nuclear-news

The week in climate and nuclear news

The most significant article of the week comes from 3 very  distinguished writers, in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists,  in explaining how the USA’s military upgrade means a vast expansion of the killing power of the most numerous warhead in the US nuclear arsenal, with the ability to launch a”first strike”. Consequently, the Russians are   gravely concerned, and are developing new sea-based weapons.

President Trump’s  rather sweet  and antiseptic speech to Congress, avoided his previous bellicose promises, but did mention a big increase in defense spending, though not how he would pay for that.

CLIMATE.  With New El Nino Predicted, 3rd Hottest January on Record May be Cool Mark for 2017. Rapid spread of ocean acidification in the Arctic.  Antarctic Sea Ice Hits New All-Time Record Low. Huge slabs of permafrost disintegrating in Northwest Canada. Famine Warning Issued in Four Countries Following Worst African Droughts in Decades.  Experts gather at Vatican conference with call to avoid ‘biological extinction’.

NUCLEAR 

EUROPE. Europe’s wild boars posing a radioactive problem

UK.  Up to £219 billion to clean up the UK’s nuclear mess: autonomous robots to be developed.  Britain’s Failing New Nuclear Programme. UK taxpayers up for tens of billions of pounds sterling as govt bends to pressure to build new nuclear reactors.  Hinkley Point C – “risky and poor value for money” – House of Lords Committee. New Nuclear Reactors in Jeopardy because of Brexit?   “Small Nuclear” lobby not very happy – says taxpayer funding is essential. Oil and gas boss appointed to run UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

JAPAN  The spin begins- sanitising Fukushima for the Olympics.  TEPCO blunders raise doubts on ability as nuke plant operator.    Daunting obstacles to Fukushima cleanup, even as evacuees move back.  Bribery scandal over Fukushima decontamination.

SOUTH KOREA. Amid Nuclear Reactor Radiation Fears, South Korea Abandons Japan Airport Flights.

USA. How Donald Trump manipulates media news anchors. Trump’s renewed attack on news media.     Scott Pruitt appointed as EPA chief in order to destroy EPA? : his emails revealed.

Worker sneaked a gun into a nuclear power station. US Senators introduce Bill to promote easier licensing of nuclear reactors.  Georgia Power Suspends Study for Nuclear Plant Near Columbus.  America’s Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) itself has nuclear safety culture problems.

INDIA.  India launches nuclear destroyer missile.   India forced to back out of nuclear project sites, due to local opposition.

March 5, 2017 - Posted by Christina MacPherson | Christina's notes