nuclear-news

Another week in climate and nuclear news

There’s an uncanny echo of the 1930s in the rise of extreme right wing politics in the Western world today. “I will make America great again” – says Donald Trump. And how many other strident voices are gathering mass support with a similar simplistic message, in other countries?

Donald Trump – the triumph of narcissism. Like the attention-seeking child in the classroom, with all eyes upon him, Trump captures the attention of the world, (this probably his main goal).  Some hope that, as USA President, his intelligent, gently spoken, kindly, side will prevail. Ralph Nader doubts this.

Meanwhile historic international meetings on climate change and on nuclear weapons ban are happening. Nearly winter at North Pole– but 36 degrees warmer than normal

Religious leaders from 44 countries present the the COP22 Interfaith Climate Statement.

Trans Pacific Partnership – just about ready for burial?.

EUROPE. Europe adopts new rules on disposal of nuclear waste.

JAPAN.  TEPCO to be sued by cancer victim, former Fukushima worker. Japan’s nuclear marketing disappointment: Vietnam to cancel reactor order. Another operation approval of aging nuclear reactor contradicts 40-year rule.  Anti-nuclear scientist group aims to boost influence amid growing defense research fears.

USA.

Climate:

• USA Judge refuses to dismiss Youth Climate Lawsuit.
• American environmental officials appointed by Trump will be climate deniers. Under President Trump there’ll be a fossil fuel fan administration.
• Commitment to divest from fossil fuels – Islamic Society of North America.
• US Republicans now seek a quick way to get out of Paris climate agreement.

Nuclear

• Nuclear lobby renews its pretense that it is “clean and green”.
• The nuclear lobby gives its orders to the USA government. America’s nuclear industry lobby seeks cuts to its liability responsibilities in the event of an accident.
• Radical Bill in Illinois would rewrite the law, in order to save Exelon’s nuclear reactors. Consumer and business groups fight Exelon’s huge utility rate hike.
• USA’s Environmental Protection Agency to test areas in Bridgeton for radioactive contamination.

IRAN. Iran arrests 12 members of nuclear negotiating team for espionage.

SWITZERLAND.Swiss can’t give away nuclear reactors, let alone sell them.

INDIA. India made no additional concessions to Japan in nuclear deal. Still-confusion over ‘termination’ clause.

AFRICA. Drought is destabilising Africa.

SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa’s renewable energy boom attacked by nuclear Eskom

UK. Nuclear lobby getting a big boost from the British government.

AUSTRALIA. Push for a nuclear waste import industry defeated. South Australian Premier ‘s political career could be finished, over this issue.

November 19, 2016 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes