ETHICS and NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY- theme for December 2010
The unethical nature of nuclear power, nuclear weapons, and the entire nuclear fuel cycle is becoming more obvious, as its history unfolds. On grounds of nuclear weapons spread, unsolved wastes problem, health and environment, effects on indigenous and poor peoples, injustice to today’s and future generations – and even the sheer financial costs for now and the future – it is clear that “atoms for peace” is a false and unethical enterprise.
Given the mounting negative evidence about the nuclear industry, it is concerning that so many world political, scientific and economic leaders continue to promote the industry. Sir Mark Oliphant, (below) one of
the founders of the atomic bomb, was one who had the courage to change his mind, and to speak out against nuclear power and nuclear weapons.
Why is it so rare for ‘important’ people to face up to the evil nature of the whole nuclear fuel cycle? It’s not just money. Is it that so much of their reputation, their work has already been invested in nuclear? just too much effort to change track
Like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, who said “For mine own good,
All causes shall give way: I am in blood
Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o’er”
Rather than pause to think about the whole picture, they concentrate on their own important actions. Again like Macbeth ” Strange things I have in head, that will to hand; Which must be acted ere they may be scann’d.”
(Image from MACBETH IS A BAD, BAD MAN design by Dave Shanker&Danilo Groppa, Charles W. Flanagan High School, Macbeth – Webquest)
Fossil fuel energy never really cheap. Solar could be cheaper
According to 1Block Off The Grid, U.S. taxpayers have contributed over $500 each towards fossil fuel subsidies in the past 5 years, compared to just over $7 for solar power. Subsidies do not come out of thin air; they are the result of indirect taxation or tax breaks that see less revenue coming into government coffers. Ultimately, the cost is borne by the taxpayer and the consumer.
1Block Off The Grid states that if solar power received the same financial support as fossil fuel in the U.S., solar energy would be cheaper than fossil fuel generated electricity across the nation.
The Cheap Energy Era That Wasn’t, Renewable Energy news, 25 Nov 10, Fossil fuels – not so cheap As the era of “cheap” energy courtesy of fossil fuels draws to a close; it’s becoming increasingly apparent it never really existed. Our addiction to fossil fuels appears to have been a case of “easy credit” – where you get the goods immediately, but the paying is always hard and long and the full costs not always apparent at the point of sale. Read more »
Radiation danger and illicit nuclear tracking fears in Ghana
Government to provide protection of nuclear and radioactive materials, Accra, Nov. 23, Ghana News Agency, GNA - Government has expressed its commitment to provide the physical protection of nuclear and other radioactive materials and associated facilities, Mr Alex Segbefia, Deputy Chief of Staff said on Tuesday. He said government would in addition; work to combat illicit trafficking and inadvertent movement of radioactive materials…………Government to provide protection of nuclear and radioactive materials
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