nuclear-news

17 June – the past week in nuclear and climate news

Thanks to those who reminded me that the British PM is NOT Theresa Merkel, (as I wrote last week). As one reader suggested, I must have been doing some wishful thinking – a Freudian slip. Now I know that the  PM is Theresa Mayhem.

17 June, as delegates gather in New York for UN negotiations on nuclear weapons ban treaty, women and men and children around the world will be marching in support of that treaty plan.

Collapsing ice shelves will further accelerate global sea level rise. Cities and states may be able to officially join the Paris Climate Agreement. The “growth economy” must end, along with the coal industry. Record drop in global coal production. Solar power speeding the death of coal-fired power.

Renewable energy news– the latest.

NORTH KOREA. North Korea moving surprisingly fast towards launching long-range, nuclear-capable missile. Increased activity around N. Korean test site may indicate 6th nuclear test.

JAPAN  Accidential exposure to Plutonium: what this means for Japanese nuclear workers.  Burst nuclear container scattered contaminants,  Court rejects citizen group submission, allows restart of Genkai nuclear plant.   Review of safety of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant will mean along delay in restart. Underwater robot to probe damage at Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant. Japan accused by UN special rapporteur of eroding media freedoms and stifling public debate of issues such as the Fukushima nuclear meltdown. Radiation levels exceeding state-set limit found on grounds of five Chiba schools.

USA

• U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis will consider scaling back some nuclear weapons systems. USA government renews old bunkers, for political leaders and other top brass, in event of nuclear war. US Senate’s move to impose new sanctions on Iran contradicts the nuclear deal.
• Lobbyist for Nuclear-Plant Tax Credits succeeded by funding politicians. USA Congress Committee narrowly votes to extend tax credit for nuclear power.
• American government’s (tax-payer funded) project for “Nuclear Universities” 
• South Carolina electricity customers must pay up for nuclear reactors, whether or not they are actually built. State of Nevada moves to prevent restart of licensing for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste site. Kentucky Governor signs measure lifting nuclear moratorium. Nuclear Leaks: The Back Story the NRC Doesn’t Want You to Know about Palo Verde

NORWAY. A warning to Norway, on Russia’s bad history of nuclear waste disposal.

UK. No planning in UK’s Brexit for the problem of EURATOM and UK’s trade in nuclear materials.Hitachi getting out of its financial risks in construction of new Nuclear Power Plant at Wylfa.

SOUTH KOREA. Permanent shutdown of unit 1 of South Korea’s Kori nuclear power plant

BANGLADESH. Ship at Bangladesh found to have illegal levels of radioactive material: too dangerous to scrap.

TURKEY. Turkey to go into big debt to Russia for $20 billion Akkuyu nuclear power plan.
FRANCE. France set to close some nuclear reactors.

UKRAINE. Chernobyl nuclear station – smoke detected at crippled Unit 3.

NEW ZEALAND. Auckland commemorates 30 years of nuclear-free New Zealand.

INDIA. American corporations hope to use Indian insurance companies, for nuclear build in India.

AUSTRALIA. South Australians very definitely dumped the nuclear dump plan, but a new battle looms.

June 16, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

The past week in nuclear and climate news

of interest:   Radiological and nuclear incidents – the IAEA database

In the anglophone world, nuclear and climate are not top of the news at the moment, but are lurking not far beneath it. Terrorism events enhance the concern about radiation – “dirty bombs” etc.  Theresa May’s unsatisfactory result at the British election makes it harder for her to negotiate the exit from the European Atomic Community (“Euratom”). In America the unfolding saga of the the sacked FBI director Comey, and the  investigation into Michael Flynn and the Trump election campaign, has now revealed Flynn’s involvement in a truly weird nuclear marketing scheme.

As for climate change action – well, China is taking over the leadership. China and California are setting up their own climate accord. A joint commitment to fight climate change – European Union and China. America is really “still in it” as More than 1,000 U.S. governors, mayors, investors, universities, and companies  pledge to meet the goals of the Paris agreement.

NORTH KOREA. Defiant North Korea vows to continue its nuclear weapons development. No answer in sight, to North Korea’s march toward nuclear capability.

EUROPE. Leaders of Germany, France and Italy reject Trump’s suggestion of renegotiating Paris climate accord.

USA.

• President Trump sets the world stage for a new nuclear arms race.
•  1979 Three Mile Island nuclear accident – where to put the radioactive trash?. 
• Secret MOX Plutonium Fuel Shipment Planned From French Gov Owned AREVA To Japan -Trump Administration Approved with Tillerson as Lead.
•  Distress and disarray in the U.S. nuclear industry.
• New York ex-mayor Bloomberg leads the way in generous offer to make up USA’s funding to UN climate action.
• Global warming is killing off America’s coral reefs.

JAPAN. Ibaraki nuclear research facility under scrutiny after accident; gas suspected in rupture. 5 Workers Exposed to Radioactive Materials at Oarai Nuclear Research Facility in Ibara. Decommissioning of Monju Fast-Breeder Reactor Accepted by Fukui Governor,

Fukushima. Thyroid Cancer Plagues Fukushima Evacuees, But Officials Deny Radiation to Blame. Fukushima town, Namie to receive compensation.  Trial of Three Key Tepco Executives Starting. 80% of voluntary evacuees not yet returned to Fukushima Prefecture.

UK. Dangerous cargo of radioactive trash flying from Scotland to South Carolina.

AUSTRALIA. South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill declares the nuclear waste importing plan “dead”

GERMANY. German Chancellor Merkel says budget not affected by court ruling to refund nuclear taxes.

RUSSIA. Legacy of improperly managed radioactive sites across Russia.

INDIA. The high cost of new Units 5, 6 at Kudankulam Nuclear power – most of it owed to Russia

BRAZIL. Brazil following US in rolling back climate protections.

AFRICA. Solar lamps tackling poverty and ill-health in Africa.

ANTARCTICA. Massive crack in Antarctic ice shelf is near to breaking.

June 10, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

To June 2nd CLIMATE CHANGE and nuclear news

As I write, the world is reacting to Donald Trump’s announcement  that America will withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.  We knew this was coming, but it is still a shock. USA, under Barack Obama was, along with China, a world leader, at least symbolically, in the struggle to save the planet from catastrophic climate change. (Andy Borowitz of the New Yorker, has an original opinion on this.)

Donald Trump excelling himself in policies to ruin not only America, but the world.

Climate deniers hijacking a climate science conference in Rome.

If USA moves into Crimea, Russia prepared to use nuclear weapons.  North Korea ramps up nuclear warning to USA. Danger of conflict between USA and North Korea: North Korea has 100 Unidentified Nuclear Facilities.

EUROPE‘s nuclear power stations aging – nearing retirement: Nuclear transboundary consultations.

USA.  

• Washington Post awash with articles by weapons lobbyists.  Nuclear Missile Defense is far from a perfect solution. 
• New research on Three Mile Island nuclear accident link to thyroid cancer
• The very real risks of fire in America’s nuclear spent fuel pools  Future of Los Alamos National Nuclear Laboratory in doubt, following recent fire. University of Princeton Study Questions U.S. Nuclear Safety. 
• Notorious Three Mile Island nuclear power station to close. Nuclear companies’ owners beg for tax-payer subsidies – Three Mile Island begs, as solar opportunities rise.  Long Islanders Frustrated at Plan To Bail Out Aging Nuclear Power Plants.Nuclear executives’ excessive pay.
• Trump’s climate decision harms the planet, and goes against the wishes of the American public. Some big business leaders abandoning Donald Trump.Manufacturing and energy to information technology businesses concerned at Trump’s climate pullout.
• Free program to train coal miners as wind farm technicians.

UK.The danger of catastrophic cyberattack on UK’s Trident nuclear submarines. Britain’s exit from European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) – a real damper on UK’s nuclear industry.   Theresa May govt plans to weaken climate action rules.

SOUTH KOREA. South Korea soon to announce plans to phase out nuclear power.

BELARUS. Europe should not turn a blind eye to the developing nuclear threat in Belarus.

INDIA. India going into debt to Russia, for expanded Kudankulam nuclear plant ? A victory for Indian farmers, as nuclear power proposal shifted from coastal district of Gujarat. As solar costs plunge, India rethinks coal projects.

SOUTH AFRICA. Nuclear power company Eskom wants a blank cheque from the South African government. South Africa’s anti nuclear movement renews its campaign.

CHINA. China suspends permits for new coal plants.

JAPAN.  Nuclear storage crisis grows as reactor restarts continue.  UN Rapporteur Received Reports that Japan Media Avoids Covering Ongoing Fukushima Nuclear Disaster; Reporter Demoted-Salary Reduced for Writing About Fukushima.   Toshiba to present UNAUDITED accounts at the company’s AGM next month.

SWEDEN. In Sweden, civil society can influence nuclear waste decisions.

SPAIN. A promising first: hybrid wind power storage plant in Spain using batteries.

POLYNESIA. Declassified: Polynesia  vastly affected by radioactivity from French nuclear bomb testing.

June 2, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Nuclear news to 27 May

Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs

I think that we’re all going to have to join American youth, in relying on comedy TV shows like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Late show with Stephen Colbert, to get our English language news, especially about America.  The actual news is more like comedy. While Donald Trump struts about the world, for example, talking about peace to the Pope, the Trump budget sets out cuts to the UN peace-keeping operations.

Danger of nuclear terrorism is not talked about much. But Britain has suddenly replaced  police at Sizewell nuclear site with armed soldiers. Singapore has recently passed legislation for mandatory death penalty for nuclear terrorism.

Draft treaty on banning possession and use of nuclear weapons released by UN panel.

Cold War nuclear weapons warped Earth’s magnetosphere – what will a nuclear war do?

Nuclear lobby in a bit of a panic – urging for ‘aggressive’ propaganda spin.

Survey of 8000 people in 8 countries: 8 in 10 now see climate change as a ‘catastrophic risk‘.

Almost 10 million jobs already, in renewable energy.

SWITZERLAND. Switzerland’ binding referendum – voted to ban nuclear plants, shift to renewable energy.

JAPAN.

Fukushima.

• Even as Evacuation Orders are Lifted, Recovery Remains Distant Prospect for Many Fukushima Residents.
• Ex-Officials of Fukushima NPP Operator to Face Trial for 2011 Disaster in June.
• TEPCO to look inside Fukushima reactor 3.
• Tepco completes sea wall at Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
• High levels of radioactive material migrating down into soil around Fukushima. 2 more nuclear reactors in Japan clear regulator’s safety review. Study: S. Korean nuclear disaster would hit Japan the hardest.

NORTH KOREA. Breakthrough for North Korea’s missile test – re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere. North Korea’s vast military capabilities, even without nuclear weapons.

IRAN. Election of Rouhani is good result for Tehran’s compliance with nuclear deal.

USA.

• Consternation at the Pentagon: Trump divulged nuclear submarine information to Philippines President.
• Why the Hanford radioactive waste tunnel collapsed.  Makeshift fix for breached Hanford radioactive waste tunnel. A predictable nuclear accident at Hanford. Trump’s new budget would slash spending on cleaning up Hanford.
• A Pox on the Mox – Trump budget to stop Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility.
• Three Mile Island nuclear station – unprofitable for past 5 years, close to shutting down. Despite government subsidy, U.S. Nuclear Plant Still Fails at Auction.
• While resident electricity rates soared, SCANA nuclear power executives received $3.5 million in bonuses.
• False nuclear emergency alert scares New Jersey area.
• Renewable Energy Grid of the Future being developed in New York.
• Donald Trump was taken in by a false story about climate.

SAUDI ARABIA. Trump and retinue in Saudi Arabia – the main event $110 billion arms package.

ARCTIC. In Greenland, abandoned nuclear base could be unearthed by global warming.

UK.

• UK nuclear deterrent may be vulnerable to cyberattack.
• UK election: party policies signal the end of new nuclear power.
• China’s State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation (SNPTC) wanting to take over Britain’s Moorside nuclear project?
• UK’s “Small nuclear” lobby spruiking its wares, downgrading Hinkley Point nuclear project.
• Developers scale down plans for Wylfa nuclear plant.
• Costly consequences for UK nuclear industry, following Brexit.
• RENEWABLES.  British solar power surge. Batteries becoming cheaper. British charity SolarAid works with Chinese solar giant to provide cheap, clean power in Africa.  Unilever powers all its sites by 100% wind energy. Offshore wind energy booming in Britain.

SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa’s nuclear build plans – ripe for corruption.

FRANCE. EDF secretly planning to extend the life of its 58 reactors in France. European Commission scheduled to decide on EDF to gain controlling stake in AREVA nuclear corporation.

GERMANY. German Anti-Nuclear Activist Jailed for Blocking Train Carrying Radioactive Waste Through Densely Populated Areas

INDIA. India’s fast growth in renewable energy.

CHINA. Chinese fighter jets buzz US ‘nuclear sniffer’ plane over East China Sea. China cancelling many coal mines, going all out for solar power.

RENEWABLES IN BRIEF : Solar power -China, Tesla news, India’s push for renewables  – Ever cheaper renewable energy.

SWEDEN. Sweden cancels arrest warrant for Julian Assange, closes investigation.

May 27, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Nuclear, climate, news for the past week

The English language news media hops about from one theme to another. While the nuclear crisis about North Korea seems to continue- the focus has shifted to the USA’s President’s credibility problem. Well, as long as he’s the focus, I guess that Donald Trump is happy, anyway.

Meanwhile the present drama about the computer hacking of hospitals and businesses has taken on a more sinister aspect. People now realise that  computer hacking could affect nuclear power stations , even perhaps nuclear military sites.

A new twist to this subject is the realisation that “cyber warfare” – to paralyse a country’s computer systems, could become a more satisfactory way for an enemy to attack, rather than use nuclear weapons. Analysts now consider North Korea as potentially able to use this method.

Investigative journalism lives:  Close to Norway – Russia’s secret nuclear weapons build-up, and waste dumps

Next generation nuclear power is unlikely to save the industry from bankruptcy. The nuclear industry in financial meltdown

CLIMATE. April of 2017 was the Second Hottest in 137 Year Climate Record.   Severe coastal floods set to double in number, as sea levels rise. 19 May Climate News. Climate change could kill off all coral reefs by 2050.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Lego goes for 100% renewables.   World’s biggest wind turbines now generating power off UK coast.

FRANCE.

• France’s new Prime Minister says France needs ‘massive’ renewables growth.
• France’s nuclear shares plunge as environmentalist Nicolas Hulot appointed as Environment and Energy Minister.
• France Gets EU Approval For 3 Schemes To Develop 17 Gigawatts Of Renewable Energy.
• Greenpeace’s lawsuit against French state aid for Hinkley Nuclear plant – upsetting for UK and French govts. Nuclear companies EDF and AREVA create a new nuclear company EDVANCE. AREVA and EDF pin their hopes on delayed, super-costly, Olkiluoto-3 nuclear project. France’s nuclear company EDF buys majority stake in wind power developer.

INDIA. India diverts ‘peaceful’ nuclear materials to weapons development. India plans to build 10 nuclear reactors. India’s secret radioactive horror story – Jadugoda.

UK. British Labour Party supports renewal of the Trident nuclear deterrent, disappoints many voters. NuGen’s Moorside nuclear project in limbo – unstable and unsustainable. Britain’s new nuclear danger: cyber security attacks. Scottish Renewables publishes manifesto for 2017 UK General Election.

SOUTH KOREA. Global nuclear lobby very upset at election of South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in. Nuclear power in South Korea is forcefully opposed by Catholics.

SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa’s formidable anti nuclear women ready to take on the government again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WTerLrSS48. South African government still determined to sign new nuclear power agreements. No costing for South Africa’s nuclear build programme,

USA. New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged to pull the plug on nuclear bailout, as lawmakers work against it. Inadequate radiation shielding for USA workers handling highly radioactive liquid waste from Canada. USA signs up to Arctic agreement for action on climate change.

GUAM. America neglects Guam atomic test victims – hopes they all die?

JAPAN. Japan restarts another reactor. Mayors near Hamaoka nuclear plant say wider consensus needed for reactor restarts. In Fukushima, a land where few return. Fire crews finally extinguish Fukushima blaze in no-go zone as officials battle “radiation rumors”.  Families do not want to return to polluted Fukushima areas.  Diet Bill requires Tepco to create fund for Decommissioning Fukushima Daiichi.

SWITZERLAND. Switzerland to vote on promoting renewables and banning nuclear power.

CANADA. Scathing criticism of Ontario’s proposed plan for nuclear plant emergencies

TAIWAN. Chang Hsien-yi, the Taiwanese scientist who tried to save his country from nuclear war.

May 19, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

This week’s nuclear news in brief

The most headline-grabbing nuclear story of the week was the collapse of  a tunnel at America’s Hanford nuclear site. While authorities stressed that no-one was injured, and no radiation was released, this accident highlighted the unsafe storage of America’s nuclear weapons waste.

In international politics, the elections of Emmanuel Macron, in France, and of Moon Jae-in, in South Korea, are unwanted blows to the global nuclear industry. Moon Jae-in also signals a trend away from alliance with USA, and a willingness to work with China.

Record-Thin Sea Ice Faces Big Predicted Arctic Warm-up This Week.

NORTH KOREA. North Korea could conduct nuclear test in May – Chinese expert.

USA. NUCLEAR

• Workers at Hanford nuclear site have sealed off a large sinkhole. A sign of the collapse of the entire nuclear industry – the Hanford waste tunnel collapse?
• Korea Mission Centre set up by CIA to address “the nuclear and ballistic missile threat”. Bill in USA Congress to ready USA for a nuclear attack emergency.
•  America’s nuclear subsidies distort markets and damage business. South Carolina nuclear project in doubt, as Toshiba bankruptcy looms. Georgia Power officials  consider fate of Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant construction – cancellation is an option.  Recently opened Watts Bar 2 nuclear power plant already shut down for repairs.
• Protect our water! Indigenous opposition to uranium mining in South Dakota.
•  Texas Nuclear Waste Bill is amended in a big win for environmentalists. Nevada lawmakers approve budgets to fight plan to dump radioactive trash at Yucca Mountain.
•  All too similar to Fukushima prefecture- Savannah River schools get education funding and resources from nuclear company.

CLIMATE.  Montana’s glaciers disappearing – shrinking, like many glaciers world-wide. Arctic Council meeting: USA might be confronted by Arctic Nations concerned about climate change. Environmental Protection Agency dismisses at least five members of a major scientific review board.

SOUTH KOREA. Catholics lead in South Korean movement against nuclear power. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense (MD) system a major environmental catastrophe waiting to happen.

JAPAN. The urgent danger of wildfires in the radioactive Fukushima area. Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui calls on U.N. chief to attend nuclear disarmament conference in August.

RUSSIA. Russia selling debt and dependence to its overseas customers.

INDIA. Water and steam leakage causes shutdown of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Reactor.

CANADA. Cities of Marysville and St. Clair oppose Lake Huron nuclear waste dump. Uranium company Cameco in trouble: the industry is just not viable.

GERMANY. German energy groups turn to lucrative business of decommissioning nuclear power stations,

AUSTRALIA. Today, the Parliamentary Inquiry into Australia  on Australia joining the Framework Agreement for International Generation IV Nuclear Reactor Development published the submissions that it received. As this Inquiry has been kept quite secret from the media and the public, it is not surprising that nearly all of the submissions have come from companies and individuals with either a very clear, or a vested, interest in the nuclear industry.

BULGARIA. Bulgaria trying to get private investors for its nuclear project.

May 12, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Nuclear, climate news, for the week that has been

Well, I know that the big story remains the North Korea   – USA nuclear standoff. This is dominating the nuclear news, perhaps all of the news.

Still, other things nuclear are happening, and the most fascinating this week is the political drama being played out in South Africa. Briefly, The Zuma government has had to stall its plans for nuclear procurement, as the result of a court ruling. This is the latest event in the extraordinary history of corruption in South Africa’s nuclear plans.  Democracy is on the line in South Africa, if the government presses on with the project.

World’s nuclear experts forming a Nuclear Crisis Group to Advise World Leaders on Avoiding Nuclear War.   Chinese diplomat warns that talk between USA and North Korea is essential – tipping point is near.  Pope Francis suggests Norway as mediator, urges a diplomatic solution to North Korean nuclear crisis.  Vatican says nuclear weapons “provide a false sense of security”.

The Independent WHO examines the World Health Organisation and finds it dishonest on ionising radiation.

CLIMATE. Early Greenland Melt Spike Possible as Forecast Calls for Temperatures of up to 50 F Above Average   Lakes around the world are affected by heat from climate change. The disappearing Arctic ice, and its consequences.

NORTH KOREA. China tells its citizens – Get out of North Korea. Russia: “It is evident that Pyongyang will not abandon its nuclear weapons as long as it sees itself directly threatened. North Korea accuses USA of planning a pre-emptive nuclear strike, with its bomber flights. North Korea threatens a pre-emptive nuclear strike on USA. Trump administration trying to make China responsible for fixing North Korean crisis.

UK. Brexit will mean that Britain will be stuck with Europe’s nuclear waste. Nuclear Industry Association (NIA)makes 6 demands for arrangements to replace Euratom. Problems compounded for NuGen’s Moorside nuclear project in Cumbria.  World Nuclear Lobby bewails Britain’s lack of progress on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs).  Even the fake charity Weinberg Next Nuclear recognises the link between Small Modular Nuclear Reactors and Weapons.

FRANCE. Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron – very different views on nuclear power. Macron pins reactor closures to renewables growth.

JAPAN. Japan wants stronger Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Government to release map of potential final nuclear disposal sites this summer. Mount Juman forest fire in Namie spreads radioactive material.  Sparking Fears of Airborne Radiation, Wildfire Burns in Fukushima ‘No-Go Zone‘. Fukushima authorities ask troops to help deal with forest fires near crippled nuclear power plant.

UKRAINE. 2,397,863 registered Chernobyl-related health victims now in treatment. 453,391 ARE CHILDREN.  Chernobyl Remembered. Consequences of Chernobyl.

BELARUS. Belarus march against nuclear power on Chernobyl anniversary.

USA.

• Can the American President think or speak clearly? Unfortunately – NO.  A worrying thought: Trump might imagine that America could win a nuclear war.  500,000 sign Petition Barring Trump’s Nuclear Weapons Use.
• Utility not sure it can finish Vogtle nuclear plant, which was being built by bankrupt Westinghouse Electric. New Nuclear Projects Bankrupted Westinghouse – how it happened. Pennsylvania nuclear corporation looks to tax-payer funding to save the industry.
• Dave Freeman, the nuclear giant-killer.
• Pro nuclear politicians fail to get tax credit in government spending bill.  Petroleum versus nuclear: the industries fight each other for tax-payer subsidies.
• Naomi Oreskes and Jeremy Jones on need for a price on carbon . 180 Climate Deniers in Congress Received $82 Million in Dirty Money. EPA removing “outdated language” – all mention of climate change, from its website.  USA Puts Up A New Wind Turbine Every 2.4 Hours

SOUTH AFRICA. Medium and long term impact of South African court ruling – not good for the nuclear industry. South Africa’s new energy minister talks about nuclear transparency, “public participation”. South African govt will challenge High Court’s ruling against nuclear power procurement. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) excludes nuclear power for South Africa’s energy mix. South African research institutions were paid hush money to shut up about nuclear power.

IRAN. Growing trade between Iran and European Union following implementation of the nuclear deal. Nuclear deal is an issue in Iran’s election. Rex Tillerson attacks Iran nuclear deal.

UAE. Lacking nuclear expertise, United Arab Emirates postpones start-up pf nuclear reactors.

QATAR. Qatar calls for nuclear-free zone in Middle East.

GERMANY. Germany’s record 85% renewables over weekend.

CANADA. Two thirds of Canada’s electricity now comes from renewable energy.

RUSSIA. Early Season Russia-Siberia Wildfire Outbreak Expands Due to Heat

INDIA. Lots of renewable energy news

May 8, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Teetering on the brink, and other nuclear and climate news

You wonder how long the world can teeter on the brink – Donald Trump says:  Chance of ‘major, major conflict’ with North Korea. Unprepared President Trump risks blundering into nuclear war. But Why so little public protest on the current threats of nuclear war?  Have we all got nuclear-war-fear fatigue? Or, in Australia, it is the football season.

Investigative journalism lives! – Time to pay attention to long term effects of low dose ionising radiation. The radioactive berry harvests of Chernobyl.

Trump says that Kim Jong Un ‘is a problem that needs to be finally solved’, sends Cruise missile-carrying nuclear submarine to South Korea. China’s strong warning to North Korea against another nuclear weapons test. Japanese buying nuclear shelters and radiation-blocking air purifiers, in fear of nuclear attack. Just 10 minutes to prepare for a North Korean nuclear attack, Japan’s government says. The multi-million death toll that would result from a pre-emptive strike on North Korea. Close to human extinction – a nuclear war warning from Ex-CIA operative Valerie Plame.

Plutonium in space – the danger in space probes.

USA.   America’s anti-ballistic missile systems capable of nuclear strike against Russia, China.  Nuclear energy utilities NextEra, FPL lose lawsuit over $97.5 million in nuclear-related tax refunds Nuclear bomb drill in New Jersey.  

American scientists march to save science.  Florida’s nightmare outlook with climate change.   9 year old boy persisting in suing Donald Trump over his climate policies. Heartland Institute’s misinformation campaign into schools.

CANADA. Emergency exercises in Ottawa and Nova Scoria: testing how to respond to a nuclear threat.

INDIA. Duration of Indian Hot Season Nearly Doubles as Crushing Drought and Heat Expand Across the Subcontinent.

SOUTH KOREA. South Korea: All major candidates vow to stop building new reactors.

UK.

• Theresa May would be willing to fire a pre-emptive nuclear strike.   Greens Party condemns as immoral UK government’s willingness for pre-emptive strike. Russian warning: Britain would be ‘razed to the ground’if it launched a nuclear attack.
•  Brexit and Britain’s problem of nuclear waste.
• Round-up of latest news on UK’s Hinkley Point C nuclear project.
• Millions funnelled to North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme through house in suburban London.

RUSSIA. Children Still Endangered by Chernobyl Radiation in Russia; Russia Pretends Area Has Improved; Removes Medical, Social Insurance and Compensation. Russia Continues Crusade Against Environmental Groups in Run-up to Earth Day.

SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa’s Eskom nuclear plan set back, as Judge rules nuclear decisions unlawful.

UKRAINE.   Chernobyl’s massive steel arch – temporary protection against ionising radiation.

JAPAN. 80% of voluntary Fukushima disaster evacuees outside pref. unwilling to return home.    Japan reconstruction minister quits after inappropriate comment on disaster zone. The scandalous deficiency of the health scheme in Fukushima.   Tests to start on radioactive soil for use in reconstruction.  Japan’s very big problem of nuclear wastes from its failed Tokai Reprocessing Plant.  High contamination in Namie, Fukushima

April 28, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Nuclear and climate news to 23 April

It’s getting monotonous, as well as scary,  – news reports on all the sabre rattling going on, mainly about North Korea, but also about Syria and Iran. The upshot of all this: –  risk of ‘catastrophic’ nuclear accident increases.  – communities fearful of nuclear war, especially in South Korea, and luxury bunkers in high demand by the filthy rich. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3hbtM_NJ0s

Spin  for “new nukes” – Generation IV nuclear reactors – ramps up.

Decline in the size of the world’s nuclear arsenals, due to cuts by Russia and USA.

As predicted, world’s atmosphere now has 410 parts per million C02

NORTH KOREA Confusion on North Korean situation. RUSSIA ‘moves troops and equipment’ to North Korea border. USA spy plane over North Korea, increases preparations for THAAD antimissile system in South Korea. USA considers show of strength, shooting down North Korea missile tests.  CHINA praises US on nuclear issue, criticizes North Korea. North Korea Threatens Nuclear Strike On Australia.

USA.

• American State Dept certifies that Iran is complying with nuclear deal. Tillerson slams the deal anyway! US threat to ditch Iran nuclear deal.  Trump might want to rip up Iran nuclear agreement, but actually, he can’t.
• Trump’s changed attitude to NATO – he now wants it bigger and tougher.
• USA is building a nuclear missile that is more accurate than ever.  Simultaneous North Korean and American nuclear weapons tests. Double standards? US Conducts Successful Field Test Of  New Nuclear Bomb  New military posture review for Trump’s Pentagon.
• Trump Administration doesn’t know what to do about the Paris Climate Agreement.
• Trump plans for the nuclear industry put Americans in danger – Sen. Ed Markey speaks out! Videos.
•  Donald Trump “paranoid and delusional”, says a group of mental health experts. Bill in USA Congress aims to facilitate removal of a President.
• Demolition of Hanford Plutonium Finishing Plant to begin soon. Citizens not happy with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission safety report. Delay in legal order to move plutonium stockpiled in South Carolina. Three Mile Island nuclear station could close anytime soon.
• Trump administration plans to eliminate climate data collection.

GREENLAND New and worrying studies on Greenland ice.

JAPAN. Japan to decommission 5 nuclear reactors – but where to put the wastes. Niigata governor dashes TEPCO’s hopes for reactor restarts in 2019. Six years after Fukushima – women and children still suffer most.

FRANCE. France’s next president is in for a big nuclear headache.

SOUTH AFRICA. Eskom seeks exemptions from nuclear procurement rules and regulations. South Africa’s Democratic Alliance will fight Eskom’s rushed nuclear procurement process.

BANGLADESH. Tragic climate change effects already there, in Bangladesh.

RUSSIA. Russia’s claims of ability to carry out Electronic Warfare.  Secret Floating Nuclear Power Plant to be fuelled all too close to city of St. Petersburg.

April 23, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

To 15 April – nuclear and climate news

Once again – weapons, and with the Syria conflict, the threat of nuclear war are in the news this week. South Korea tries to reassure citizens that U.S. won’t strike North Korea pre-emptively. Meanwhile cautious and problematic negotiations at at U.N. nuclear weapons ban treaty meeting.

The other big nuclear story is the dismal nuclear power industry prospects, after Westinghouse bankruptcy. Toshiba corporation might not survive its nuclear financial crisis.

Pre-emptive strike by USA on North Korea is on the cards, if North Korea conducts nuclear weapons test. North Korea has threatened “nuclear thunderbolts” at the first sign of a US preemptive strike.

Hans M. Kristensen on New START 2017: Russia Decreasing, US Increasing Deployed Warheads. Nuclear history, and the false promises of Generation IV reactors

In a radical change of pattern, Arctic warm water is being pushed to the surface. Global warming hitting Sub-Arctic wastelands, permafrost, more severely than expected.

March For Science 22 April . People’s Climate March 29 April.

CHINA. China warning North Korea against escalating tensions to an ‘irreversible’ stage.

IRAN. Foreign Ministers at G7 declare support for Iran nuclear agreement.  US reaffirms Iran nuclear agreement. Overall analysis of the Iran Nuclear Agreement.

USA. 

• For the first time, USA drops largest Non-Nuclear Bomb, in Afghanistan.
• Trump’s attack on Syria very good for his shares in missile-maker Raytheon.
• Pentagon’s new killing systems for space.
• American nuclear power industry prospects down the drain, after Westinghouse bankruptcy. Nuclear contractors not turning up for work amid Westinghouse woes. America’s nuclear power operators getting desperate for tax-payer subsidies. Ohio Lawmakers consider bailout for FirstEnergy nuclear plants.
• New radiation detection system begins operations at Port of Los Angeles.
• Geewhiz “new nuclear” lobby will try to hijack the March for Science.
• CLIMATE: California could get catastrophic sea level rise. Florida Emergency Declared as More Than 100 Wildfires Burn Across the State

SOUTH KOREA. South Korea’s nuclear power programme under threat, as Presidential candidates against nuclear or coal expansion.

UK. Toshiba’s financial woes – a bad omen for UK nuclear programme: is Moorside dead? UK’s Ministry of Defence brings in nuclear bigwig to run the £41bn programme for Dreadnought nuclear missile submarines.

JAPAN. IAEA chief urges global support for decommissioning Fukushima plant. Fukushima-linked bullying survey reveals hundreds more cases. Toshiba warns that it might not survive its nuclear financial crisis. Japan’s nuclear technology faces extinction.

RUSSIA. Russia’s plans for nuclear waste ships: but where will they dump the radioactive trash?

SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa’s new Finance Minister all set to rubber stamp nuclear build programme. Eskom says that South Africa has NOT signed any nuclear deal. South Africa’s ‘R1 trillion nuclear deal will guarantee SA ‘junk status’

EUROPE. Problems in Europe with Westinghouse nuclear fuel assemblies

April 15, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Nuclear news to 8 April

Weapons and war are in the news this week – well, even more than they usually are. US President Trump sent a missile strike attack on a Syrian military airfield, in the first direct American assault on the government of President Bashar al-Assad.  The reverberations of this continue around the world, and USA warns that there could be further attacks.  Trump did act without Congressional approval. There is debate about this – some say he  violated the US Constitution and the War Powers Resolution. Others say that Trump had legal authority to attack Syria. My own opinion – it is a worrying precedent.

The United Nations  held the global summit for a treaty on banning nuclear weapons .  1st round of nuclear weapons ban treaty talks ends, aims to draft treaty next month. North Korea remains a worry, as US President Trump and China’s President Xi begin an uneasy meeting. Meanwhile, Donald Trump expands the power of the President to declare war.

Arctic Sea Ice Volume Continues to Crater

USA is dramatically in the news this week, as I mention above.  Trump is taking a gamble in USA relations with Russia.

• The path to war? US legislation in Congress to unravel the Iran nuclear agreement.
• Trump’s plans to revive Yucca nuclear waste dump idea.
• Trump administration doesn’t want China to buy Westinghouse.
•  Owners of the failed San Onofre nuclear plan agree to relocate radioactive waste from the San Diego County coastline.
• Former Chernobyl neighbours hit with rare eye cancer
• A new load of pro nuclear twaddle from James Conca and “Generation Atomic”- marching “for science” on 22 April!!
•  Heartland Institute Peddling Misinformation to Teachers about Climate Change. Changes emerging, as some USA Republicans introduce to Congress the Republican Climate Resolution.

UK.   UK approves USA military strike on Syria, but not committed to military action.    Britain’s airports and nuclear power stations have been placed on a terror alert – cyber threat         Nuclear Decommissioning makes every other disaster in the post-war period pale into insignificance. Hunterston B and Hinkley Point B Nuclear – safety concerns. Ongoing collapse of UK’s Moorside nuclear project, as French nuclear industry mired in scandal. Who will put up the cash for Wylfa nuclear power project?

JAPAN. Reconstruction minister lashes out over remaining Fukushima evacuees. Reconstruction Disaster: The human implications of Japan’s forced return policy in Fukushima. Lifting Fukushima evacuation orders. After Fukushima, battling Tepco and leukemia. 60% of new utilities object to helping pay Fukushima compensation.  Real cost of Fukushima disaster to reach $626 billion. Think tank estimate triple that of government.

SOUTH AFRICA. President Zuma drastically reshuffles Cabinet, to make way for nuclear power development. Nuclear corruption in South Africa – new allegations. Did Russia’s nuclear lobby make Africa’s President get rid of Finance Minister Gordhan?.

INDIA.  Pakistan, India taking rival steps ‘to advance nuclear arsenals’  9 year old girl sues Indian government for inaction on climate change.

RUSSIA.  Russian warship headed towards US Navy destroyers who launched Syria attack.   Reactors from Russia are Unsafe and Unreliable, Says Russian Environmentalist

April 8, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Nuclear, climate, news to 31 March

The United Nations has just held the first of two global summits to negotiate “a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination”.   This was sponsored by 57 nations, and with 125 nations represented, but the nuclear weapons-dependent  nations did not participate.

Does this mean that the conference is meaningless? Perhaps. Yet, increasingly, public opinion supports nuclear disarmament, and those governments are being challenged, to explain their support for nuclear weapons.

As for the “peaceful” nuclear industry – it is having a financial meltdown. Westinghouse’s bankruptcy, and Toshiba’s record loss, shed doubt on new nuclear build in America and Britain.

Globally, the Paris climate agreement will continue, while Trump Trashes U.S. Climate Policy.

Pope Francis backs nuclear weapons ban treaty. Buddhist Association joins Christian groups in support of historic UN nuclear weapons negotiations

Climate change forcing indigenous peoples from their homelands.

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): global economic growth possible with 2˚C scenario with Renewable Energy.

USA.

• America leads boycott of historic UN conference on nuclear weapons ban. $Trillions for nuclear weapons, as USA rejects UN nuclear ban conference.   How did the Pentagon lose $10 Trillion? Air Force B-2 to Get New Digital Nuclear Weapons.
• Would Trump stage a “terrorist situation” if his popularity went right down?
•  Will Westinghouse be able to complete any of its nuclear projects? South Carolina, Georgia, nuclear projects under the cloud of Westinghouse’s troubles. 
• Cover-up of America’s nuclear waste disaster: Hanford, Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, Westlake….  Concern about nuclear waste shipments to South Carolina.
• Remembering Three Mile Island.
• Nuclear power, once the “golden goose” for small towns – now a liability.
• Another pretend-environmental nuclear front group joins the throng- “Environmental Progress”.
• Trump attack, in his war on science and on the Earth’s climate.
• Governors of New York and California Reaffirm Commitment to Exceeding Targets of the Clean Power Plan. Wisconsin and Louisiana cities join 23 others in USA, in going for 100% renewable energy.
• Great Barrier Reef bleaching? No, according to Breitbart, that is fake news.

JAPAN.  11,000 Wikileaks documents related to Fukushima.   Residents furious over high court decision to revoke Takahama nuclear plant injunction. TEPCO fails to pinpoint melted fuel at Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.

NORTH KOREA. Need for America and China to work together on North Korean situation.

UK.  Ireland demands to be consulted on potential effects of nuclear power station on England’s west coast.   Nuclear decommissioning debacle is costly for Britain. Britain will struggle with nuclear regulatory system, after leaving European Union. Britain’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) sounds alarm over doctored papers and security breaches at French nuclear parts supplier.  As if in a department store sale day, foreign nuclear companies compete to sell their radioactive products to Britain.

UKRAINE. Danger to Europe of Ukraine’s nuclear corruption.

March 31, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

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 | Leave a comment

This week’s nuclear and climate news

I scratch around for good news. There is plenty, on the renewable energy scene. And this: CO2 emissions from energy remain flat for third year running.  Total number of global nuclear weapons has dropped.

Not so good news. Disaster looms over North Korea: how could this be stopped? US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, rejects negotiation with North Korea, and keeps journalists out. Tillerson considers a pre-emptive strike against North Korea.

Massive amounts of heat being stored in the oceans.   G20 will not be mentioning that nasty left-wing phrase “climate change”.

EUROPE. The very serious threat of sea level rise.

USA.

• Trump budget would boost nuclear weapons spending, slash diplomatic and aid programmes. Savage attack on the environment: the Trump budget. Trump’s budget attack on science.
• Ethics Groups Send Letter to US Attorney Preet Bharara Requesting Investigation of Trump; Within Days Preet was Fired Along with 45 Other US Attorneys.  Rupert Murdoch to gain by Trump firing attorney Preet Bharara.
• Trump’s divide and conquer tactics produce a toxic White House environment.
•  Republican senator slams Trump’s Nevada nuclear waste dump plan.
• Connecticut lawmakers want to call nuclear power “renewable”.
•  Grandfather and granddaughter join forces prevent nuclear doom.
• Thorough research to be done on uranium health effects on Navajo Nation.
• Massive economic costs of climate change.

JAPAN. 

• Japanese Govt. and TEPCO Found Liable by Court for Fukushima Disaster.
•  The illusion of normality at Fukushima.  Six years after outbreak of crisis, Fukushima nuclear workers continue to face slander, discrimination: survey.  Japanese school children who survived Fukushima meltdown are being subjected to ‘nuclear bullying,  Singapore keeping in place Fukushima food import curbs. Olympics being hyped to portray Fukushima nuclear disaster as ‘now OK”
• TEPCO cancels robotic probe of reactor 1. Plan to tunnel under the reactor buildings to remove melted fuel.
• Toshiba might have to pay the buyer, to take failed nuclear unit off its hands.

UK. UK government boycotts UN nuclear disarmament talks.  UK plans for small nuclear reactors stalling. Bechtel pulls out. UK’s Moorside nuclear project in more doubt, with Toshiba’s crisis.

RUSSIA. Russia Plans to Fuel Floating Nuclear Reactor(s) in St. Petersburg – Endangering the City of 5 Million, Before Towing It Around Scandinavia. Russia will pay Kenya to buy its nuclear technology.

TAIWAN. Taiwan govt reaffirms aim to phase out nuclear power by 2025. Thousands in Taiwan protest against nuclear power, demand low carbon sustainable energy.

TURKEY. Call for Turkey to get its own nuclear weapons.

FRANCE. Areva factory for nuclear parts gets poor report from regulator.

March 18, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Fukushima, 2020 Olympics, and other news this week

Japan and the sporting world are cheerfully preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It will bring in 32.3 trillion yen. And goody – they’re going to have trans gender toilets! Forget about Fukushima. That’s all fixed up. But, actually, – No!  Fukushima remains a lurking global catastrophe. Despite the propaganda, Fukushima nuclear clean-up is not under control.

• Attempts to use robots to find and assess the melted fuel within the reactors have failed: the robots died of heat and radiation. 
• Over 1000 tanks around the nuclear station hold 900,000 tons of  radioactive water, with the quantity soon expected to reach 1m tons.
• The costly “ice wall” around the No 1 reactor has not really worked,  to prevent radioactive water getting into the groundwater.
• Fukushima laden with piles of radioactive soil that can’t be moved into storage
• 32,000 workers at Fukushima No. 1 got high radiation dose, Tepco data show.

Fukushima nuclear disaster evacuees pressured to return to contaminated homes.  About 40 percent of 42 local leaders along the coasts of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures doubt their areas will recover by the time of the 2020 Tokyo Games due to the ongoing Fukushima nuclear crisis. Link between the Fukushima nuclear meltdown and thyroid cancer in children?. Roaming, radioactive boars slow the return of Japan’s nuclear refugees. Financial crunch time looms for Fukushima’s ‘voluntary evacuees’.

(I’ve left out heaps. – especially on climate and renewable energy)

Nuclear lobbyists in disarray on what to do about the nuclear industry’s crisis.

USA. Trump brinkmanship as B-52 NUCLEAR BOMBERS sent to South Korea. Trump administration locks out the media, retreats into secrecy. EPA – USA’s Environment Punishing Agency Now – as Scott Pruitt promotes climate change denialism. The Trump and Congressional Republican Assault on Our Environment.

NORTH KOREA. Nuclear warning from North Korea.

JAPAN. Reasons for Japan to dump nuclear power more obvious now than ever.

March 12, 2017 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes | 1 Comment