Australia’s uranium exports down 24%
$44b resource exports ‘second highest on record’ – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) 9 Sept 10, “……./The largest falls were in: thermal coal (for power stations), down 34 per cent to $11.9 billion; metallurgical coal (for steelmaking), down 33 per cent to $24.5 billion; refined petroleum products, down 28 per cent to $564 million; and uranium oxide, down 24 per cent to $751 million.
India’s Nuclear Liability Bill gives fright to nuclear industry world-wide
The industry in the US too seems to have been taken aback by the Civil Liability for the Nuclear Damages Bill, 2010, the way it was passed by Parliament. The bill in the present form makes suppliers of raw materials and equipment potentially liable for damages till 80 years after the construction of a nuclear plant.
Nuclear liability bill: US looks to ‘changes’; BJP cries foul – The Times of India, NEW DELHI: 8 Sept 10, Even before the collective sigh of relief in the government over safe passage to the nuclear liability bill in Parliament could end, the US on Tuesday queered the pitch yet again by stating that it was already looking at “changes” in the bill. Continue reading
Pakistan in danger of becoming world’s first failed nuclear state
the specter of the world’s first failed nuclear state, coupled with the nightmare scenario of younger Islamist officers pushing the three stars aside and taking over in the name of Islam, was no longer idle cocktail chatter.
World’s first failed nuclear state?. “friday-lunch-club”:De Borchgrave:, September 8, 2010 “…Pakistan is reeling under the most devastating national catastrophe since independence 63 years ago. Continue reading
Australia’s”ethical” investments not always ethical when it comes to uranium
what about uranium mining?…. many consider uranium mining to be one of the most unethical activities of all.
A world of opportunities, Sydney Morning Herald, David Potts. September 6, 2010 -Ethical investment is a moral minefield …..there’s a fine line between what’s ethical and what’s mainstream. Continue reading
Legal action in Germany aiming to shut down old nuclear reactors
All nuclear reactors are dangerous and the older they are the more dangerous they become….There are already several court cases running that challenge the plan for extended operation of old, unsafe nuclear reactors
Time for Germany’s nuclear reactors to retire | Greenpeace International, by jmckeati – September 7, 2010 So, German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced at the weekend that her government will seek extension to the country’s nuclear reactors’ lifetimes of between 8 and 14 years. Continue reading
Climate Change the spur for green movement in Australia, UK, Germany
“There are growing numbers of young people reading and accepting the science of climate change.”- Adam Bandt, Greens MP
Green Party Assumes Pivotal Role in New Australian Government | SolveClimate.com, 7 Sept 10, Like the UK and Germany, a surge in popularity has given the environmental movement an unprecedented parliamentary presence in Australia this year, prompting suggestions that electorates are punishing mainstream parties for failing to act decisively on climate change. Continue reading
Opposition in Europe to Germany’s plan to prolong aging nuclear reactors
Rudi Anschober, environment minister for the state of Upper Austria, which borders Bavaria, also warned that the Austrian Federal Government was preparing to attack Germany’s plan.
Nuclear extension sparks Austrian meltdown — The Local. 7 Sept 10, Germany’s plan to extend the lives of its nuclear reactors has upset neighbouring Austria, where an environmental official has warned that a reactor near the border poses clear “safety risks.” Continue reading
Renewable energy investment surging in China
“The sector has strong growth potential given that the Chinese government policy is clearly supportive,“……with the needs for energy security and energy demand from countries like China, the move to renewables is unstoppable, and you’re increasingly seeing renewable energy companies that are good value,”
China Goes Green, Keeps Bankers and Investors Busy – WSJ.com. By NISHA GOPALAN, 6 Sept 10, Propelled in part by the backing of powerful Beijing bureaucrats, green-themed Chinese companies are set to reap billions of dollars from public offerings to new investors in coming months…. Continue reading
Carbon price essential for Australia, say 19 Energy Retailors
19 Australian Energy Retailers Back A Carbon Price : Renewable Energy News, 6 Sept 10, The Clean Energy Council has released an open letter signed by nineteen of Australia’s major energy retailers – the letter also reminds us these companies are major employers and supporters of renewable energy projects in regional Australia – which says that a carbon price is essential to meeting our emissions reduction target of 5 per cent below 2000 levels by 2020……
“We welcome and congratulate the role the independents are taking in ensuring climate change policy remains on the radar of the major political parties,” Mr Warren said. “Renewable energy is also great for rural and regional Australia – it will create growth, greater economic diversity and help drought-proof farms and regions.”The open letter can be viewed here (PDF)
19 Australian Energy Retailers Back A Carbon Price : Renewable Energy News
The $billions cost of cleaning up after the uranium industry
Regulators are examining hydrology, seismology, demographic impacts and effects on flora and fauna, as well as demanding complete plans for how ….. the site would be reclaimed.
Australian capital going to overseas low carbon industries
great a risk of capital leakage – money moving offshore for low-carbon exposure, the money that will go to china, Europe or south America where governments are setting policies in place…....Not that it got a heck of a lot of media traction. That was afforded only to miners warning of the perils of a mining tax,
Australia’s capital leak, Business Spectator, Giles Parkinson, 6 Sep 2010, Climate Spectator As various industry groups marshal their forces to try and add momentum to the push for a carbon price, institutional investors are also mobilising to ensure that their members are not excluded from the opportunities of a low-carbon economy. Continue reading
Secret research into dead nuclear test veterans
The UK Government is battling a High Court compensation bid by 1,000 veterans and widows for health problems.
The Ministry of Defense insists almost none was exposed to dangerous levels of radiation and the high rates of cancer, death and birth defects are a coincidence.
Nuke test veterans health files to be probed after they die, mirror.co.uk, By Susie Boniface 5/09/2010 Scientists keep tabs in secret A nuclear test veteran has discovered the Government has ordered secret research into his health – after he dies. Continue reading
Prominent South Australian Liberals oppose uranium mining in Arkaroola
Several prominent Liberals strongly oppose mining in the Arkaroola area, including Senator Nick Minchin, former environment spokesperson Michelle Lensink and shadow treasurer Ian Evans.
Libs deadlocked on Arkaroola, The Independent Weekly, HENDRIK GOUT, 04 Sep 2010 The Liberal Party is has been unable to decide whether to support mining in the Arkaroola Wilderness. Continue reading
Australia should follow the successes in Europe with a carbon tax
It is to be hoped the discussion will soon turn from the rather nebulous concept of a carbon price to actual mechanisms – and for that the most appropriate tool is a carbon tax.
No need to be afraid of a tax on carbon, Sydney Morning Herald, Fiona Armstrong, September 4, 2010 – The most significant policy issue in the deal struck between the Australian Greens and the Australian Labor Party was that of climate policy. Continue reading
Australians can cut power bills with solar hot water subsidies
hot water accounts for 25 per cent of energy consumption, so switching to renewable energy can cut power bills dramatically.
Half not aware of hot water subsidies * Paul Cleary * The Australian * September 03, 2010 1 FEWER than one in two Australians are aware of the government subsidies available to install energy-saving hot water products. Continue reading
1 This month
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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