This week’s nuclear and climate news Australia
Some puzzlement. North Korea threatens to fire intermediate-range ballistic missiles into waters NEAR Guam. USA and its deputy sheriff Australia see this as an attack ON Guam. Kim Jong Un might not be a very nice man. But he’s not mad. He saw what happened to Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and Gaddafi in Libya, seeing that they didn’t have nuclear weapons. As for Trump – a narcissistic sociopath who delights in his own unpredictability – who knows what he might do?
A great pity that the very real global crisis of climate change is now taking a media back seat to the USA-North Korea tensions.
I’m attaching a picture this time – surely the saddest image from the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. A boy standing at rigid attention with the dead body of his infant brother strapped to his back at a crematorium in Nagasaki . Photographer Joe O’Donnell recalled that the boy stared motionless as bodies were being burned and he awaited his turn. He also noticed that the boy’s lips were caked with blood because he was biting them so hard, although no blood spilled.
Australian public servants face disciplinary action if they criticise govt, or “like” such criticisms on social media.
Long walk for justice: Aboriginal ‘Spiritual Walker’ Clinton Pryor crosses the country for his people
NUCLEAR. Turnbull says Australia will join in the war, if North Korea attacks USA. (Doesn’t say whether Australia will join in if USA attacks North Korea). The role of Pine Gap would inevitable draw Australia into a Korean war. Tony Abbott wants Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence for Australia. Australia still has the opportunity to join the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty.
CLIMATE. Inquiry into the security ramifications of climate change – warning on Australia’s risks. Sunshine Coast church communities unite in concern about climate change. Did Queensland Resources Council urge Great Barrier Reef experts to ignore climate change? Australia must wake up to the climate disaster facing Pacific Islanders. Since Australia’s carbon tax was abolished, greenhouse gas emissions continue to soar. Legal action against Commonwealth Bank over its failure to disclose climate change risk in report . Australia’s ski industry faces continuing problems due to climate change.
ENERGY. Across Australia, rooftop solar continues its record year. Wandoan solar farm – Australia’s largest, planned for the middle of Queensland’s gas country. Energy executives tell Turnbull they aren’t interested in prolonging life of coal plants. Solar power, wind power, storage – to replace Liddell coal plant. Hydro power puts Tasmania in a leading position for battery storage of renewable energy. South Australia’s battery project will open Australian market. Heaps more at REneweconomy.
Hiroshima Day August 6th, and the Australian weekly news
A survivor of the atomic bombings in 1945 remarked, “This pain that we carry, let it end with us.” As memorials are held, in Japan, in UK, and around the world, there is hope for an end to nuclear weapons, as the UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty is developed.
On climate, there’s a gradual realisation that it is still worth fighting climate change: but catastrophic change might be inevitable.
On nuclear – well – things are grim for the nuclear industry, with the abandoning of 2 reactors being developed in South Carolina – after $9 billion already spent on them, just about the last straw following the Westinghouse bankruptcy, the French and Finnish nuclear build problems, and Britain’s dubious Hinkley and Moorside projects.
CLIMATE.
- Australia’s national security is threatened by climate change. Great Barrier Reef‘s great value as a coastal defence. Climate change brings Australia’s hottest July on record. Since Australia’s carbon tax was abolished, greenhouse gas emissions continue to soar. Ski resorts relying on machine-made snow: climate change is making this worse.
- Australian Academy of Science warns on our shortage of climate scientists. Scott Pruitt, Trump’s Chief Against the Environment, will be touring Australia
- A critical fight against corporate villainy: Australia’s public interest versus Adani $1 billion loan to Adani Carmichael mine project a big loser for taxpayers? Adani spending spree as coal megamine gains pace. Glencore, company with global history of corruption and environmental degradation urges “business before climate action.
Matt Canavan, (now resigned as Resources Minister) makes it quite clear that he WAS the Minister For Mining
NUCLEAR. Lucas Heights nuclear reactor was always intended as a step towards nuclear weapons, AND IT STILL IS. South Australians Brett and Michael Rayner overjoyed at the beauty of nuclear wastes at ANSTO, – apparently unaware of the toxicity of the nuclear waste they’re inviting to their property.
Garma 2017[ Aboriginal reconciliation congress) pushes for nationwide Makarrata (Treaty)
Lithium Australia – company seeks to recycle rare earths. – Western Australia’s boom in lithium mining.
RENEWABLE ENERGY – I can’t keep up. Go to REneweconomy.
To July 28 – the climate-nuclear news this week – Australia
On CLIMATE the situation is eerie. Technogeeks are exploring geoengineering ways to cool the planet. Some journalists – New York’s David Wallace Wells, Slate’s Tommy Lynch, predict an uninhabitable Earth, and warn that we are not alarmed enough.
The general media inform us of greatly increased wildfires, (Europe), (USA), floods, (India)(Germany), droughts, (USA), (Italy) . These news items whisk away under the relentless hurricane news of celebrities, sport, and Trump’s latest absurdities.
On NUCLEAR it would seem few immediate events are happening. However,important issues are being explored. Investigative journalism lives!
- Sick nuclear workers die as USA Labor Department delays compensation as long as possible.
- Nuclear danger as Trump government guts science removes Department of Energy’s skilled personnel
- and this beautifully written story on the continuing danger of the underground fire and nuclear waste at St Louis, Missouri.
AUSTRALIA
Peter Dutton’s home affairs ministry will investigate itself for corruption.
NUCLEAR. Pentagon says North Korea capable of nuclear missile strike on Australia, USA in 2018.
Death of famed and much-loved Aboriginal activist Yami Lester. Yami Lester is mourned: his daughters carry on the anti nuclear fight.
Complaints lodged with National Radioactive Management Taskforce regarding the undemocratic nature of the radioactive waste dump process.
Quietly, nuclear -powered USS Ronald Reagan to Brisbane to join massive Talisman military exercise.
World Vision leader scathing about Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne’s plan for Australia to export weapons.
Western Australia: Aboriginal group’s claim against Western Australia Conservation Council over uranium mining. Walkabout against uranium -month-long pilgrimage from Wiluna to Leonora to begin next month .
Northern Territory Norther Territory Aboriginal owners’ legal case: they wanted “low level nuclear waste dump”. Planning for the town of Jabiru to be rejuvenated as uranium mining ends. Northern Territory Aboriginal communities begin shift to hybrid solar and storage.
CLIMATE. The world watches Australia – saving the Barrier Reef, – or pandering to Adani coal baron? ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and National Australia Bank, slash lending to coal miners.
Resignation of Australia’s Minister Representing The Coal Industry – Matt Canavan. There is no truth in the rumour that he is to be replaced by a lump of coal. Still, the replacement is Deputy Prime Minister Barbaby Joyce, so the rumour was close.
The week that has been in climate and nuclear news
I am wondering if those who read this newsletter, (and many other people, too) are getting “climate change fatigue”.
“Nuclear fatigue” too, perhaps. Still, on the nuclear scene, nothing dramatic seems to be happening this week. Nevertheless, a bit like climate change, nuclear pollution is something that continues to creep up on the unaware world. Investigative journalism still lives: a new report tells of vast areas of America’s land poisoned by mismanagement of military wastes
Not a good time to give up on reading about climate change, with the current debate on Is the Climate Emergency Just a Big Problem, or is it a Catastrophe?
Militarisation of Australia’s police?
CLIMATE and ENERGY Climate denialism rules the Federal Liberal Party – and is bringing about a split within it. The disgraceful state of Australia’s politics and media on clean energy. Australian States and Federal Govt approve 49 Finkel recommendations, but split on Clean Energy Target.Clean Energy Finance Corporation sees rapid growth in renewables.
NUCLEAR. Did Australia cave in to France over Pacific nuclear bomb testing?
Quiet shipment of uranium from Australia to India – non signatory to Non-Proliferation Treaty.
South Australia. Clear opposition to nuclear development in South Australia: no further tax-payer money should be wasted on it. Pro nuclear activities of MP Rowan Ramsey questioned.
Northern Territory. As ERA’s Ranger Uranium mine lease to expire, town of Jabiru’s future is not clear.
Queensland. Queensland Liberal National Party members refuse to pull out of Paris Climate Accord.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. I can no longer keep up with the many developments in solar, wind, sefficency, storage of energy etc. Best information source is Giles’ Parkinson’s REneweconomy.
The week that was – climate and nuclear news Australia
It’s a toss-up as to which issue is now the most critical – climate change or nuclear war danger. I’m inclined to think – climate change. Some, like Paul Beckwith, Canadian Climate System Scientist, say that abrupt climate change is already with us, and drastic emergency measures are needed. Others are very concerned, pointing out severe problems – e,g today’s news – Asia faces climate change disaster.
On the nuclear scene, the world could be teetering at the brink of nuclear war, with North Korea ramping up its nuclear weapons, and Donald Trump tweeting belligerently.when what is needed is some new strategic foreign policy thinking
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE. Former head of BP calls for an end to the cynical and dishonest denial of climate change. Torres Strait islanders affected by climate change – evacuation eventually needed. The Great Barrier Reef is not going to survive climate change. World’s unstoppable movement on climate change action – explained at Ecocity 2017 World Summit in Melbourne. Greenhouse gas emissions of Australian States; – Queensland’s the worst.
POLITICS. Rather than mindlessly toeing militaristic USA line, Australia could urge negotiations on North Korea crisis. Australia should join UN nuclear weapons ban treaty, when it opens in September.
With the sudden resignation of Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, Australia has lost arguably its most intelligent and public spirited member of Parliament. This is a terrible loss for all who care about the environment, because Ludlam has been the most lucid, forceful and courteous voice for Australia’s land and water, and for its indigenous people.
A States’ led Clean Energy Target could work for Australia. Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and the ACT defy Turnbull, will “go it alone” on Clean Energy Target. Josh Frydenberg, Australia’s Minister Against the Environment, warns the States not to act on clean energy target.
Australia’s mining lobby has a win , with government’s subtle tactic to hobble environmental groups
No plans for real development of Adani coal mine expansion. Adani family will benefit most, if it happens. The real purpose of Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund? – to supply $billions to Adani coal project. Anti Adani coal project Activists claim they were ‘run over’ at protest.
Queensland Liberal National Party confirms its status as the Party For Fossil Fools.
Australian Energy Market Operator Chief abused by broadcaster Alan Jones, of the loony Right.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Queensland government would welcome an Elon Musk renewable energy storage project. Renewable energy news – more – and more
What a loss! – Scott Ludlam – politicians of integrity are few and far between
On a technicality – an Australian politician, of both integrity and intelligence , has had to resign. As far as I can see, there is no Australian parliamentarian who has the understanding of nuclear/climate issues, combined with the intelligence and ability to advocate for the public good, except for Senator Scott Ludlam.
I watched his Senate interviews, and marvelled at his ever courteous, but ever persistent and probing, questioning of bureaucrats who tried, unsuccessfully, to cover up the hypocrisies that surround Australian politics on nuclear issues.
Sometimes, people can achieve much outside of parliament, as well as inside. We will have to wait to see what Scott Ludlam will do from now on. Anyway, we wish him well, while much regretting his departure from politics.
And Ludlam has a sense of humour too. Where are we now going to get those sly amusements in the drab world of Australian politics?
Senator Ludlam welcomes Tony Abbott to WA
Nuclear and climate news – Australia this week
At the G20 meeting of 19 wealthy nations plus the European Union, in Germany, G20 President Angela Merkel planned for discussion of Africa and health to be a high priority. This is now overtaken by the concern over North Korea’s latest test – of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Equally important, negotiators representing two-thirds of the 192-member United Nations finalised the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons this week after months of talks.
On climate change, at G20 the growing international isolation of the United States under President Trump was starkly apparent, with almost unanimous opposition to Trump’s climate lack of policy. Meanwhile, a 2018 global summit on climate change is planned, led by California Governor Jerry Brown, -as the Donald Trump administration becomes rather irrelevant to international climate action.
Where will climate refugees find shelter and food?
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. Australia now in reach of North Korea’s new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Australia can play a role in promoting dialogue, not war, with North Korea. If North Korea attacks USA with nuclear warhead, Australia will join US in fight , says Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce (Joyce doesn’t say what we’d do if USA were to attack North Korea). Former PM Kevin Rudd now suggesting missile defence system for Australia. PM Turnbull says THAAD anti- missile system is “not really suitable” for Australia.
The Australian government boycotted the UN nuclear weapons ban talks, but Greens Senator Scott Ludlam did attend, and regretted Australia’s earlier actions, with diplomats instructed to break up and obstruct the talks.
Coalition pours scorn on Tony Abbott’s call for nuclear submarines. Australia’s nuclear lobby hoping for nuclear submarines as a ‘foot in the door’,
Australian uranium miner Paladin Energy going broke.
CLIMATE Australia’s energy policy now under the control of the climate denying extreme right wing idealogues Climate Change Authority has now lost all of its climate scientists . Australia Institute takes up the challenge of climate change research and communication
Adani coal project – farmers deplore the unlimited access to precious groundwater, given by the Queensland government to Adani. Any loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (Naif) to Adani’s Carmichael coalmine project is probably illegal.
RENEWABLE ENERGY World’s first solar-powered train – for Byron Bay. South Australia: Tesla to supply world’s biggest battery But it’s a pity that the Australian government did not support an Australian company, such as Zen Energy , which has been working for years on battery storage. Solar panels now on one quarter of Australian homes. Latest renewable energy news from REneweconomy.. and more. and still more. again more
The week that has been in Australian climate and nuclear news
From the news media, you would hardly know it, but two big international meetings are happening. In New York, delegations from more than 130 States are working to finalize the text for the “Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons”. In Hamburg, the G20 summit is about to be held, with climate change as a central issue. Meanwhile, as I write, the “important” news item is, as usual, occupied by Donald Trump, who apparently has tweeted rudely, again – ho hum.
A warning from climate experts – just 3 years left to start real action against climate change.
Investigative journalism lives! The Center for Public Integrity’s Nuclear Negligence examines safety weaknesses at U.S. nuclear weapon sites operated by corporate contractors.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR
Australia’s Karina Lester speaks at United Nations conference on a nuclear weapons ban treaty.
Karina Lester tells the Anangu story, and of the Aboriginal fight against nuclear waste dumping.
Washed up former Prime Minister Abbott still in the embrace of the nuclear industry.
What tests go on at Woomera – ‘the largest land testing range in the world’ ?
Minister For Nuclear and Coal, Matt Canavan pushes forward with Kimba radioactive trash dump plan. South Australia federal nuclear waste dump plan. Organisation NO RADIOACTIVE WASTE ON AGRICULTURAL LAND IN KIMBA OR SOUTH AUSTRALIA bitterly disappointed at Minister Canavan progressing this plan without broad community support.
CLIMATE.
United Nations concerned over impact of climate change on Aboriginals: lack of indigenous inclusion in policy-making. United Nations committee encourages Australia to rethink its support for coal mining industry.
For Australian climate scientists, climate change is becoming a personal and serious concern.
Great Barrier Reef headed for death, without a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – UNESCO report. Great Barrier Reef’s huge economic value to Australia.
Twists and turns in the saga of Adani loan deal for giant Carmichael coal mine. Farmers for Climate Action gathering huge support in their fight against Adani coal mine expansion.
John Pratt ‘s climate and coal news.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Most Australians want renewables to be primary energy source, survey finds. New South Wales’ largest solar energy farm to go ahead. Melbourne Water’s network of “mini-hydro” electric plants. Sorry I just can’t keep up! ……..Energy news from REneweconomy. More energy news from REneweconomy. 28 June renewable energy and climate news
Frogs are smarter than we are
It’s a myth that frogs will stay in water that slowly heats, until they die. In reality, they will try to get out, as soon as the temperature becomes uncomfortable. Right now, homo sapiens is dreaming on, in our warming world, as climate change gets to crisis stage. Computer models were showing the coming impacts of climate change: now real life events show them.
This newsletter, and websites, were intended to promote the nuclear-free movement. They still are, but (except for the threat of nuclear war), the global climate emergency is now the most pressing issue. The Guardian has this week shown how some areas are especially threatened: – in Spain, Bangladesh , Malawi, Norway, Brazil, New York, Philippines.
AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE Australia’s peril: ignoring the climate ‘disaster alley’ that we are already in. Report shows how Australia is underestimating security threats from climate change. Australia’s politicians protect the coal industry, not the Australian people. A renewed push for climate change action . Future jobs in Far North Queensland threatened by Adani coal mine.
NUCLEAR
Australia kicked off the Global Womens’ March To Ban The Bomb.
The Liberal-dominated Joint Standing Committee on Generation IV Nuclear Energy Framework has just recommended Australia joining this Generation IV International Forum (GIF) (aims to develop new nuclear reactors). Hardly surprising, seeing that Dr Adi Paterson of Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) had already taken it upon himself to sign up in advance. All this, with no Parliamentary discussion, no media coverage, and despite Australia’s strong laws prohibiting the nuclear industry. The Committee’s recommendations were a straight handout from ANSTO. Labor politicians on the Committee had a few wimpy complaints. Only the Greens had the guts to examine and reject the whole thing, noting the secrecy, legal prohibitions, lack of procedural fairness, uneconomic state of the nuclear industry, and ANSTO’s financial problems.
Australia’s top nuclear shill, Ben Heard, of nuclear front group Bright New World presented a paper in Moscow, to help the Russians promote nuclear power at AtomExpo.
Kimba community divided over federal nuclear waste dump plan – fairly narrow “yes” vote. Strong calls to have Kimba nuclear dump plan dumped.
Strong union opposition to uranium mining in Western Australia. Disappointment over Labor’s broken promise on uranium mining in Western Australia.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Drop in peak energy demand, as Western Australia goes for rooftop PV solar. I can’t keep up here. REneweconomy can. And there’s more. And more. A Kimberley cattleman‘s powerful argument for renewable energy.
Dennis Matthews Scrutinises the Finkel Energy Report. PM urged, by small business, to decide on Finkel report. Crikey names and shames the Liberal Neanderthals opposing Clean Energy Target.
17 June Australian Nuclear and Climate news this week
Thanks to those who reminded me that the British PM is NOT Theresa Merkel, (as I wrote last week). As one reader suggested, I must have been doing some wishful thinking – a Freudian slip. Now I know that the PM is Theresa Mayhem.
17 June, as delegates gather in New York for UN negotiations on nuclear weapons ban treaty, women and men and children around the world will be marching in support of that treaty plan.
Collapsing ice shelves will further accelerate global sea level rise. Cities and states may be able to officially join the Paris Climate Agreement. The “growth economy” must end, along with the coal industry. Record drop in global coal production. Solar power speeding the death of coal-fired power.
AUSTRALIA
Congratulations to those who received Queen’s Birthday awards for work on the environment.
NUCLEAR
Ukraine uranium sales plan: Unreasonable, unstable and unsafe.
Senator Scott Ludlam probes the Australian government’s plan to dump Lucas Heights’ nuclear waste on rural South Australia.
South Australians very definitely dumped the nuclear dump plan, but a new battle looms.
Liberal MP Jane Prentice speaks out in favour of nuclear power. New South Wales DEPUTY Premier John Barilaro renews calls for nuclear power. Tomago Aluminium boss wants government to invest in nuclear energy.
CLIMATE and ENERGY
- Peter Martin’s guide to the Finkel energy review, and Tony Abbott’s obstructionism. Liberal hard right oppose the Finkel Clean Energy Target. Turnbull once again in a bind with Liberal climate denialists over Clean Energy Target plan. Power firms offer Finkel support.
- Finkel energy review ignores battery storage, and falling cost of renewables. Giles Parkinson outlines ways to improve the Finkel Energy plan.
- Josh Frydenberg, Minister For Fossil Fuel Energy, prevents hybrid renewable energy plus battery storage microgrid at Lord Howe Island.
- Hard to keep up with Australia’s renewable energy news, especially from REneweconomy.
- Pipeline of solar farms across Australia to begin from Western Australia.
Adani coal project Green light for massive coal mine? Adani has not secured the financing it needs for the project. Aboriginal leader, previous supporter of Adani coal project, now rejects it. Federal Inquiry needed: Adani should be questioned on history on environment and ‘allegations of fraud, corruption. Adani Group embroiled in corrupt arms deal in South Africa. Adani could be looking for an excuse to back out of unviable Carmichael coal project.
Aboriginal issues Traditional Owners slam passage of Native Title amendments. Professor Marcia Langton promoting Big Coal, not Aboriginal Rights. Marcia Langton “poorly informed” on Adani coal mine, says leading native title lawyer.
to 11 June Nuclear and Climate News Australia
of interest: Radiological and nuclear incidents – the IAEA database
In the anglophone world, nuclear and climate are not top of the news at the moment, but are lurking not far beneath it. Terrorism events enhance the concern about radiation – “dirty bombs” etc. Theresa May’s unsatisfactory result at the British election makes it harder for her to negotiate the exit from the European Atomic Community (“Euratom”). In America the unfolding saga of the the sacked FBI director Comey, and the investigation into Michael Flynn and the Trump election campaign, has now revealed Flynn’s involvement in a truly weird nuclear marketing scheme.
As for climate change action – well, China is taking over the leadership. China and California are setting up their own climate accord. A joint commitment to fight climate change – European Union and China. America is really “still in it” as More than 1,000 U.S. governors, mayors, investors, universities, and companies pledge to meet the goals of the Paris agreement.
AUSTRALIA
Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel released his report on future energy planning. I think that the report is good. It is real realpolitik, in the light of all of Australia’s political conflicts about energy. The report just might let PM Malcolm Turnbull actually get some energy planning happening – nothing extreme in its promotion of renewable energy, nothing that would promote the coal power industry, while allowing it to die quietly. Nuclear is not mentioned, nor is it condemned.
NUCLEAR. South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill declares the nuclear waste importing plan “dead”
ANSTO’s Dr Adi Paterson signed Australia up to New Nuclear club with NO Parliamentary discussion! Senator Scott Ludlam asked inconvenient questions at Senate Estimates Committee about Australia’s role in nuclear weapons ban negotiations. Australia’s diplomats called “weasels” on Australia’s stand against nuclear weapons ban treaty
Senator Scott Ludlam asked inconvenient questions at Senate Estimates Committee on the cleanup of the Ranger uranium mine
ENERGY
- The ABC explains Australia’s new major energy review – the Finkel Report. Giles Parkinson analyses the Finkel Energy Report – and finds it mediocre at best. Dr Finkel says that clean energy target will benefit households and businesses. Pro-coal Liberals oppose Finkel energy report, Greens not happy either.
- Australians overwhelmingly want govts to favour renewable energy, even if it costs more.
- South Australia reaches its renewable energy target 8 years in advance.
CLIMATE CHANGE. Traditional Owners fighting Adani mine query Labor’s support for Native Title Bill Adani announces “green light” for expanded coal mine, but still hasn’t got the finance. Adani ‘investment decision’ meaningless without Indigenous consent. Religious leaders in active opposition to Adani coal mine project.
CLIMATE and nuclear news this week; Australia
As I write, the world is reacting to Donald Trump’s announcement that America will withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. We knew this was coming, but it is still a shock. USA, under Barack Obama was, along with China, a world leader, at least symbolically, in the struggle to save the planet from catastrophic climate change. (Andy Borowitz of the New Yorker, has an original opinion on this.)
Issues about climate change, and of the Adani coal project dominate the news at present.
NUCLEAR Meanwhile important nuclear issues are going on, under the radar. There are the Western Australian planned uranium projects of Yeelirrie and Wiluna
- Pro nuclear shills bring nonsense promises about Generation IV nuclear reactors to Australia. USA’s billionaires’ nuclear front group Breakthrough Institute spinning in Australia.
- The proposed federal nuclear waste facility is in fact an international dump. IMPOSITION of ANSTO reactor nuclear wastes onto South Australian community. Until June 21 – Submissions received by Australian govt on nuclear waste dumping in South Australia.
- Australia’s nuclear lobby keen to have new submarines transformed to NUCLEAR submarines.
CLIMATE. Donald Trump is a “climate criminal” – Australian reaction to the USA climate deal pullout. Massive implications for Australia, in new report on sea level rise. Sea level rise threatening Australia’s East Coast holiday beaches.
- Adani will profit from APPROVAL for coal mine expansion, even if the project does not go ahead. Karla Way-McPhail, Annabelle Chaplain, – involved in coal industry , but on the Board to decide about Adani mine? Adani coal mine dispute: it’s not only about money, and climate: there’s also black lung disease for miners. Queensland govt dumps support for $1 billion rail loan to Adani. Dispelling the myth that the Queensland economy actually needs the Adani coal mine.
- Australia’s government beholden to the fossil fuel industries, now want carbon capture and storage to be subsidised as “clean” energy.
- Queensland Land Court recommends scrapping Acland coal mine expansion.
- Fossil fuel generators manipulating Australia’s energy prices.
New South Wales EPA must review procedures for managing contaminated land
Uncertainty about future of existing Indigenous Protected Areas..
RENEWABLE ENERGY Ross Garnaut – green energy will be win-win for South Australia. Australian States lead in move towards renewable energy boom. Solar power plant for Northern Territory Aboriginal community -cuts reliance on diesel. Telstra funding construction of $100 million solar farm in northern Queensland. If Glencore wants cheap energy for Mt Isa, it should go solar. Josh Frydenberg predicts ‘big battles’ within Coalition after Finkel review
The week that was in Australian nuclear and climate news
I think that we’re all going to have to join American youth, in relying on comedy TV shows like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Late show with Stephen Colbert, to get our English language news, especially about America. The actual news is more like comedy. While Donald Trump struts about the world, for example, talking about peace to the Pope, the Trump budget sets out cuts to the UN peace-keeping operations.
Danger of nuclear terrorism is not talked about much. But Britain has suddenly replaced police at Sizewell nuclear site with armed soldiers. Singapore has recently passed legislation for mandatory death penalty for nuclear terrorism.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. Australian government about to secretly sign up to developing Generation IV nuclear reactors? Australia to join in developing Generation IV nuclear reactors, WITHOUT ANY PUBLIC DISCUSSION??.
New South Wales govt about to go all enthusiastic about nuclear power? Australia’s rural sector cautious about National Party’s enthusiasm for nuclear power. Nature Conservation Council of NSW slams Deputy Premier’s nuclear power plan.
CLIMATE and ENERGY (Adani coal mine is the continuing big story)
- Queensland cabinet has decided not to grant a royalty holiday for the Adani Carmichael mine.
- Poll shows that Australian voters decisively reject Adani coal mine expansion.
- Final investment decision postponed by Adani, regarding Carmichael coal mine.
- Cabinet trouble over royalties.
- Most Queensland voters reject taxpayer support for Adani coalmine.
- Legal action against Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility directors if they fund Adani coal mine?
- ‘Dirty Deeds’ – The shady web behind potential Adani coal mine finance.
- Australia should not throw away $1 billion on a destructive and doomed Adani coal project.
- New coalmines will worsen poverty and escalate climate change, report finds.
Australia’s energy future at a critical turning point. Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) goes for smarter ways to deal with electricity supply and demand.
Federal and State policies betray Australia’s environment, and fail climate action. Sea level threat rising faster than was predicted. CSIRO is back on the world climate stage, in alliance with China’s largest marine science research institute. Australian cities becoming urban heat islands
RENEWABLES. Western Australia’s large-scale Greenough River solar farm to quadruple in size. Australian Renewable Energy Association funding next generation solar PV. Australia could use hydrogen to export solar energy.
Queensland govt must resist bullying by resources industry: mine rehabilitation should be progressive.
Sweden cancels investigation of Julian Assange, removes arrest warrant.
Aboriginal demands for a Treaty, not just Constitutional recognition.
While ANSTO flirts with Small Modular Nuclear Reactors, the Big Story is the Adani Coal Mine
This site is dedicated to the nuclear -free movement. And at present, I am appalled that Australia is about to sign up to developing Generation IV nuclear reactors, and to once again bless the expensive and secretive activities of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. Remember, it is OUR money, tax-payers’ money, that is being wasted on these going nowhere nuclear schemes, at a time when clean renewable energy really IS going somewhere.
Nevertheless, as “new nuclear” is in fact, going nowhere, very slowly, the current big threat to Australia’s environment, economy, and international reputation, is the Adani coal mine project.
This appalling coal mine plan something that all Australians who care about our country, and our children’s future, should be fighting, tooth and nail. For the moment, the nuclear push is almost dead in the water, even though its zealots persist .
19 May the latest nuclear and climate news – Australia
The English language news media hops about from one theme to another. While the nuclear crisis about North Korea seems to continue- the focus has shifted to the USA’s President’s credibility problem. Well, as long as he’s the focus, I guess that Donald Trump is happy, anyway.
Meanwhile the present drama about the computer hacking of hospitals and businesses has taken on a more sinister aspect. People now realise that computer hacking could affect nuclear power stations , even perhaps nuclear military sites.
A new twist to this subject is the realisation that “cyber warfare” – to paralyse a country’s computer systems, could become a more satisfactory way for an enemy to attack, rather than use nuclear weapons. Analysts now consider North Korea as potentially able to use this method.
Investigative journalism lives: Close to Norway – Russia’s secret nuclear weapons build-up, and waste dumps
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR
You wouldn’t know that a Parliamentary Committee is about to rubber stamp a plan for Australia to put money and resources into developing new nuclear power plants, despite our laws prohibiting this, now would you?
- Compelling argument against Australia joining the Framework Agreement for Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems.
- NO PUBLIC DISCUSSION! Australia’s Generation IV Nuclear Energy Accession.
- ANSTO must be transparent on costs of its nuclear research: Generation IV nuclear reactors – high cost for little benefit.
The military connection to the push for advanced nuclear reactors in South Australia. SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S NUCLEAR MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
New South Wales National Party to embrace nuclear energy.
CLIMATE and RENEWABLES
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- Adani Carmichael coal mine: climate, health and economics are against it. Australia’s Attorney General Brandis intervenes in Wangan and Jagalingou court action against Adani. The enormous problem of Adani’s mine rehabilitation plans.
- 19 May climate news in Australia.
- The plight of Kiribati Island – desperate need for Australia’s help.
- Internationally respected Australian climate scientist calls on CSIRO to get back to a science culture.
- 19 May Renewable energy news in Australia.
- Australian government energy policy leading the nation to catastrophe – Professor Ian Lowe.
- Big solar energy projects taking off across Australia.
- Western Australia: renewable energy going ahead in leaps and bounds.
- Sydney leads in Australian cities’ push for renewable energy.
- Victoria’s grid could be dominated by wind and solar.
- Solar panels and the law: Can you stop your neighbour from blocking your sunlight?
1 This month
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 