Success of the anti nuclear, clean energy movement – theme for November 2011
The worldwide nuclear mafia now faces the rising economic success of 21st Century renewable energy technologies, alongside the plummeting economic failure of nuclear energy.
The corporate power system that dominates the world economy, and world politics still promotes nuclear power and nuclear weapons – but they know they are up against the unaffordable financial costs. Money is what matters to them.
But money is not the whole story. The nuclear lobby consists of relatively few individuals – middle aged (mainly white) men, in business suits, in love with their own careers and monetary gain.
They don’t know who they’re up against – people in their millions who oppose the nuclear industry- people who “don’t matter” – women, young people, poor indigenous people
These millions include the poorly educated, and the highly educated, people of all colours, languages and religions -but all having respect for their precious land and water, and for the future of the world’s children. They matter, and they will prevail.
Nuclear Power – the battle for hearts and minds – public opinion, Sept 11
So far, the nuclear lobby has bought the hearts and minds of governments, but has not won the hearts and minds of the people. In a propaganda war, as in all wars, truth is the first victim. But there are many journalists and others out there who will counter the lies of the nuclear industry.
Today, across the world, the nuclear industry is unpopular. It is particularly unpopular with women, and with indigenous peoples. It’s unpopular with those who have suffered from it, such as the veterans who attended nuclear bomb tests, and the ‘downwinders’ who suffered from those same tests. It’s unpopular with families afflicted with cancer from uranium mining. It’s unpopular with Ukrainians and Japanese whose lives have been disrupted by nuclear disasters.
The nuclear industry is also unpopular higher up in the social food chain. Many academics, economists, scientists, and doctors are concerned about the dangers of all kinds that are intrinsic to the nuclear industry.
So who does like the nuclear industry? – careerists in the nuclear industry, careerists in politics, academia, careerists in the Murdoch media, highly paid uranium workers, communities that exist only because of mining, - (the latter can’t really afford not to support it).
The nuclear industry, following in the footsteps of the tobacco and asbestos industries will now blanket its servant mass media, and any other possible avenues – such as education, and politics, - with propaganda.
The main focus of the nuclear lobby’s propaganda? This will be RADIATION. Right from 1945 onwards, the nuclear lobby has obscured the truth about the health effects of ionising radiation. Now they are stepping this up -even funding dodgy research to portray “low level radiation” as “good for you”
They’re spending an awful lot of money on this. Despite this huge investment in deception, the nuclear lobby is not winning.
Nuclear Power and PUBLIC OPINION – theme for September 2011
The nuclear industry is in top gear, trying to win the hearts and minds of people. But, it’s not succeeding. Sadly, it is winning (through expensive lobbying and funding) the hearts and minds of politicians - and of course, all those whose career depends on nuclear power.
The nuclear lobby is not keen on public opinion polling. And for good reason. The most recent global polling comes up with 62% of people worldwide. opposed to nuclear power.
Of course, this poll is not totally accurate, in every detail. And there are gaps – what do the people think, in totalitarian China, or Iran?
But, it must be a worry to the nuclear industry, that so many scientists, from so many disciplines – medical, climate, environmental, radiological, now oppose nuclear power. Not to mention the economists, who point out the costs of the total nuclear fuel cycle.
In the coming months, the nuclear lobby will go all out to change public opinion. Their biggest push will be to downplay the health effects of ionising radiation, and to push the continuing Fukushima radiation disaster onto the back burner – or preferably get the mass media to forget Fukushima.
The nuclear lobby will even push the idea that nuclear radiation is beneficial – even is a prevention and a treatment for various illnesses.
But it will be an uphill fight, for the global trend is now to distrust the nuclear industry, and for good reason.
NUCLEAR POWER and NUCLEAR WEAPONS – theme for August 2011
2011 marks the 15th anniversary of the International Court of Justice’s landmark advisory opinion on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons. The court unanimously held that nations have a legal obligation to pursue in good faith and bring to a conclusion negotiations for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons under strict and effective international control…..
The recent nuclear power crisis in Fukushima has alerted governments and public across the world to the inherent dangers of nuclear technology for electricity production. ICAN points out that the starting material is the same and the effects of radiation are completely indiscriminate and identical whether it is radiation from a nuclear reactor or a nuclear bomb. …http://www.indepthnews.net/news/news.php?key1=2011-07-15%2015:26:30&key2=1
NUCLEAR POWER – WEAPONS AND WAR – theme for August 2011
“Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.” - J. Robert Oppenheimer, scientist and “father of the bomb”
On the morning of 6 August 1945, the first atomic bomb, code-named “Little Boy” was dropped by the United States on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Three days later the United States dropped a plutonium bomb code-named “Fat Man” on the city of Nagasaki. 140,000 people (almost all civilians) died in Hiroshima either immediately or within a few days. Deaths in Nagasaki were about 74,000. The survivors lived on, some with horrifying burns scars, some to die of radiation-induced illnesses
Following the war, many scientists involved in the atomic bomb project, turned to the “atoms for peace” program – nuclear power. They did this partly out of guilt, partly to continue to be employed. (Where would a nuclear physicist get a job, otherwise? Well, some were happy to continue with nuclear weapons development)
Nuclear weapons are an inevitable by-product of the nuclear power industry
Nuclear power and climate change – theme for July 2011
As well as radioactive wastes, the uranium/nuclear industry releases greenhouse gases, increasing global warming.
At successive steps in the uranium/nuclear cycle, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This is shown above, with black dots as the carbon rising. The industry also uses enormous amounts of fuel – as electricity and in the huge amounts of oil in transporting uranium, nuclear fuel and wastes.
Nuclear Power and Climate Change – theme for July 2011
Nuclear power and sea level rise – All reactors on sea coasts endangered by sea level rise Over the next hundred years there will be significant sea rises, one meter or more, and many closed nuclear reactor sites could be flooded, including the stored nuclear waste. That could contaminate much of the coast lines for decades.
Nuclear Power and The Tragedy of the Commons – theme for June
There’s not much “commons” left, in this so much privatised world. ”Common land” is disappearing fast, and they haven’t yet found out how to privatise the air, the clouds, and the oceans. So, the air, the rain and the oceans are fair game- for exploiting, and for using as endless rubbish dumps.
image from http://kirbyandfriends.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/underwater_light_and_bubbles_by_della_stock.jpg
With the continuing Fukushima nuclear disaster the focus at present is on the radioactive pollution of the seas.
Nuclear power and the commons of this beautiful world – theme for June
It’s time that human societies made the change – started taking real co-operative action to look after our commons, in this beautiful world. – land, fresh water, air, and oceans. Already, national leaders are under pressure from their people to protect our common interests, rather than the interests of polluting corporations.
If the Fukushima nuclear crisis is doing one good thing, it is making it clear that radioactive pollution is an international problem, not just a problem for Japan.
by photographer Edgar Moskopp http://acidcow.com/pics/14022-our-beautiful-planet-16-pics.html
Nuclear Spin – theme for May 2011
Now the Fukushima nuclear disaster is sort of “off the radar”, as far as the mainstream media is concerned. (even though Fukushima is now turning into a health, environmental and economic continuing catastrophe ) A great relief to the nuclear lobby. They must be getting tired of telling us that ionising radiation is quite OK really, and that now we can look forward to those wonderfully safe new nuclear reactor designs.
Now, the nuclear lobby can go back to its historically tried and tested spin themes. The first of which – is to confuse the public. This is being done with fervour, as they talk about “New Generation” nuclear reactors, “small modular thorium reactors” – make it all scientific – with the message that the ordinary person can’t have a valid opinion on matters nuclear.
Nuclear Spin – theme for May 2011
Now the Fukushima nuclear disaster is sort of “off the radar”, as far as the mainstream media is concerned. (even though Fukushima is now turning into a health, environmental and economic continuing catastrophe ) A great relief to the nuclear lobby. They must be getting tired of telling us that ionising radiation is quite OK really, and that now we can look forward to those wonderfully safe new nuclear reactor designs.
Now the nuclear lobby can go back to its historically tried and tested spin themes
BUSTING the NUCLEAR SPIN – theme for May 2011
Nuclear Spin has suddenly become critically important. The global nuclear industry was failing, anyway. But Fukushima could give it the final fatal blow.
The Nuclear Establishment is now in a panic – spinning furiously on many levels.
A main focus is on downplaying the health effects of ionising radiation. They will tell you that there have been “few deaths” from Chernobyl radiation. They’ll prove it – citing only thyroid cancer. The World Health Organisation, (WHO, hand in glove with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA), counts only thyroid cancer as a result from Chernobyl – not leukaemia, other cancers, or birth defects
As cancer effects from the Chernobyl disaster can be expected around 25 years afterwards, the nuclear mafia point to the early death toll (after 1986) – not to 2011, 0r future years. From this, they then claim that the Fukushima disaster also has had a relatively small effect on health.
At the same time, the Nuclear Establishment works to weaken regulations on ionising radiation, and to push the false idea that low level radiation is benign, even beneficial to human health. Already the Japanese government is changing the rules,to permit higher radiation levels in children as “acceptable.
Marketing nuclear: theme for March: new tactics going on now
The most favoured marketing spiel– the nuclear lobby proclaims that this Japan incident shows the stability of new nuclear power plants. Newer nuclear reactors will withstand earthquakes– no threat to the public. Somehow the incident shows the success of new designs. Any small flaw that let this happen will now be rectified in all future models, and we can all sleep peacefully, near a nuclear reactor
The nuclear marketeers have started the spin already- Christina Macpherson
1. We are already being told that “background” radiation is minimal – so that 8 times that much is unimportant.
(Never mind that “backgroud radiation” might very well have increased over recent years due to depleted uranium – miniscule particles flying around the globe)
2. There is no defect in the actual reactor steel container – so this is not a serious thing – no meltdown, we are told.
3. Evacuation of people, and gathering up and dispensing of iodine pills – these are just precautions, not actually needed, we are told.
4. Above all – it will be argued that this incident shows the stability of new nuclear power plants? Despite a record earthquake, they are said to be not seriously damaged – no threat to the public. Proves the success of new designs. Any small flaw that let this happen will now be rectified in all future models, and we can all sleep peacefully, near a nuclear reactor
5 The Japanese get 39% of their electrcity from nuclear. So it has to go on. (The cost? – Oh don’t let’s worry about that just now.)
Marketing of Nuclear Power Internationally- theme for March 2011
Since I first wrote this theme post, the Fukushima disaster has changed everything.
But the nuclear/uranium lobby will continue – more desperately than ever. They are up against the common sense of the ordinary citizen. Any reasonable person would pause to reflect. But some corporate executives and others, in the good old tradition of the tobacco lobby, will push every old spin and lie, to convince the public that nuclear power is good for them
Marketing nuclear power, like marketing cigarettes, is easier in “Third World” countries. And, it’s getting critically important for the nuclear industry to resuscitate itself – FAST . As more nuclear reactors close down, there’s a panic on to get contracts for new ones.
This selling frenzy isn’t doing too well in countries that already have experience in nuclear power - USA, Russia, UK, France. So – companies like AREVA, Westinghouse, General Electric, Rosatom, Toshiba, Kepco – scramble amongst themselves to convince Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries that they need nuclear power.
With little experience of nuclear, (and having the ambition to get nuclear weapons) Third World countries are a sitting duck for this unscrupulous marketing.
Even better, rising totalitarian powers – learning from China, can well hide the financial and environmental costs from their citizens.
The marketing of nuclear power – theme for March 2011
The nuclear lobby spends undisclosed amounts on spreading its gospel. The message must appeal to all sorts of people. But, importantly, the nuclear message must be spread through “credible” avenues – so, the money and the message are directed towards particular, respectable, sectors.
In this world of global nuclear recession slowly recovering, donations from big corporations are gratefully received, careers are enhanced, pro nuclear people are promoted, grants for nuclear research are given. Grants to the arts enhance the respectability of the nuclear/uranium corporations.
‘We’ve seen it all before, in the tobacco industry promotion – but the nuclear marketing is more urgent, more desperate, as the nuclear industry is waning, rather than reviving.
1 THIS MONTH
- http://ifyoulovethisplanet.org/?p=5755 Mary Olson on how women are more vulnerable to atomic radiation
http://soundcloud.com/flashpoints/flashpoints-daily-newsmag-05-6Fukushima reactor 4 still threatens the world Dr. Micio Kaku
of the week http://www.youtube.com/user/GoddardsJournal
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San Onofre: Bad Vibrations http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP7e83MErWw&feature=share - Low-Dose Radiation ☢ NEW A-Bomb Study http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VAncqK6bl0&feature=share
“Pay-to-print”: How Media Corruption Undermines Indian Democracy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbjsQ_dYuJQ&feature=share
VIDEO http://vimeo.com/35212151 Cancer Risk To Young Children Near Fukushima Daiichi Underestimated
- and this VIDEO Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Legacy http://www.euronews.com/2010/04/14/kazakhstan-s-nuclear-legacy/
ACTION
USA EMERGENCY PLANNING PETITION NOW OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS IN FAVOR OF EXPANDING EMERGENCY PLANNING ZONES; IMPROVING REGULATIONS The deadline for public comments is July 16, 2012. You can submit your comments here. more information at http://nuclear-news.net/action/
- Shut down the nuclear restart. Sign now!! http://www.avaaz.org/en/japan_no_to_nuclear_restart_ms/
- Stop Kudankulam - Please sign http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5502/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=10090 –
EVENTS – USA
- May 31 - Portland, Maine, Bonnie Raitt benefit concert for New England Coalition on Nuclear Pollution
The Nuclear Industry and WOMEN- theme for May 2012
Although women have rarely been part of decision-making about nuclear power, they have been at the forefront in opposing it.Women in organisations Strongly present in anti-nuclear activities in peace, environmental, religious and civil liberties, women have also formed their own anti-nuclear organisations . e.g. Women’s International League For Peace and Freedom, Women For Peace. Women Against Nuclear Power, Women Against Nuclear Energy,
“When it comes to opposing nuclear power in Finland, the toughest and most active and conspicuous resistance has been among women. A rather small group of women working as teachers, freelance editors, authors and in rather alternative professions. Women who perfectly well are aware of the fact that they are far too radical to be promoted for high posts within traditional parties or getting well-paying jobs in some big companies. Women who are not trying to reach equality on male values. These women have kept the resistance alive, have invited foreign speakers getting through in the mass media, have arranged post-card campaigns aiming at parliamentarians, have written inserts in daily newspapers, have collected signatures from organizations worldwide against nuclear power, etc.
If women had been asked if nuclear power should be used for energy production or if nuclear weapons should be produced there would hardly be any nuclear power stations in the world and no nuclear weapons. Women represent half of humanity. Our voice must be heard! “- Ulla Klötzer WISE – Nuclear issues information service service
Below, a note on some of the courageous women who have stood out against the nuclear forces and apologies for the thousands of such women who are not mentioned here
Dr Helen Caldicott. - Australia and The World. The single most articulate and passionate advocate of citizen action to remedy the nuclear and environmental crises, Dr Helen Caldicott, has devoted the last 38 years to an international campaign to educate the public about the medical hazards of the nuclear age and the necessary changes in human behavior to stop environmental destruction. Helen Caldicott – About
Jean McSorley. – UK. A prolific writer and activist, Jean McSorley has advised government and environmental organisations, in the UK and abroad, for many years revealing the facts about Sellafield, and other UK nuclear facilities.
Her MajestyQueen Noor ofJordan is an international humanitarian activist and an outspoken voice on issues of world peace and justice. Today Her Majesty Queen Noor plays a major role in promoting international exchange and understanding of Arab and Muslim culture and politics, Arab-Western relations, and conflict prevention. Queen Noor | Global Zero
Ulla Klötzer - Finland. A powerful speaker and writer, Ulla Klötzer continues to oppose uranium mining, nuclear proliferation, and to expose the construction of Finlands reactor, Olkiluto OL 3 – the biggest nuclear reactor in the world.
Satomi Oba –Japan. Another leading voice for non-proliferation and disarmament was Japan’s Satomi Oba, former president of Plutonium Action Hiroshima and chair member of the international non-proliferation movement Abolition 2000. For decades before her untimely death in February 2005, Oba organized grassroots events, spoke to international groups and broke ground for other activists
Dianne Stokes – Australia An Aboriginal elder of the Yapa Yapa clan, which owns land at Muckaty in the Northern Territory, has for years continued the fight against the Australian government’s plan to put a nuclear waste dump on Aboriginal land, – resisting enormous pressure from powerful interests and politicians Toxic feelings at proposed nuclear dump – National – smh.com.au
Jean Grossholtz – (USA) Professor emeritus at the Dept. of Women’s Studies, Mt. Holyoke College, Jean helped organize the Women’s Pentagon Action (1980-82) and has long been active in peace and social justice work.
Ellen Diederich –Germany A peace activist for more than three decades, Ellen Diederich is Director of the German-based International Fasia Jansen Women’s Peace Archive, an extensive collection of books, print, audio-visual and artistic resources on women and militarism and women’s action for peace, world-wide, collected over 25 years.
Corazon Valdez Fabros - Philippines A lawyer by profession, Corazon Fabros is Chairperson of the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre (the Secretariat of the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific Movement) and Secretary General of the Nuclear Free Philippines Coalition, which led the successful campaign to stop the nuclear power plant projects in the Philippines . Currently Philippine Coordinator of the No Nukes Asia Forum and the International Network on Military Activities and Environmental Justice.
Karen Silkwood remembered In 1974, US anti-nuclear activist Karen Silkwood was killed in a car crash many suspect was deliberately caused by the Kerr McGee nuclear company.Karen Silkwood will be remembered as someone who fought an uphill and often unpopular battle against the ruthless nuclear industry. She is an inspiration to all who believe in environmental justice and workers’ rights BY SHARYN JENKINS. Karen Silkwood remembered | Green Left Weekly
Much of the material here was obtained from Women and Life on Earth: English by Anna Gyorgy, Women & Life on Earth Network coordinator, English website editor. Contact: info(at)wloe.org
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