This week in nuclear and climate news

Once again, I have to admit, that however terrible the nuclear industry is, the climate threat is the currently urgent global danger. That’s because the “window of opportunity” to contain it is near to closing.    Global warming will accelerate as oceans reach limits of remediation. Climate change action can be stopped by Trans Pacific Partnership.

Another secret and dangerous trade deal – the Trade In Services Agreement.

Risk of another Chernobyl or Fukushima type accident is plausible, experts say.

Practically permanent plunge for the uranium market.

EUROPE. European Court of Auditors see nuclear decommissioning funds shortfall.

UK.  A second successful nuclear convoy holdup by intrepid Scottish pensioner.   BBC and Science Media Centre (SMC UK) are pro nuclear spruikers. Liberal Democrats oppose Hinkley nuclear plan – ‘very poor value for money’. Theresa May caved in, approving Hinkley nuclear, but the nuclear debate is far from over. Major challenges ahead for Britain’s new nuclear plans – warns EDF chief.  Scotttish politicians slam the danger, secrecy, of hazardous air transport of nuclear wastes.

JAPAN. Area not far from Tokyo hit by 6.4 earthquake. Failure of Japan’s 20 year, costly, Monju nuclear reprocessing project   Fukushima. Underground Water Now Surfacing in Fukushima Daiichi.  Panel to examine options for wrecked Fukushima plant. Fukushima unveils grand plan for alternative energy transmission line networks.

USA.

• Hillary Clinton sells out to the nuclear lobby
•  Nuclear weapons cuts for USA? Obama tries, but has limited options.  USA and South Korea to conduct mock attack on nuclear facility, (with North Korea in mind).
• US taxpayers up for huge costs for accident at Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP).
• Alarm, and lawsuit, over dangers of trucking nuclear waste interstate in America.
• USA could lend $billions to India – anything to sell nuclear reactors!
• New York congressman questions impact of climate change on nuclear facilities.
• Factor climate into national security policy – executive direction by President Obama.
• Wind energy getting popular with USA Republicans.

SOUTH AFRICA. High Court in South Africa to hear case against government’s nuclear power plan. . President Zuma signs secret Russian nuclear deal   South Africa’s Energy Minister is asked to release all nuclear-bid information. South Africa has no plan for dealing with nuclear waste.

CHINA. Further nuclear power development in China will require local public consent

CANADA. Canada’s SNC Lavalin marketing nuclear reactors to China.

September 24, 2016 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes