Australia: nuclear, climate, pollution news this week
Sometimes, it seems a bit ridiculous to single out the nuclear danger, or the climate danger, from all the other insults that human beings are throwing at the planet. Wars and violence are bad enough, but the overall big killer now is pollution especially where it’s combined with poverty. It’s surely time to take a global view of our punished biosphere. It’s affecting us, and the biggest organisms, and the smallest – as with the massive decline in flying insects.
Anyway – to nuclear news. Apart from the ever dangling sword of Damocles situation of North Korea, the news for the so-called peaceful nuclear industry is pretty bleak. The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2017 has just been released, and even in China things are crook.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR
South Australia’s Nuclear Fuel Chain Royal Commission – South Australian Greens leader Mark Parnell pointed out that it should always have been a National issue, not just a South Australian one, and that the Commission’s advisers were overwhelmingly from the nuclear lobby. In South Australian Parliament, Greens aim to restore Nuclear Waste Storage Facility (Prohibition) Act.– Business South Australia – a strident pro nuclear lobbyist -ruled to not be a ‘charity’ – still a strident voice for the nuclear lobby.
ANSTO calls High Level Nuclear Waste – “Intermediate Level” – fooling the public –Sick-making propaganda spin, as ANSTO pays rural South Australians to visit Lucas Heights nuclear reactor.
90 organisations join ICAN in calling for the government to sign and ratify the UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty.
News Corpse relates Cory Bernardi’s misleading statements on thorium nuclear power.
CLIMATE. Bureau of Meteorology predicts 3 warmer than usual months for Australia. Fossil fuel lobby now dictates Australia’s energy policy: Energy Security Board instructed to ignore Paris climate commitments.– Bob Brown: High Court decision ensures free speech against environmentally polluting companies, like Adani.
Coal and Adani mine project.
- Coal not likely to benefit from Turnbull’s new energy plan.
- Chief Scientist contradicts Liberal Senator – says far fewer coal-fired power stations being planned.
- Queensland Labor MP angry about delay to act on black lung disease.
- Old polluting coal-fired power station Vales Point profits from energy policy chaos.
- Anti Adani coal project protestors lock themselves to heavy machinery.
- Farmers for Climate Action – Stop compulsory acquisition of grazing land for Adani’s private rail line.– Rescind Adani’s Unlimited Water License and support Aussie farmers! Busting the myths about Adani providing 1000s of jobs. Peter Garrett: Back on centre stage to fight Adani and push for 100% renewables.
ENERGY. Survey shows that Turnbull, Frydenberg and Abbott’s electorates back 50% renewables target. Victoria’s Renewable Energy Target now becomes law. Solar energy: from day one Australian business solar projects pay for themselves. More at http://reneweconomy.com.au/
To October 21 Nuclear News Australia
I know that it’s becoming a tedious subject, but, unfortunately, the risk of war, a nuclear war, is creeping up inexorably. The general consensus of expert opinion is that North Korea’s Kim Jong Un does not want, or intend to start, a war. His quite rational aim is the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon to the USA. and thus prevent an American attack, and ensure the survival of his regime. Russia and China, have achieved this ability, and USA and the world have learned to live with this reality.
Expert opinion seems completely confused as to the real aims of USA’s Donald Trump, and this is making for a scary scene. – And, it is hard to dismiss the opinion of the 27 psychiatrists who warned about Trump’s mental state. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nhoGIvOKJU
2017 – a catastrophic year for the nuclear industry – downturn in China, USA, and globally.
High Court found that Tasmanian anti-protest laws invalid on the basis they infringe the implied constitutional freedom of political communication, – Bob Brown’s legal win.
NUCLEAR.
Remote seismic station in the Northern Territory plays critical role in monitoring North Korea’s nuclear testing.
South Australia. Australian govt changing electoral boundaries, in effort to get support for radioactive waste dump in South Australia?
No more money for investigating nuclear waste importing – South Australian Parliamentary Committee report. South Australian Labor commends Weatherill govt on acknowledging Citizens Jury outcome – no nuclear waste importing.
“The Advertiser’s” nuclear advertising article drew strong responses.
New South Wales. New South Wales Senate debated the idea of a nuclear power station for Jervis Bay.
ENERGY and CLIMATE CHANGE
Turnbull Government’s New National Energy Plan dumps the Clean Energy Target for a National Energy Guarantee. – Tony Abbott warned Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull against supporting renewable energy. Tony Abbott’s successful influence on Coalition energy policy. The new energy plan could be disaster for renewables, climate, prices. Turnbull’s National Energy Guarantee works against battery energy storage. Does Western Australia need its own renewables target?
Turnbull lies – calling coal a “dispatchable”power source. (Dispatchable power can be turned on and off as needed – it’s the opposite to baseline power – on all the time, as with coal)
Adani coal mine plan .Greens leader Richard Di Natale says Adani’s Carmichael coalmine won’t go ahead. Adani needs $2bn of loans for Abbot Point coal terminal: Westpac Bank may not refinance Adani. Queensland government to take over agricultural land for Adani coal mine rail line. Townsville and Rockhampton councils could pay at least $31 million for Adani coalmine airstrip. Rockhampton’s Mayor Strelow misrepresents Wanganand Jagalingou people. Traditional land owners Wangan and Jagalingou people at forefront of opposition to Adani coal mine.
A futuristic family car at the World Solar Challenge. Lots of renewable energy news at http://reneweconomy.com.au/
Nuclear news Australia – to October 15
Unfortunately, that strange and worrying individual, Donald Trump, has yet again managed to dominate the news media, on nuclear and other issues. He has has struck a blow against the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement – in defiance of other world powers – by choosing not to certify that Tehran is complying with the deal. If Iran now leaves the deal, there’s the prospect of a new nuclear arms race, in the Middle East. Nobel Peace Prize winner ICAN says Trump is ‘igniting new conflict rather than reducing risk of war’.
Meanwhile, there’s the escalating danger of an American nuclear first strike on North Korea.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR.
- International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear weapons (ICAN) urges Australia to sign nuclear weapons ban treaty. Australia’s first Nobel peace laureate- but no congratulations from Prime Minister , who supports nuclear weapons.
- Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says that USA should keep Iran nuclear deal.
- Australia’s role in monitoring North Korea’s nuclear tests.
- Australia’s Ben Heard – fake environmentalist and pro nuclear shill. Ben Heard misinforms the Saudi Arabians on radiation from spent nuclear fuels.
- Maralinga’s nuclear legacy features in Tarnanthi Aboriginal art festival.
CLIMATE. Australia’s climate policy just like Trump’s , while Chief Scientist Alan Finkel makes last plea for Clean Energy Target. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop slaps down Abbott’s climate speech. Climate change is a “crap” theory – and climate change is also “doing good” – says former PM Tony Abbott. Tony Abbott’s climate outburst was intended to wreck Turnbull’s attempt at energy policy.
Sea level rise, and the plight of Australia’s island neighbours – Kiribati.
Across Australia, thousands protest against Adani Carmichael coal mine. Poll shows that 67% of Queenslanders want the Premier to veto the $1 billion loan planned for Adani.
ENERGY. Australian Energy Market Operator says shift to renewables is going to happen anyway. Small-scale solar cutting $billions from electricity bills. The solar power juggernaut is catching Australia by surprise. New polling released by The Australia Institute’s Climate & Energy Program, shows two thirds of voters would prefer to see governments increasing energy conservation rather than building new power stations. Queensland renewables tender swamped by 115 projects, 6,000MW of storage. New $400 million solar farm for Port Augusta, South Australia. More at http://reneweconomy.com.au/
Nuclear/Climate Newsletter Australia
The 2017 Nobel Peace Prize has just been awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). This global campaign began in Melbourne 10 years ago, and look where it went from there! Retrieving Australia’s past reputation for work towards nuclear disarmament, ICAN’s dedicated team just kept going. Today, I can feel proud to be Australian, despite the Australian government’s present craven record on disarmament.
Contrasting with that positive news, we have Donald Trump’s latest ominous utterance – “the calm before the storm”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU62DZ_Xf0M Who knows what he means? At least in the 1979 Peter Sellers film “Being There” that particular dimwitted President knew that he was talking about gardening.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. Could Australia be the target of a North Korean missile? Former Liberal Party leader John Hewson call on the Australian government to stop being subservient to American foreign policy, especially now in the Trump era. Gareth Evans says Australia should not blindly follow USA on foreign policy.
Tony Abbott calls on Turnbull govt to change laws, and develop nuclear and coal power. Former Labor leader Mark Latham urges Australia to “go nuclear”. Glamour nuclear spruiker Brian Cox – in Cumbria, then Australia. Pro nuclear shilling group on the move in New South Wales, but Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ruled out nuclear power. Nuclear Reactor for Burrinjuck Dam – says Rob Parker of Nuclear For Climate Australia.
South Australia- lots of sick-making propaganda from the nuclear waste gang – National Radioactive Waste Management Facility – they seem to have unlimited tax-payer money for this stuff. It’s available on their Facebook page.
CLIMATE. Australia must prepare for super-hot days. That’s if you believe the research of scientists at the Australian National University. On the other hand, that could all be nonsense, if you believe Australia’s (highly unpopular) former PM Tony Abbott. Australia’s farmers need action on climate change, and for renewable energy. Scientists race to try to save the Great Barrier Reef.
Adani Carmichael coal mine:-Indian coal miner Adani facing income crash – desperate to get Australian tax-payer funding Former Indian minister sounds alarm on Adani’s track record, mega-mine’s viability– -Adani’s tax havens – the Queensland coal mine plan’s connection with corruption. Market Forces list COMPANIES THAT COULD MAKE OR BREAK THE ADANI CARMICHAEL COAL PROJECT. In India, police action targeted ABC journalists researching Adani’s dubious dealings.
Minerals Council of Australia – a wealthy lobby works on behalf of foreign corporations
To October 1st – latest on nuclear and climate Australia
For a change, I digress from the usual themes. While the media fixes on Trump’s and Kim’s nuclear threats, a lot of other things go on quietly. For example, the Trump attack on workers’ rights, –on worker safety, – on public health and environmental protection. – on refugees, Much as I dislike joining in the media fervor for watching Trump, it becomes almost a necessity, because we are witnessing the most extraordinary dismantling of all government policy for the public good. It is as if it’s all happening under the cover of our angst about North Korea.
The rise of Germany’s right wing party, adopting the Trump tactics, has brought a fascist element into the German Bundestag, and signifies the new importance of populist politics in Europe.
1461 scientists speak up for saving Australia’ oceans
AUSTRALIA
Apologies – all Australians. I cannot be a patriot, because I’m doing this stuff now, while the FOOTEE final is on. Sacrilege!
NUCLEAR.
- Campaign to get more MPs to work for Australia to sign and ratify the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty.
- Aborigines fight to block nuclear wastes from Scotland ending up dumped in rural South Australia.
- A U.S. military man urges Australia to prepare defences for nuclear war, (very good for sales of USA weaponry) . Australia’s opposition leader visits South Korea, “in lockstep” with Turnbull on nuclear issue.
- There’s quite a lot in the media, of propaganda about new nuclear reactors, especially small modular ones. So this is being taken up by politicians who know very little about the subject., e.g. New South Wales Deputy Premier and Nationals Leader, John Barilaro.
CLIMATE. Australia needs a massive switch to renewables, if it is to meet its Paris climate commitments. As Australia’s greenhouse emissions soar, Pacific islanders despair of its backward climate policies. Did Australian govt reject China’s climate change action initiative? National Party President Larry Anthony runs a firm that lobbies for coal industry ! Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility likely to fund coal rail line, but not coal mine itself.
ENERGY. Six international academics refute the attack on renewable energy by Ben Heard and others. South Australia’s Tesla big battery switched on. Yes, Mr Prime Minister: there IS an answer to all your energy problems – it’s wind and solar. South Australia’s network of charging stations for electric cars. Some recycling of lithium already going on in Australia. For lots of news, go to http://reneweconomy.com.au/
This week – nuclear and climate news
As nations sign up at present, at United Nations, to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the Treaty is due to come into force later, when 50 signed members have ratified it. 122 countries out of the 193 UN member nations approved the draft treaty in July.
The nuclear weapons nations and their associates oppose the treaty, giving various important strategic sounding reasons. But when this UN treaty comes into force, joining the previous treaties that make other forms of mass destruction illegal, the governments with nuclear weapons will no longer be able to claim the moral high ground. Their stand will sound hollow, against the growing global consensus that the possessing, threatening, using of nuclear weapons is inhumane and immoral.
Equally importantly, at the UN General Assembly, the urgency of the need to address climate change, is being discussed.
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR
- Why Australia Should Sign The UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty Now. An Australian to be proud of – Dr Tilman Ruff.– -Australia follows nuclear weapons powers in boycotting UN treaty outlawing nuclear weapons. –Best selling author Junko Morimoto called on Turnbull to sign nuclear weapons ban treaty. Most Labor MPs have pledged to get Australia to sign and ratify the UN nuclear weapon ban treaty.
- Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says there is no economic case for nuclear power.
- Nuclear lobby bringing top USA nuclear spruiker Michael Shellenberger to Australia.–
- Australia VERY QUIETLY signs up to help develop new nuclear reactors
- Nominations sought for Kimba Consultative Committee on National Radioactive Waste Dump.
- Rural South Australia could end up with the curse of stranded nuclear wastes.
CLIMATE.
- Liberal Coalition MPs giggle, cackle, smirk and laugh in Parliament over climate change
- BHP supports climate change action – is at odds with Minerals Council.
- In Southern Australia, winters are becoming drier.
- A mathematician warns – Coalition’s pro-coal policy likely to be a vote loser
- –Abbot Point spill further proof Adani can’t be trusted on coal, green groups say. Anti Adani coal project- action is seriously hotting up in Queensland. Anti-Adani protesters arrested outside Abbot Point coal terminal near Bowen. A kind of censorship: Melbourne’s Federation Square restricts anti Adani protest.
- Liberal National Party member would consider taxpayer funding moved from renewables to private coal-fired power station.
Renowned author Tim Winton on how Malcolm Turnbull betrayed our oceans.
ENERGY Australians won over by cheapness and reliability of solar batteries, poll shows. Australia’s top 10 solar postcodes, and the top solar locations by state . Coal country backs renewable energy – poll. For remewable energy news – http://reneweconomy.com.au/
Northern Territory may be close to getting a lithium mine.
This is just my impression – I have done no real research. But – it seems to me that the most strident anti-gay voices in Australia are the same people as the strident climate denialers, and pro nukers.
To 17 September – nuclear and climate news
It’s all sounding a bit same-same: nuclear posturing from Kim Jong Un and from Donald Trump. Trouble is – in our atmosphere of “nuclear brink fatigue’, it still IS getting closer to the nuclear brink.
I don’t know about you, but in my patch, Australia, well you just wouldn’t know that from Sept 20, the 10-page treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons will be open for signatures from any UN member state. No media coverage. It’s as if the thought of nuclear war just doesn’t matter. Hell, it could even be an acceptable idea, nowadays. Or maybe not.
Same-same on climate, too. But again, not really, as the planet’s weather patterns change inexorably, glaciers melt, and mainstream media covers the subject less than ever.
AUSTRALIA
Don’t get me wrong – I’m all for homosexuals having the same rights as anybody else, to choose the possible misery of marriage. And I have already voted “YES”. But I wish that the media could also cover climate and the nuclear danger.
Whether or not Trump is sane, Australia will follow him into nuclear war.– Australian politicians’ mindless backing of Trump.
Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA) Black and White celebrate the 20 year anniversary of their continuing campaign – keeping Australia nuclear free. Another liberal MP (Jane Prentice, Queensland) sucked in by the nuclear lobby. South Australia’s naval defence interests aiming for nuclear submarines, eventually?
Increasing risk of losing Great Barrier Reef.
ENERGY. Australian government aims to get rid of Renewable Energy Target. National Party rallies against Clean Energy Target plan. What Audrey Zibelman and the Australian Energy Market Operator actually did advise the government. Turnbull government grossly misuses report by Australian Energy Market Operator. Energy Security Board Chair says that properly managing Australia’s energy demand would remove the need for new power plants. Massive jump in solar energy roll-out means scarcity fears unfounded: council.
To September 9th – the week in nuclear and climate news
People are experiencing “nuclear brink fatigue”. It’s only human, as right now, most of the world is unable to do anything about the impending showdown between USA and North Korea. It’s all too possible that both the North Korean and American regimes are now pondering just how many lives can be blown up while still assuring the leaders of staying in power. Brown and yellow lives are the risked ones, as North Korea can’t or wouldn’t attack USA. Meanwhile Donald Trump has assured that “If thousands die, they’re going to die over there. They’re not going to die over here — and he’s told me that to my face.” – Senator Lindsey Graham
Climate and nuclear concerns merge in Florida. With our news media focusing on Hurricane Irma, you’d hardly know that 40 million people are impacted by floods in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is being urged to get strong participation of women in climate change discussions and decisions.
AUSTRALIA
Australia’s choice: back nuclear war, or support UN nuclear weapons ban. Donald Trump and Malcolm Turnbull hold talks, as North Korea again threatens America. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHcRpT4zLT0 Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in pro uranium session with CEO of failed miner Paladin!
Australia’s defence forces to buy lethal drones from US nuclear weapons maker General Atomics?
John Quiggan demolishes foolish Minerals Council of Australia’s pro nuclear spin.– Mining lobby out to silence environmental charities.
Australia’s (?stupid) National Party wants: nuclear power, guns, and stop renewable energy.
CLIMATE and ENERGY Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions have risen. CSIRO a paid-up member of Minerals Council, which fights climate change action. Turnbull government encouraging mining, funds exploration. Greens warn Labor not to do clean energy deal that protects coal power.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) supports incentives for households to cut power this summer. Australian Energy Market Operator focuses on dispatchable and flexible energy generation. South Australia’s Tesla big battery can stop the price gouging by Australia’s major energy players. Victoria takes the lead on Renewable Energy Targets. Lotsa renewable energy news at http://reneweconomy.com.au/
NUCLEAR Concerned South Australians are vigourously responding on Facebook, to the Federal Nuclear Waste Dump plan. Fragile ecosystem of the Flinders Ranges – threatened by nuclear waste dumping.
To September 2nd – nuclear and climate news – Australia
Climate change remains the greatest global threat – because it is getting close to irreversible. But the nuclear threat is pretty big too. This month, nations can ratify the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear . It is not too late for more countries to join the treaty. It will be open for signatures from any UN member state on 20 September during the annual general assembly.
The North Korean nuclear crisis doesn’t go away. North Korea’s missile development continues, as USA intensifies its war games on North Korea’s doorstep. One small slip-up could bring nuclear catastrophe.
Floods continue, affecting at least 41 million people in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. In America, the Houston flood introduces the age of climate chaos for the “developed”world.
Australian government cracking down on environmental activists.
Malcolm Turnbull tries to look climate change good, with Snowy Hydro funding.
NUCLEAR. Australia should join Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty.
Australian media mindlessly regurgitates nuclear lobby spin about medical wastes. Time for Australia to have an inquiry into nuclear waste production and storage. Deep divisions caused in rural community of Kimba, over Federal govt’s radioactive trash dump plan. Royal Adelaide Hospital waste to be shipped back overseas when it closes .
Aboriginal women’s long walk to stop uranium mining in Western Australia.
Minerals Council wants “clean” “affordable” nuclear power for Australia.
A truly good news story – the cuttlefish are back in Spencer Gulf.
CLIMATE. We can no longer tolerate climate change denial. Australian government watering down the climate recommendations of the Finkel energy report. The Finkel clean energy target will not meet Australia’s goals in Paris climate agreement, anyway. Australian govt –‘no plans’ to build or fund coal power, says PM Malcolm Turnbull.
ENERGY Enough renewable energy to power 70% of Australian homes.Without Clean Energy Target, Australia’s booming renewable energy will flounder: Frydenberg prevaricates. Lots of renewable energy news at REneweconomy.
This week’s nuclear and climate news Australia
In our anglophone world, it doesn’t seem to matter that much, when floods hit Asian countries. But USA? That’s different. As I write, Hurricane Harvey is hitting Texas. Well, they’ve had hurricanes before, but climate change just makes them that much more severe.
I fear that we are all getting “nuclear-crisis-North-Korea-fatigue”. A pity, as North Korea and USA continue to ramp up the nuclear ante.
AUSTRALIA
North Korea’s threats to Australia, as Australia backs USA war games in the Pacific.
Top-secret base Pine Gap might involve Australians in drone strikes on innocent civilians.
CLIMATE. As climate change intensifies, Australia’s farmers will be hard hit. Australia’s coastal communities already vulnerable to climate change. Bundaberg MP insists that coastal communities must prepare for climate change.– A band of right-wing religious politicians are stopping climate action in Australia. Dryness of vegetation in Sydney area adds risk to coming bushfire season.
Adani: Australian Conservation Foundation loses appeal against $16b Carmichael coal mine.– Aboriginal group considers appeal over Federal Court decision for lease to Adani coal project. Anti Adani coal project movement continues, despite Court setback. Australia’s religious leaders unite to oppose Adani coal mine expansion. Bank calls for more transparency on Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility’s $5b loan scheme. Adani to fight $12k fine for environmental breach.
NUCLEAR. Western Australia Shire of Leonora keen to make money by hosting radioactive trash. South Australian govt’s pro nuclear propaganda campaign was expensive. Non nuclear production of medical radioisotopes at South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Safety concerns about Port Pirie’s former uranium plant site raised by Liberal candidate.
ENERGY.
- Economists find the Finkel Clean Energy Target plan ‘better than nothing’. South Australia calls for Federal Govt loan for Port Augusta solar plant. Energy Minister Frydenberg stalling on decision about $110m Port Augusta solar thermal funds? 30MW battery to create renewables-based mini grid in South Australia.
- Victoria’s smart renewable energy policy. Enough renewable power for Victoria’s 4 biggest regional cities.
- Queensland wind farm to be the biggest in Australia.
- Community energy in Canberra – backing a solar energy future.
- More at http://reneweconomy.com.au/
The week that has been in climate and nuclear news
Things would appear to have calmed down in the North Korea nuclear situation, with some positive signs. Unfortunately the USA does not grasp China’s point of view.-In order to defy Trump, Kim Jong-un will probably target waters near Guam. -USA defence chiefs insist that a military action is an option. Most Americans are anxious about President Trump’s ability to handle the situation.
Richard Heinberg of the Post Carbon Institute argues that endless growth, not just climate change, is the world’s biggest problem, and that technology will not save us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALugeRQbXAM
AUSTRALIA
NUCLEAR. Stand Tall: No Dump Alliance urges South Australian leaders to halt federal nuclear waste dump plan.– The ABC swallows the nuclear lobby line on medicine – hook line and sinker. Two Kimba farmers happy at the prospect of stranded radioactive trash on their land.
CLIMATE Australia failing in migration and humanitarian help for Pacific Islanders in their drowning islands. Climate Denial in Australia and USA: the Differences.– Parliament passes Bill with amendment accusing government of failing to protect Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef. World first: shareholders sue Commonwealth Bank of Australia for misleading shareholders over climate risks.Adani coal project Auditor General to investigate Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) ?
RENEWABLE ENERGY South Australian Premier announces Solar thermal power plant for Port Augusta,– Port Augusta local community welcome greenlighting of solar thermal power plant. Even the right-wing Adelaide Advertiser (!) applauds decision.
Standards Australia to ban home energy storage batteries! -Loads more renewables news at http://reneweconomy.com.au/
The ABC swallows the nuclear lobby line on medicine – hook line and sinker
The post below this is an extract from the ABC article “Nuclear medicine production in Australia at risk if dump site can’t be found, industry head says”. I left out the bits where ANSTO officials orgasmically discussed how much Australia needs the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor for medical reasons.
Anyone would think that this humanitarian motive is the sole raison d’etre for this nuclear reactor. The ABC apparently buys that story.
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.
1 This month
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PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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