATO’s nuclear bases have poisoned water and fish. |
| ETHICS and RELIGION. The false equivalency of nuclear disarmament and nuclear abolition. | EVENTS. 13 – 25th July PROTEST ACTION AT LAKENHEATH -Stop nuclear weapons returning to Lakenheath UK –sign on at https://lakenheathallianceforpeace.org.uk/sign-up/ 24 July. Rally – Washington – Stop the Gaza Genocide | HISTORY.July 16 – New Mexico anniversaries – of first nuclear weapons test, and of Church Rock radioactive waste disaster. The dirty history of ‘Nukey Poo’, the reactor that soiled the Antarctic. ALSO AT https://antinuclear.net/2024/07/12/2-a-the-dirty-history-of-nukey-poo-the-reactor-that-soiled-the-antarctic/ |
| LEGAL. First Nation challenges nuclear waste decision in federal court. | MEDIA. The Corporate News Media at Work, Julian Assange And The Criminalization of Journalism: A Story Of Moral Injury And Moral Courage. Book “Nuked” , on Aukus ‘fiasco’ says decision to embrace pact will ‘haunt’ Australia’s Labor for years. NATO member to fight ‘pro-war propaganda’ – official. 16 July marks 79 years since the Trinity test. | OPPOSITION to NUCLEAR . Anti-nuclear protestors to march from Norwich to Lakenheath. First Nations and allies resist proposed radioactive waste repository. Hundreds of Scientists Urge Biden to Cancel $100 Billion Nuclear Weapons Boondoggle. |
| POLITICS.Biden’s press conference and the war hysteria of American imperialismUS Mayors for Peace Call for Dialogue in a Time of Nuclear Danger. Tracking Dissent: US Officials Who Have Resigned Over The War on Gaza.Newly Signed Bill Will Boost Nuclear Reactor Deployment in the United States. Joe Biden Just Signed a Popular, Bipartisan Nuclear Power Bill. Advocates Say It’s a Sign of Things to Come. Biden signs ADVANCE Act. Now what?Scottish Nuclear Free Local Authorities Convenor seeks ‘respect’ for Scotland’s stance on nuclear power | POLITICS INTERNATIONAL and DIPLOMACY.NATO Washington Summit Declaration – a delusional March of Folly.NATO: From Cold War Defensive Coalition to Global Military Behemoth- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vDfxo653cY NATO at 75: obsolete but still risking nuclear war, seeking dragons to slay.Medea Benjamin DISMANTLES Biden NATO Reelect Pitch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJDvmAWcuUIInside the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. Serbia’s Nuclear Energy Quest Opens Geopolitical Flash Point For China, Russia, And The West. |
| SAFETY. US bases in Europe on high alert for possible terrorist attack: US Department of Defense. | SECRETS and LIES. US-made missile suddenly ‘transformed’ into a ‘Russian’ one and killed 40 civilians. Sellafield bosses ignored and punished this whistleblower. | SPINBUSTER. Kiev missile attack. What happened? [i] |
| TECHNOLOGY. Hinkley Point C, the £46 billion mega-project digging tunnels under the sea Blow to Miliband’s nuclear ambitions as top mini-nuke lab faces closure. Point Lepreau nuclear power plant has a generator ‘issue,‘ says NB Power. Utility doesn’t know how long it will take to fix. | WASTES. Radioactive Real Estate: Finding a Forever Home for Nuclear Waste. Ignace, Ontario, betrayed by Council, on nuclear waste decision, Radioactive Waste: Symposium Primer -Samuel Lawrence Foundation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4c28c3jLY0 Water leaks reported at Germany’s Asse II radwaste facility. Decommissioning. Radiation levels assessed for on-site burial plan at old nuclear power station |
| WAR and CONFLICT. Gaza deal must allow Israel to keep fighting -Netanyahu. How Netanyahu Has Systematically Foiled Talks to Release Hostages From Hamas Captivity. US war games in Pacific seek global participation in imperialist maneuvers. | WEAPONS and WEAPONS SALES. Pentagon keeps commitment to Sentinel nuclear missile as costs balloon. Wall Street Journal finally admits high-tech Western weapons ‘useless’ in Ukraine conflict. Russian Officials Vow Response to US Missile Deployment to Germany. |
TODAY. The insanity of rampant mindless new technology
It’s not that I’m against new technology. It has many benefits. It’s just that there can be too much of a good thing.
As an illustration, I’m looking at the plan to employ “human-like” robots to provide companionship to lonely aged people, in particular, to those with dementia. In Australia, there’s a government-encouraged plan that is developing these robots. The robots are meant to provide cheery company and entertainment, to groups of old people and to individuals. They can initiate games, blow bubbles, and provide a stream of wisecracking banter (I heard a sample of this on Australia’s ABC Radio National).
above – “Nadine” – robot, Japan
Just what a dementia person needs- NOT! The last thing that a demented person needs is smart-aleck wisecracks. What they do need is a gentle touch, a human hand leading them for a walk, very little talk, and simple talk, not stuff that will add to their confusion. What they need is empathy – and that’s one thing that a robot cannot give.
Of course, the robot gobbles up electricity. And that must cost a bit, but presumably cheaper than paying a human to do this task?
The companion robot is just one example of the useless bits of new technology that waste not only our time, but also huge amounts of electricity and water.
Consider how many trillions of unnecessary emojis, emails, digital posts of all kinds, must be increasingly stored in those dirty great steel data containers that are deceptively called “the cloud” . The big deception is that we’re supposed to think that there’s some kind of innocuous beneficial vapour, into which all our digital rubbish just fades away.
That massive dirty digital steel rubbish “cloud” bank is forever guzzling electricity and the necessary cooling water.
As artificial intelligence races away, and the squillionares like Jeff Bezos rule the world, unhindered wasteful new technology is leading us towards a collective insanity. The nuclear lobbyists must be licking their lips – as electricity usage booms with AI, the argument for nuclear energy booms, too.
There would be many ways to limit our digital use, if only there was a general acceptance of the idea of moderate use, and the motivation to be more frugal in our digital management.
Rampant energy use for completely wasteful purposes not only destroys employment for humans, but it also leads to the toxic world of nuclear power, (and of course, its twin, nuclear weapons.)
Nuclear and associated news -week to 8th July
Some bits of good news. Conservation and economic development go hand in hand, more often than expected. Peru has protected 6,449 hectares of an endemic fog oasis that hosts hundreds of rare and threatened species.
TOP STORIES
Trump has a strategic plan for the country: Gearing up for nuclear war.
How do you convince someone to live next to a nuclear waste site?
Nuclear power would put our energy security into Russian hands– ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/07/05/1-a-nuclear-power-would-put-our-energy-security-into-russian-hands/
Climate. Climate hazards impact more than four-fifths of cities worldwide, study finds. How record-breaking Hurricane Beryl is a sign of a warming world.
Noel’s notes. Australia further in the grip of the USA, with the Amazon data spy hub – paid for by Aussie tax-payers. The world must stop creating nuclear garbage.
AUSTRALIA. Australians being kept in the dark about Pine Gap expansion. Australia to build ‘top-secret’ cloud for intelligence agencies in $2bn deal with Amazon. Political Mastermind: a toxic waste of everyone’s time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4HGJ42c2Kg With its nuclear energy policy, Peter Dutton seems to have forgotten the Liberal Party’s core beliefs. See more Australian news at Australian nuclear news headlines this week.
NUCLEAR ISSUES
| ATROCITIES. Israel Has Forcibly Displaced 1.9 Million Palestinians in Gaza. | CLIMATE. Can the climate survive the insatiable energy demands of the AI arms race? | ECONOMICS. French nuclear giant scraps SMR plans due to soaring costs, will start over. EDF’s Nuward U-turn shows risk of betting on Small Nuclear Reactors – analysts. Labour must act fast to fire up Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor deals.Too uncertain, too slow: funds rule out financing Australia’s Dutton nuclear plan. |
| EMPLOYMENT. Talent Shortage Threatens Europe’s Nuclear Renaissance. | EVENTS. 10 July Rally to oppose nuclear mega-dump and support Kebaowek First Nation – at noon in Ottawa https://www.stopnuclearwaste.com/ | LEGAL. Why Julian Assange couldn’t outrun the Espionage Act. | MEDIA. Book. Nuclear is Not the Solution. The Folly of Atomic Power in the Age of Climate Change. |
POLITICS.
- Now Keir Starmer Has to Decide If He’d Use Nukes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQO6rJsVNkw . Tory accused of exaggerating chances of new nuclear plant. SCOTTISH GREENS WILL OPPOSE ALL PLANS FOR NEW NUCLEAR ENERGY. Work to show UK nuclear ‘environmentally sustainable’ incomplete, 16 months after government announcement. ‘Letters of last resort’: deciding response to a nuclear attack among first of Starmer’s tasks.
- Trump Advisers Call for U.S. Nuclear Weapons Testing if He Is Elected. . Congressional group on nuclear arms sets July hearing for embattled missile program.
- Starmer’s role in Assange’s prosecution.
- Masoud Pezeshkian: Iranian reformer who wants to end Tehran’s nuclear stand-off.
- Public Vote on Nuclear Power Plant Sparks Debate in Kazakhstan.
| POLITICS INTERNATIONAL and DIPLOMACY.Europe is Quietly Debating a Nuclear Future Without the US.Trusting the ‘Five Eyes’ OnlyUkraine to be warned it’s ‘too corrupt’ for NATO .What does Iran’s Nuclear Policy look like with the new president? | SAFETY. Russia might restart the Zaporizhzhia Ukrainian nuclear plant it seized. | SECRETS and LIES. Former New Brunswick energy minister joins nuclear industry after resigning in June. Australian Opposition leader Dutton’s claim about G20 nuclear energy use doesn’t add up. |
| SPINBUSTER. The nuclear and renewable myths that mainstream media can’t be bothered challenging. The overblown hype of the nuclear “bros”. | TECHNOLOGY.The commissioning of the Flamanville EPR, nuclear reactor is proving difficult.Unable to effectively operate its lone existing nuclear reactor, New Brunswick is betting on advanced options ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/07/04/1-b1-unable-to-effectively-operate-its-lone-existing-nuclear-reactor-new-brunswick-is-betting-on-advanced-options/World’s Largest Nuclear Fusion Reactor Delayed . ITER nuclear fusion reactor hit by massive decade-long delay and €5bn price hike. Fusion power could transform how we get our energy — and worsen problems it’s intended to solve.Constellation Energy plans restart of Three Mile Island nuclear plant. |
| WAR and CONFLICT. Ukrainian drones injure Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant workers, say Russian-backed officials.Tensions with Iran spotlight Israel’s hidden nuclear arsenal.The obsolescence of war. | WEAPONS and WEAPONS SALES.You Don’t Want to Live in America’s ‘Nuclear Sponge’ .NATO Members Agree To Give Ukraine $43 Billion in Military Aid for 2025. US announces more than $2 billion package for Ukraine.US nuclear missile program costs soar to around $160 billion, sources say. Trump allies are peddling a catastrophic idea for U.S. nuclear weapon policy.Philippines Says US Will Pull Out Controversial Mid-Range Missile System. |
Nuclear news to 2nd July
Some bits of good news –Nature restoration, rewilding and battery innovations: Positive environmental stories from 2024 A Living Seed Bank Is Preserving the Amazon’s Incredible Plants.
UK activists won a ‘stunning’ victory against big oil.
TOP STORIES
Julian Assange Is Finally Free, But Let’s Not Forget the War Crimes He Exposed. Julian Assange: Free at last, but guilty of practicing journalism. ‘Julian Assange Is Free’: WikiLeaks Founder Strikes Plea Deal With US. https://www.youtube.com/embed/4DF_Ag8NWeI?si=O-gRYvFVhtIaWfrG Assange Is Free, But US Spite Will Chill Reporting for Years.
Most important issue facing US, world, largely absent from presidential debate.
Save Ukraine from American meddling.
The Suspect Body Count: The Death Toll in Gaza is Much Higher Than We’re Being Told
From the archives. The persecution of Wilfred Burchett and Julian Assange.
Climate. Wildfires ravaging Arctic Circle – EU monitor. Deaths mount as Pakistan swelters in heatwave. Newly identified tipping point for ice sheets could mean greater sea level rise.
Noel’s notes. Australia’s Liberal-National Party really communist – wants a NATIONALISED NUCLEAR industry! The Assange case – a win for journalism? Sort of. Time to abandon the hypocrisy about Israel’s nuclear weapons – they are now a perilous target.
AUSTRALIA. Heaps of media about Peter Dutton’s plan to set up government-run-and funded nuclear industry – see all the article links at FROM 25 JUNE THE MOST RECENT AUSTRALIAN NUCLEAR NEWS.
The Coalition’s nuclear fantasy serves short-term political objectives – and its fossil fuel backers. Hidden costs? Cheaper energy? ‘Farcical’ locations? Debunking the hype around nuclear. How the media facilitates Dutton’s nuclear lies.
LABOR AGAINST WAR says nuclear power and nuclear submarines and their wastes should have no part in Australia. Nuclear option ‘not enough’ to avoid rush for more wind and solar. Nuclear more costly and could ‘sound the death knell’ for Australia’s decarbonisation efforts, report says.
Defence Minister Richard Marles takes on reality, comes off second-best in growing Thales scandal.
More news about Julian Assange – at Julian Assange News.
………………………………………………………………
NUCLEAR ISSUES
| CLIMATE. Climate-Nuclear Nexus. | CIVIL LIBERTIES. The State Failed to Break Assange |
ECONOMICS.
- Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan could cost as much as $600bn and supply just 3.7% of Australia’s energy by 2050, experts say.
- Nuclear power’s financial problems exposed in new report. Very late and over budget:
- Why newest large nuclear plant in US is likely to be the last.
- UK’s nuclear plant will cost nearly three times what was estimated.
| More ECONOMICS. CEO, staff suddenly depart New Brunswick reactor developer ARC Clean Technology. | EDUCATION. Small Modular Nuclear Reactors cost concerns challenge industry optimism. | ENERGY. “They just fit in with what we do:” Australian farmers reap rewards as they play host to wind and solar. Big Tech is turning to nuclear power because it needs more energy for AI. |
| ENVIRONMENT. The $91 billion wasted on nuclear weapons last year could transform ecosystem restoration. | EVENTS. Confronting NATO’s War Summit in Washington – 6 July | HISTORY. How Israel Became a Nuclear Power. |
| LEGAL. Why cost should not be an obstacle to compensating nuclear survivors Why WikiLeaks founder will plead guilty – and what happens next. | MEDIA. The Release of Julian Assange: Plea Deals and Dark Legacies. Webinar # 7 June 20, 2024 – What’s the harm? Julian Assange is finally free, but no thanks to the media. Radiation, Radioactive Emissions and Health. | OPPOSITION to NUCLEAR . A vigil behind bars: pair who protested US nuclear bombs in Germany serving time. Greenpeace activist climbs on top of Conservative election campaign bus. Uranium and the Grand Canyon – A Call to Close and Cleanup the Pinyon Plains Uranium Mine. |
| POLITICS. Congress’s Nuclear Addiction. U.S. Congress Votes To Bar State Department From Citing Gazan Health Ministry. Australia: Peter Dutton’s nuclear power plans are an ironic backflip to nationalisation for the Liberal Party. UK Election: A Different Kind of Nuclear Bomb. Nuclear weapons spending report reveals corporate intervention in UK nuclear policy – CND. Labour plans for nuclear expansion in Scotland are flying under the radar ALSO AT https://nuclear-news.net/2024/06/30/2-b1-labour-plans-for-nuclear-expansion-in-scotland-are-flying-under-radar/ | POLITICS INTERNATIONAL and DIPLOMACY. Iran Says Cooperation With UN Nuclear Watchdog Limited to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The Australian Opposition party’s nuclear strategy relies on Trump winning the USA election, and tearing up global climate politics. |
| SAFETY. What does Chevron mean for nuclear? The USA courts can now supercede the safety role of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Scary truths on civilian nuclear power are coming to the fore. UK’s Nuclear weapons pose a risk to proposed new homes. | SECRETS and LIES. UK government hires scandal-ridden Fujitsu company to account and track its nuclear waste!. | SPINBUSTER. Complete BS from the IAEA about the non-existent “global consensus” on nuclear power. |
| TECHNOLOGY. Do thorium reactors prevent nuclear weapons proliferation risks? | WASTES. Japan starts 7th discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater despite opposition. |
| WAR and CONFLICT. Unable to back down, Israel and Hezbollah move closer to all-out war. Israeli Defense Minister Vows to Return Lebanon to ‘Stone Age’. Israel’s main goal is the extermination of Palestinians – retired NATO colonel . Ukraine hit Russia’s space communications and early warning center. IDF Report Found Multiple Cases of Friendly Fire Deaths on Oct 7. The Nordic region from peace zone to war zone – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LahVN_wmftU Ukraine hit Russia’s space communications and early warning center. IDF Report Found Multiple Cases of Friendly Fire Deaths on Oct 7. WAR OR PEACE: Towards a Ukrainian Peace or a Direct NATO-Russian War. How far can American money push the Kiev regime’s suicidal war with Russia? | WEAPONS and WEAPONS SALES. Test site activity sparks fears of more nuclear blasts. The US nuclear arms control community needs a strategic plan. US can’t trace $62 million of military aid sent to Ukraine – watchdog.. |
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 