The week in climate and nuclear news

Putin’s “invulnerable”nuclear-powered missile lost at sea. Joins the rest of Russia’s nuclear junk there, and could be leaking radiation.

Jonathon Porritt and 60 other British writers, politicians and academics condemn the concept of a “balanced debate” about human-caused climate change. “Balance implies equal weight. But this then creates a false equivalence between an overwhelming scientific consensus and a lobby, heavily funded by vested interests, that exists simply to sow doubt to serve those interests.”

The nuclear establishment cannot be trusted on radiation. Beware of the nuclear apologists.

Renewable energy systems set to go ahead with new technology enhancing flexibility.

AUSTRALIA. Australia’s climate change policy sets a dangerous precedent for the world. Australia’s new Cabinet: A motley crew of climate denialists and pro nuclear proponents.

JAPAN. Japan’s 2020 Olympic Games a public relations cover-up of the Fukushima fiasco, for the nuclear industry. Risk of terrorist attacks in Japan Olympics: Japan strengthening waterfront security. Japan’s emergency drill envisages nuclear accidents at multiple locations. Watchdog says TEPCO nuclear disaster drill ‘unacceptable’. Big safety costs for Japan’s nuclear power stations- and costs will grow yearly.

-Japan plans to reduce its 47.3 tons of stockpiled plutonium. Fukushima: UN says cleanup workers in danger of ‘exploitation’.

FRANCE. Hot weather continues to cause lower nuclear power production in France. Increased danger for mountaineers, as climate change melts the French Alps.

RUSSIA. Scepticism, even among pro-nukers, about Russia’s much boasted floating nuclear power plant. Russian official threatens use of nuclear weapons in Syria.

UK. Following Brexit, UK will no longer be a member of Nuclear Fusion for Energy. UK government outlines plans for the civil nuclear sector if Britain leaves European Union without any deal.

Continued safety worries at UK’s Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE). Dumping of Hinkley nuclear’s radioactive mud would break the law. Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (BANNG) points out the climate change threats to proposed Bradwell B new nuclear power station.

Following Chernobyl, Britain’s District Councils’ information role was limited to PR for the government. Demolition of Windscale Pile One Stack at Sellafield.

USA.

Donald Trump has directed the secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, to delay a planned trip to North Korea.
USA emergency measures include preparations for nuclear attacks on 60 U.S. cities.
The nuclear modernization program is not sustainable economically– Kristensen. Why bother with an underground bunker? USA tests Upgraded ‘Earth-Penetrating’ Nuclear Bomb.
Nobody wants to pay the $4.7 Billion Nuclear Bill for South Carolina’s abandoned nuclear project.
Nevada residents strongly opposing proposed Yucca Mountain dump scheme.
Plutonium remains in the ground below proposed Rocky Flats national wildlife refuge.
Small Modular Nuclear Reactors could be a costly mistake for Idaho utility.
Hotter water forces Pilgrim nuclear power plant to half capacity.
U.S. army increasing its investment and use of solar power.