nuclear-news

If you’re a regular reader of this blog and its comments section, you’re probably more than a little worried about two bits of climate science in particular:

Our understanding of past climates (paleoclimate) and 5-6 C long term climate sensitivity.

And if you’re a frequent returner, you’ve probably figured out by now that the two go hand in glove.

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Looking back to a period of time called the Pliocene climate epoch of 2.6 to 5.3 million years ago, we find that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels were somewhat lower than they are at present — ranging from 390 to 400 parts per million. We also find that global temperatures were between 2 to 3 degrees Celsius warmer than 1880s ranges, that glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland were significantly reduced, and that sea levels were about 25 meters (82 feet) higher than they are today.

(The Totten Glacier is one…

“After spending more than $9 billion since 2009 on the mismanaged project, the construction of which is only 37% complete,…” (Tom Clements, FOE-SRS Watch).[1] The reactor construction project was at least 5 years behind schedule.[2]

“Photo of VC Summer site, May 26, 2017, ©High Flyer, more photos, which can be used with credit, posted at” [3]

News Release from Friends of the Earth:
“South Carolina Bungled Nuclear Reactor Construction Project Canceled
Posted Jul. 31, 2017 / Posted by: Audrey Fox
Next Step: Who will be Held Accountable and When will Ratepayers Receive Refunds? COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (SCE&G) today announced that it will cease construction of the two new nuclear units at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station

In response to the announcement, Tom Clements, Senior Advisor at Friends of the Earth issued the following statement:
The decision to abandon the…

When it comes to dealing with global issues like climate change or peak fossil fuels, I’d argue we’ll need to focus technology we already have, or what can realistically be developed in the near future. Relying on more fantastical high tech solutions, such as fusion power, LFTR’s, space solar power or biofuels produced by synthetic biology, is risky because we simply cannot predict when these technologies will become available, if ever! There’s no harm in continuing research into them, but life is about priorities and clearly arguing that we should go slow on renewables, in the forlorn hope of something new emerging would be a risky strategy.

Figure 1: DEMO, a key step on the road to fusion powerplants is now likely to be delayed until the 2050’s

And we have yet more evidence now as to why waiting for a technological holy grail to be…

“U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) sent a letter Thursday to a number of federal agencies requesting documents and information regarding Kaspersky Lab,… Headquartered in Moscow, Kaspersky Lab products have been used by several United States government agencies and entities… “Kaspersky Lab specializes in anti-virus software—products with potentially uninhibited access to the systems they protect…. several concerns have been raised regarding the company and Eugene Kaspersky—the founder and CEO of Kaspersky Lab—and his potential ties to the Russian government. The Committee is concerned that Kaspersky Lab is susceptible to manipulation by the Russian government, and that its products could be used as a tool for espionage, sabotage, or other nefarious activities against the United States,’…” See more further below.

Back in March US Congressman Elijah Cummings, a Democrat, pointed out:

Click to access 2016-03-16.EEC%20to%20POTUS%20DOD%20FBI%20re%20Flynn%20Payments.pdf

Trump’s former National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn was paid…

Opinion:

¶ “Mysterious craters blowing out of Russia could mean trouble for the whole planet” • In Siberia, temperature rises are causing mysterious giant craters, but more dire consequences could be in store. Permafrost melting is causing collapses of railways and roads and sinking building foundations, as powerful greenhouse gasses are released. [South China Morning Post]

Siberian crater

Science and Technology:

¶ A study from Aalto University found that solar energy could be used to cover between 53% and 81% of annual domestic heating energy consumption in Finland. The study considered heat that could be stored seasonally. The findings relate, in approximation, to the potentials in neighboring countries at the same latitude as well. [CleanTechnica]

¶ Alphabet Inc’s secretive X skunk works has another idea that could save the world. This one, code-named Malta, involves vats of salt and antifreeze. It can be located almost anywhere, has…