The week in nuclear and climate news

CLIMATE. The worrying thing about climate change is not only that it’s happening so fast, but that it could now be seen as “normal”. The  World Meteorological Organisation is telling us that the world climate is now in  ‘uncharted territory’.

This month, my websites have focused on MEDIA. And that scene is worrying, too, as mainstream media has trivialised or ignored climate change. . However, that might now be changing.

NUCLEAR. As climate change risks becoming “normalised”, so, too, does the Fukushima situation. As if the 6th anniversary is over – now we can all ‘move on’?  Deadly nuclear radiation levels detected in Fukushima.  80% of families not going back to Fukushima after housing aid ends. Fukushima fishermen fight release of tainted water as tritium standoff continues.  Yakuza gangsters thriving. And lots more…

New Study: Rapid Transition to Renewable Energy Helps Global Economy, Prevents Worst Climate Impacts

USA.

• March Climate Madness — Wildfires, Scorching Summer Heat Strike Central and Southwestern U.S. By Winter’s End
• North Korea nuclear program is ‘imminent’ threat says Rex Tillerson.  Trump govt to review decades-old US aim of world without nuclear weapons.  Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017 introduced into US Congress. Sound reasons for USA not to replace Land-Based Nuclear Missiles.
• New York State lawmakers push for details on nuclear plant subsidies.  Nearly 70 locally elected officials in New York call to stop pro nuclear subsidies. American electricity consumers in Eastern States stand to lose $3.9 Billion because of aid to nuclear industry.
• Some US Republicans are worried about President Trump’s mental state.

JAPAN.   Japan stages mass evacuation drills, following North Korean missile launches.  Toshiba’s financial meltdown set off by nuclear power plans. Govt plans A Campaign to Tackle “Misinformation” about Radioactive Contamination. Japanese companies exploit refugees for Fukushima radioactive clean-up work.

NORTH KOREA. North Korea’s Capability Has Entered A ‘New Phase’ – warns U.N. Nuclear Inspector Yukiya Amano.

INDIA. India could launch ‘preemptive’ nuclear strike against Pakistan, says expert.India Already Facing Water Shortages Ahead of Dry Season

UK. Request by UN to Britain: Pause Hinkley Nuclear Plant Work for Environmental Assessment.   As Toshiba’s $500m nuclear bankruptcy looms, Britain’s Moorside project could be  doubtful. Campaign groups mobilise against UK’s Bradwell nuclear power project.

NORWAY. At Svanhovd another tiny measurement of radioactive iodine – ongoing release?

RUSSIA. Russia developing Major Naval Base for Nuclear Warships in Syria.

PERU.  Signals of Climate Change Visible as Record Fires Give Way to Massive Floods in Peru

SOUTH AFRICA. South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) organising anti nuclear petition

March 24, 2017 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes