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The News That Matters about the Nuclear Industry Fukushima Chernobyl Mayak Three Mile Island Atomic Testing Radiation Isotope

This week in nuclear, climate, pollution news

Sometimes, it seems  a bit ridiculous to single out the nuclear danger, or the climate danger, from all the other insults that human beings are throwing at the planet. Wars and violence are bad enough, but the overall big killer now is pollution especially where it’s combined with poverty.  It’s surely time to take a global view of our punished biosphere. It’s affecting us, and the biggest organisms, and the smallest  – as with the massive decline in flying insects.

Anyway – to nuclear news. Apart from the ever dangling sword of Damocles situation of North Korea, the news for the so-called peaceful nuclear industry is pretty bleak. The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2017 has just been released, and even in China things are crook.

Risk of ‘unacceptable war’ – if U.S.A. made a pre-emptive military strike on North Korea.

North Korea warns of possible atmospheric nuclear bomb test.  USA nuclear bombers to go back on 24 hour alert.

Two old former leaders,USA’s  Jimmy Carter and Russia’s Mikhail Gorbachev talk sense, (but will anyone listen?)

Hiroshima Survivor Setsuko Thurlow to accept Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of ICAN.  ICAN calls on Nobel Foundation to cease indirect nuclear arms investments.

AS UN Climate Change Conference draws near, Christian leaders demand implementation of Paris Agreement.

Record low prices for unsubsidised solar power.

EUROPE. With plummeting renewables costs, costly nuclear fusion unlikely to ever make sense.

JAPAN. What a difference a word makes: Japan weakens its annual anti-nuclear resolution!

USA.

UK. As renewable energy costs shrink, British government wastes money on Small Nuclear Reactor fantasy.  – Britain’s (really uneconomic) ‘peaceful’ nuclear power is actually subsidising nuclear weapons. Seaweed clogging up cooling system of EDF’s Hunterston B nuclear station in Scotland.

A subsidy ban for new onshore wind farms could add £1bn onto UK energy bills. Britain’s ‘Greater Manchester Big Clean Switch‘ welcomed by The Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA).

BBC finally apologises for its uncritical interview with climate denialist Lord Lawson.

NORTH KOREA. Stresses on North Korea’s nuclear test mountain – becoming unstable?

INDIA. India-USA nuclear arrangement just an American marketing effort – “dead at the very beginning”. With its rapid growth in solar power, India now a leading clean energy generator.

SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba says large nuclear power project is not affordable.– South Africa’s opposition party ready to take legal action if govt fails High Court ruling on nuclear transparency

SOUTH KOREA. South Korea scrapping plans for 6 nuclear reactors, but will continue with 2.

FRANCE. Concern over condition of France’s aging nuclear reactors: 20 of the 58 currently shut down.

IRAN. Death sentence for man found guilty over Iran nuclear scientist killings.   IAEA boss Yukiya Amano to visit Iran.

NEW ZEALAND. New govt in New Zealand plans for 100% renewable energy.

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

Nuclear news to 21st October

I know that it’s becoming a tedious subject, but, unfortunately, the risk of war, a nuclear war, is creeping up inexorably. The general consensus of expert opinion is that North Korea’s Kim Jong Un does not want, or intend to start, a war. His quite rational aim is the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon to the USA. and thus prevent an American attack, and ensure the survival of his regime.  Russia and China, have achieved this ability, and USA and the world have learned to live with this reality.

Expert opinion seems completely confused as to the real aims of USA’s Donald Trump, and this is making for a scary scene. – And, it is hard to dismiss the opinion of the 27 psychiatrists who warned  about Trump’s mental state.

2017 – a catastrophic year for the nuclear industry – downturn in China, USA, and globally.

The growing threat of cyber attacks on nuclear weapons systems.

North Korea’s belligerant response to USA-South Korea military drills.  South Korea developing missiles to destroy North Korea nuclear facilities.

European Union statement on the Iran nuclear Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Quitting Iran nuclear agreement would ruin 12yrs’ work, threaten nuclear war – says ICAN

JAPAN. Kobe Steel scandal and mismanagement is especially bad news for the nuclear industry. World Trade Organisation ruling on  Korea’s ban on Japanese seafood. Japan attempting to force contaminated food products onto the market.  Kansai Electric Power Co. to permanently close 2 nuclear reactors in Fukui Prefecture.  Japan’s solar powered smart communities.

Court rulings show Fukushima relief falls short of reality of victims. Robots are central to Fukushima’s highly dangerous nuclear radioactivity clean-up.

SOUTH KOREA. Secrecy surrounding meeting of World Association of Nuclear Operators in South Korea.

RUSSIA. Russia positions itself as mediator on North Korean nuclear crisis.

USA.

UK. UK Labour warns that nuclear safety laws post Brexit could damage Britain’s democracy. Hinkley nuclear white elephant: Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) warns UK govt against further loan guarantees.  Part of the giant Hinkley Point nuclear plant will have to be demolished and rebuilt. Britain’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) likely to create a new agency, after cancelling Cavendish Fluor Partnership.

SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa’s President Zuma now has a new (Nuclear) Energy Minister: David Mahlobo praises nuclear energy. Kickbacks, procurement irregularities, at Eskom. Fatal flaws in Eskom’s plan for new nuclear power at Koeberg, South Africa.

FRANCE. In 20 French cities, Greenpeace activists highlight the vulnerability of nuclear spent fuel pools.     29 French nuclear reactors at risk, warns France’s Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).     Nuclear wastes – a divisive problem for the French, that could mean the end of the industry.  Electricite de France (EDF) keen to market nuclear power to Asia. 100 employees evacuated from office of French nuclear station , due to mysterious package found.

CHINA.  Chinese slowdown may end nuclear’s last hope for growth.  China forced to close top skiing area, due to earthquake concerns about North Korea’s nuclear tests.  China looks to a second record breaking year in solar power installations.

UKRAINE. £1.3bn Chernobyl New Safe Confinement planned for completion this year.

CZECH REPUBLIC. Czech Republic breaking its legal obligations in building nuclear facility, with neighbouring countries not participating.

October 20, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Nuclear and climate news to October 15

Unfortunately, that strange and worrying individual, Donald Trump, has yet again managed to dominate the news media, on nuclear and other issues. He has has struck a blow against the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement – in defiance of other world powers – by choosing not to certify that Tehran is complying with the deal. If Iran now leaves the deal, there’s the prospect of  a new nuclear arms race, in the Middle East. Nobel Peace Prize winner ICAN says Trump is ‘igniting new conflict rather than reducing risk of war’.

Meanwhile, there’s the escalating danger of an American nuclear first strike on North Korea.

NUCLEAR. – Nobel Peace Prize winners say that the UN Treaty is the “beginning of the end for nuclear weapons”. Global opinion poll: people want diplomacy with North Korea, not war.

Despite the hype, it’s doubtful that underground bunkers will work, in the event of a nuclear attack.

Ignoring the danger of ionising radiation: nuclear waste dumping in the sea.

CLIMATE. Wounded Tropical Forests Now Emit 425 Million Tons of Carbon Each Year — Restoration, Fossil Fuel Emissions Cuts Now Urgent.

USA.Nuclear

USA. Climate .The role of climate change in California’s wildfires.  Unlike President Trump, USA’s military are keen to prepare for climate change disruption.

NORTH KOREA. Earthquake detected near North Korea’s nuclear site – raising fears of a new nuclear test.  Satellite photos show North Korean shipyard test site. A new nuclear missile launch might be imminent.

JAPAN. Rokkasho Fuel Reprocessing Plant Faked Safety Records For 14 Years.   Japan Cleared to Re-Start World’s Largest Nuclear Plant.   Voluntary evacuees win compensation over Fukushima nuclear disaster. Fukushima District Court finds National Government and Tepco Responsible.

SWEDEN. Buildup of radioactivity in wild boars in Sweden – from eating Chernobyl area mushrooms.

SOUTH KOREA. South Korea: thyroid cancer patients say no to nuclear power plants.

UK.

FRANCE. Greenpeace protestors show poor security at French nuclear station – by breaking in!

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.  UAE to sever ties with North Korea.

PAKISTAN. Pakistan’s new nuclear-capable submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) opens up a dangerous new era.

CHINA. Chinese government boosting storage capacity for renewable energy.

SOUTH AFRICA. Eskom gets permission to develop a new nuclear plant.

SRI LANKA. Sri Lanka enforces UN resolution on nuclear and biological weapons.

INDIA. Tamil Nadu: Union Ministry of Environment now allowing mining of thorium, uranium, in ecologically sensitive CRZ areas.

RUSSIA. A new solar farm opened in Southern Russia.

October 14, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

To October 7 – the week in nuclear/climate news

The 2017 Nobel Peace Prize has just been awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).  This global campaign began in Melbourne 10 years ago, and look where it went from there! Retrieving Australia’s past reputation for work towards nuclear disarmament, ICAN’s dedicated team just kept going. Today, I can feel proud to be Australian,  despite the Australian government’s present craven record on disarmament.

Contrasting with that positive news, we have Donald Trump’s latest ominous utterance – “the calm before the storm”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU62DZ_Xf0M Who knows what he means?  At least in the 1979 Peter Sellers film “Being There” that particular  dimwitted President knew that he was talking about gardening.

 

NUCLEAR  Text of Nobel Peace Prize award to anti-nuclear campaign ICAN. Why Trump’s Words on North Korea Matter – normalising nuclear war.

Debunking the myths about nuclear fusion – The ITER Power Amplification Myth.

International Atomic Energy Agency predicts slowdown in nuclear power.

Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) can’t compete, unless ordered en masse.

CLIMATE. Stark Evidence: A Warmer World Is Sparking More and Bigger Wildfires – Degraded Tropical Forests Now Release More Carbon Than They Store.   40 large Catholic institutions put their money where fossil fuel investment isn’t.

USA. Nuclear

CHINA. Bill Gates partners with China’s government nuclear companies to develop his small nuclear reactor dream

EUROPE. Europe plans to save Iran nuclear deal , despite Donald Trump. European States anxious about Britain’s ‘nuclear revival’ in Hinkley project. Iodine tablets for Dutch provinces near nuclear power stations. Norway grants immigration to Israeli nuclear whistleblower.

NORTH KOREA.   North Korea threatens Japan – with ‘nuclear clouds over suicidal Japan’.   North Korea’s environment paying a heavy price for Kim’s nuclear bomb tests.

SOUTH KOREA. Catastrophic outcome if North Korea were to attack Seoul and Tokyo.

IRAN. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran is working well: Trumps is dishonest.

UK.

Brexit is mucking up Britain’s Small Modular Nuclear Reactor dreams

JAPAN. The World’s Biggest Nuclear Plant Approved to be Restarted in Japan.   Japanese opposition party will phase out nuclear power – Japan nuclear stocks down. New, unexpected way in which Fukushima is polluting the ocean. 

Japanese beaches 60 miles away have become major source of radioactivity after Fukushima. Radioactive Water “Possibly” Leaked From Reactors For Months “By Error” Says Tepco.

– Fukushima after six years and half: the forgotten victims.

CANADA. Radioactive dump plan near Ottawa River is meeting growing opposition.  Investors beware of uranium mining company Cameco.

NEW ZEALAND. Education on nuclear disarmament – New Zealand is the leader.

SWEDEN. Very high radiation levels in Europe’s wild boars: record high in boar shot in Sweden.

GERMANY. German authorities puzzled over increase in radioactive particles in air.

FRANCE. EDF wrestling with problems on the Hinkley Point nuclear power project.

INDIA. Nuclear submarine accident – India’s nuclear-powered submarine, INS Chakra, damaged. Farmers in 575 villages unite against Chutka nuclear project in Madhya Pradesh.

October 7, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

The week to 1st October, in nuclear and climate news

For a change, I digress from the usual themes.  While the media fixes on Trump’s and Kim’s nuclear threats, a lot of other things go on quietly. For example, the Trump attack on workers’ rights, –on worker safety, – on public health and environmental protection.  – on refugees,  Much as I dislike joining in the media fervor for watching Trump, it becomes almost a necessity, because we are witnessing the most extraordinary dismantling of all government policy for the public  good.  It is as if it’s all happening under the cover of our angst about North Korea.

The rise of Germany’s right wing party, adopting the Trump tactics, has brought a fascist element into the German Bundestag, and signifies the new importance of populist politics in Europe.

1461 scientists speak up for saving Australia’ oceans

NUCLEAR    International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons comes at a historic moment of brinkmanship.    Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity in North Korea – the meaning of Trump’s threats.    There is a diplomatic way to resolve the North Korea nuclear crisis.  Leaders of USA and North Korea continue to trade threats and insults. North Korean threats – very good for the underground nuclear bomb shelter sales

Six international academics refute the attack on renewable energy by Ben Heard and others.

Leukemia risk increased by radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer.

CLIMATE.  Half-way to Catastrophe — Global Hothouse Extinction to be Triggered by or Before 2100 Without Rapid Emissions Cuts.    Christian leaders make the moral case for climate action. Global carbon emissions remained static in 2016 – (one bit of welcome news). Hundreds of $billions a year – the hidden costs of climate change.

USA.

NORTH KOREA.  North Korea claims “the Right to Shoot Down U.S. Warplanes“.   A worse fear? A nuclear accident in North Korea, – and it could trigger a nuclear war.

EUROPE. European Commission to invest €222 to promote Europe’s transition to clean energy.

UK.

IRAN. Iran’s foreign minister calls on Europe to support nuclear deal, and defy USA ‘s plan to sink the deal. Iran nuclear deal is best option, says Israeli general.

JAPAN. A Further Delay in the Cleanup At Japan’s Fukushima Nuclear Plant. Fukushima Decontamination Work Racket Yakuza Arrested.  Chiba court recognizes nuke disaster evacuees’ ‘loss of hometown’ for first time.    Dozens of Japanese towns choosing decentralised solar energy, with microgrids.

INDIA. India-USA civil nuclear cooperation agreement is really just a weapons marketing deal.

IRAQ. Iraq wants nuclear reactors: (does that fill you with confidence?)

UKRAINE. Holtec planning to build small nuclear reactors in Ukraine.

GERMANY. New find points to Hitler’s project towards a nuclear bomb.

September 30, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

The week to 23 September in climate and nuclear news

As nations sign up at present, at United Nations, to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the Treaty is due to come into force  later, when 50 signed members have ratified it. 122 countries out of the 193 UN member nations approved the draft treaty in July.

The nuclear weapons nations and their associates oppose the treaty, giving various important strategic sounding reasons. But when this UN treaty comes into force, joining the previous treaties that make other forms of mass destruction illegal, the governments with nuclear weapons will no longer be able to claim the moral high ground.  Their stand will sound hollow, against the growing global consensus that the possessing, threatening, using of nuclear weapons is inhumane and immoral.

Equally importantly, at the UN General Assembly, the urgency of the need to address climate change, is being discussed.

Vatican ratifies treaty on the prohibition of nuclear arms.

Concern in China, South Korea, Japan, at Donald Trump’s belligerent speech at United Nations.

USA and South Korea’s show of bombing force against North Korea. North Korea Vows to Complete Nuclear Weapons Program

Nuclear plants in the path of hurricanes – disasters waiting to happen.

Climate change already affecting world health.  –Melting Arctic ice cap

Successful 1987 ozone layer international treaty now involved in fighting climate change. An international Treaty that works! The Montreal Protocol and the healing of the ozone layer.

USA.

NORTH KOREA. threatens hydrogen nuclear bomb test in the Pacific

JAPAN. 6.1 magnitude earthquake 320 kilometres east of Fukushima nuclear plant.  Kyushu Electric plans to restart Genkai No. 4 reactor in March.   Fukushima. Nuclear Fuel Retrieval Delayed.

NORTH KOREA. Report that North Korea may be secretly building nuclear submarine.

UK. UK’s religious leaders unite, to urge Theresa May to sign the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty . Terrorism danger, as weapons grade nuclear material flown from UK to USA.  All proposed nuclear sites in UK are vulnerable to flooding.  Anti-nuclear civil disobedience is ramping up.  A FOURTH unexploded bomb found near Britain’s Hinkley Point C nuclear site! Most Britons happy to live near wind turbines, but not near Small Modular Nuclear Reactors.

FRANCE. French President Macron calls on Trump to honor Iran nuclear deal.

RUSSIA. Remembering an intelligent man who saved the world from WW3 

BELARUS. Spectre of Chernobyl nuclear disaster rises again, regarding new nuclear power station in Belarus

CHINA. China considers rescuing problematic UK Moorside nuclear station project.

CANADA. Anti nuclear groups invite individual MPs in Canada to sign the nuclear ban treaty.

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

This week in nuclear and climate news

It’s all sounding a bit same-same: nuclear posturing from Kim Jong Un and from Donald Trump. Trouble is – in our atmosphere of “nuclear brink fatigue’, it still IS getting closer to the nuclear brink.

I don’t know about you, but in my patch, Australia, well you just wouldn’t know that from Sept 20, the 10-page treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons will be open for signatures from any UN member state. No media coverage. It’s as if the thought of nuclear war just doesn’t matter. Hell, it could even be an acceptable idea, nowadays. Or maybe not.

Same-same on climate, too.  But again, not really, as the planet’s weather patterns change inexorably,  glaciers melt, and mainstream media covers the subject less than ever.

 

The global impact of glaciers shrinking as climate change affects them. Satellites reveal global fingerprints of sea-level rise.  – Pope Francis urges climate change sceptics to consult with a scientist.

Global Doctors Congress recognises nuclear war as the greatest public health threat.

About The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2017  Nuclear power industry in  decline, as renewables get ever cheaper and more effective. The problem of plutonium: justification for its reprocessing is now dead.

UK UK’s ‘Operation Temperer’ replaces police with military personnel at nuclear power plants.— Police see Sellafield nuclear site seen as “a great strategic target for terrorists”.  EDF warns on Britain’s nuclear safety problems, in the exit from the European Union. Closed since 1977, Dounreay Fast Reactor at last being emptied of radioactive fuel elements Spectacular drop in the cost of offshore wind brings Hinkley nuclear plan into question.

USA. Nuclear 

USA Climate

NEPAL. Himalayas facing grave threat from climate change.

IRAN.UN nuclear watchdog defends Iran deal.

RUSSIA. Russia to advise USA to stay in the Iran nuclear agreement.  Mayor of Russian cvoastal towm makes a fuss about abandoned radioactive generator, and other nuclear junk sunk in oceans by Russia

NORTH KOREA.  North Korea Fires a Ballistic Missile Over Japan for the Second Time in Three Weeks.   Mystery seismic energy release following North Korea nuclear test.

SOUTH KOREA. President Moon says No to nuclear weapons in South Korea. South Korean opposition party in USA asking Washington for nuclear weapons.

FRANCE. EDF has increasing safety problems on its nuclear power stations in France.

KAZAKHSTAN. Kazakhstan’s international low-enriched uranium bank makes the world LESS SAFE

 

 

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

The past week in climate and nuclear news

People are experiencing “nuclear brink fatigue”. It’s only human, as right now, most of the world is unable to do anything about the impending showdown between USA and North Korea. It’s all too possible that both the North Korean and American regimes are now pondering just how many lives can be blown up while still assuring the leaders of staying in power. Brown and yellow lives are the risked ones, as North Korea can’t or wouldn’t attack USA. Meanwhile Donald Trump has assured that “If thousands die, they’re going to die over there. They’re not going to die over here — and he’s told me that to my face.” –  Senator Lindsey Graham

Climate and nuclear concerns merge in Florida. With our news media focusing on Hurricane Irma, you’d hardly know that 40 million people are impacted by floods in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.  International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is being urged to get strong participation of women in climate change discussions and decisions.

International security must be part of the discussion on nuclear weapons ban treaty.  The world now reaches a nuclear weapons stalemate.  Militant groups can use drones as weapons.

Promising development in non nuclear production of medical isotope technetium-99m (Tc-99m).

Climate change did not cause hurricanes, but made them more destructive.

Very few scientific papers dispute climate change – and they all turn out to be flawed.

Fighting climate change: chocolate company Mars to spend $1 billion on this cause.

GREENLAND. Global effects of rapid thaw of Greenland’s permafrost.

USA.

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA. Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda says mighty hurricanes are ‘living consequences of climate change’

NORTH KOREA.  Kim Jong Un’s nuclear aim is to save his regime, not to attack Los Angeles. North Korea’s latest threats against USA.  North Korea claims to have successfully tested hydrogen bomb.  Danger: Plutonium nuclear fuel being transported by sea in the North Korean missile influence area.  Underground complex of tunnels ready for Kim Jung Un’s escape, if nuclear war occurs. Satellites show landslides and land disturbances at North Korea’s nuclear site.

SOUTH KOREA. Radioactive particles from North Korea nuclear tests now found in South Korea’s air, land and water.

GUAM, OKINAWA. American military bases have made Okinawa, Guam, nuclear ‘targets’

JAPAN. Despite earthquake risks, Japan’s Kashiwasaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant might be restarted.  Japan’s Rokkasho nuclear reprocessing plant runs into trouble yet again  Tokyo Metropolitan Area is Widely Radioactively Contaminated. Ice wall at crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant damaged by typhoon rain.- Battling nuclear demons: Mental health issues haunt those who were the first line of defense after 3/11.

UK.

SWITZERLAND. More money in nuclear decommissioning than in running nuclear power?

EUROPE European Parliament members to raise alarm on Fukushima food imports

CANADA. Canada’s Environment Minister strong on including climate change in revamped North American Free Trade Agreement.

September 9, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

Nuclear and climate news to 2nd September

Climate change remains the greatest global threat – because it is getting close to irreversible. But the nuclear threat is pretty big too. This month, nations can ratify the UN  treaty on the prohibition of nuclear . It is not too late for more countries to join the treaty. It will be open for signatures from any UN member state on 20 September during the annual general assembly.

The North Korean nuclear crisis doesn’t go away.  North Korea’s missile development continues, as USA intensifies its war games on North Korea’s doorstep. One small slip-up could bring nuclear catastrophe.

Floods continue, affecting at least 41 million people in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.  In America, the Houston flood introduces the age of climate chaos for the “developed”world.

Nobel Prize winners proclaim the gravest threats to humanity as ‘Donald Trump, nuclear war and climate change’   The connection between cyclones and climate change.

Nearing a Trillion Watts: By End 2017, Global Wind + Solar Capacity Will be 2.4 Times That of Nuclear.

Dr Jim Green debunks the hype about Generation IV new nukes.

USA. Nuclear    Trump – “all options on the table“, after North Korea’s missile test, flying over Japan.  Most Americans would be fine with dropping a nuclear weapon on an Iranian city  America’s Military Now Run by Military Industrial Complex Lobbyists? Trump spending up big on nuclear weapons– House Armed Services Committee member accuses Trump of rushing nuclear contracts. America’s new fuze nuclear weapons system threatens world stability.

Potential for nuclear disaster at South Texas’ nuclear reactors. Nuclear workers sticking to their posts at South Texas Nuclear Reactors.

Duke Energy Florida is just the latest utility to walk away from nuclear, – and towards solar.

USA Climate USA government to abolish climate change envoy. Donald Trump nominates a vocal climate denier, non scientist Sam Clovis as Chief Scientist. USA coastal properties to lose value because of climate change? Texas Wind Turbines Produce More Electricity Than Its 4 Nuclear Reactors

NORTH KOREA. North Korea Fires 3 Missiles Over Japan As Northern Viper Exercise Ends. Media ignores North Korea’s offers to negotiate, give up nuclear weapons.  North Korea ramps up the sabre rattling.

AFGHANISTAN. In Afghanistan, climate change is as big a threat as terrorism.

JAPAN. Death of Sumiteru Taniguchi, Nagasaki Survivor and Nuclear Arms Foe.  Water plan to remove Fukushima fuel is ‘not viable’ .

UK. UK’s Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) upgrading Trident nuclear warhead to make it even more destructive. Doctors and scientists call on the government to join the international nuclear weapons ban treaty.   A WW2 unexploded bomb found near to Hinkley nuclear station – for the 3rd time!  A historic chimney is set for demolition at Sellafield.  Climate change threats to Scotland.

IRAN. Iran Complies With Nuclear Deal says UN monitor, contradicting Trump. U.N. nuclear watchdog sees no need to check Iran military sites.

GERMANY. Iodine tablets for German communities near Belgian nuclear reactor.

RUSSIA. Russia marketing nuclear power to Bangladesh – will take back the wastes.

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

The week in climate and nuclear news

In our anglophone world, it doesn’t seem to matter that much, when floods  hit Asian countries. But USA?  That’s different. As I write, Hurricane Harvey is hitting Texas. Well, they’ve had hurricanes before, but climate change just makes them that much more severe.

I fear that we are all getting “nuclear-crisis-North-Korea-fatigue”. A pity, as North Korea and USA continue to ramp up the nuclear ante.

CLIMATE. Climate change threat: ALASKA’S PERMAFROST IS THAWING–   Coral bleaching is happening across the Pacific Ocean.  For the first time, tanker crosses the Arctic without icebreaker.  Investment fund company Vanguard calls for climate change risk disclosures.  Omigawd! Climate Change is messing up our wine supply!

NUCLEAR.    Ionizing radiation: Radiation protection standards need to be improved.    Women seen as powerful advocates for the nuclear lobby.

KOREAN PENINSULA. As USA and South Korea hold military exercises on Korean peninsula, Russia flies nuclear bombers around the peninsula. Clarifying the facts on North Korea. -Head of the U.S. military’s Pacific Command says diplomacy — not military action, is the answer to North Korea crisis. South Korean President Moon Jae-in warns USA against military action on North Korea.

USA.  Nuclear  

USA.Climate.   The Trump Southeastern States will cop the hardest costs of climate change. No free speech in Trump’s America when it comes to climate research. – Exxon Mobil misrepresented climate change to deliberately mislead the public. -America’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has deleted references to climate change from its site. America’s federal advisory committee on climate change abolished by Trump!

INDIA. Massive protest : thousands against French Nuclear Project in Jaitapur.

JAPAN. Another $5bn US suit against TEPCO over Fukushima nuclear disaster. Japan’s Lobbying to Export Fukushima Produce. -Fukushima ice wall facing doubts as project nears completion. Fukushima aftermath: General Electric and Tokyo Electric Power Co sued by Navy families for wrongful death.

RUSSIA.  Mysterious forest explosion a year ago- now revealed to have been a failed Russian missile launch.  Russia’s Rosatom buying into the wind energy business in India, as well as in Netherlands.

INDONESIA. “Dirty radioactive bomb” planned for attack in Indonesia – using THORIUM

IRAN.   Iran fully compliant with its obligations under the nuclear agreement.   Inaccurate translations in media increase tensions between Iran and USA.

MARSHALL ISLANDS. Remembering Tony de Brum.

UK. UK Royal Navy detonates the second bomb found in the sea near Hinkley Point.  Concern over dangers of nuclear bombs transport across Britain.  Vast majority of UK accept climate change is real, finds new poll.

August 26, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

The week that has been: nuclear and climate news to 19 August

Things would appear to have calmed down in the North Korea nuclear situation, with some positive signs. Unfortunately the USA does not grasp China’s point of view.-In order to defy Trump, Kim Jong-un will probably target waters near Guam. -USA defence chiefs insist that a military action is an option. Most Americans are anxious about President Trump’s ability to handle the situation.

Richard Heinberg of the Post Carbon Institute argues that endless growth, not just climate change, is the world’s biggest problem, and that  technology will not save us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALugeRQbXAM

CLIMATE.Climate change’s effects. You can’t pinpoint events as definitely caused by global warming. Environmental disasters have always happened. With climate change, they are happening more often, and more severely.  This week, killer landslides in  Sierra Leone,  in Northeast Congo, in Northern India. -Climate change is drowning the Solomon Islands.

NUCLEAR–   Pledge for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.   China’s more rational response to the North Korean situation.

Iodine-129 waste used to track ocean currents for 15,000 km after discharge from nuclear plants.

Cancer and other health problems still being caused because of past nuclear explosions.  Linear accelerators – a much safer way to obtain medical isotopes, than from nuclear reactors.

ASIA. Another big nuclear problem in Asia – accumulation of plutonium.

ANTARCTICA. Beneath Antarctica’s ice, 91 previously unknown volcanoes have been found. Stability of East Antarctic ice sheet, even if western ice sheet melts (bit of good news, for a change)

CANADA. Area Burned in Severe Northwest Territory Wildfires Doubles in Just One Day.

JAPAN.  Japan’s massive accumulation of nuclear weapons-usable plutonium.

Fukushima. Report: 257 Tons of Corium and 180 Million Curies of Deadly Heavy Metal Poison and Radiation Released From Fukushima. -High-priced Fukushima ice wall nears completion, but effectiveness doubtful.

USA. USA brain drain, as climate scientists take up the invitation from France.  California Scientists Push to Create Massive Climate Research Program. – Trump uses executive order to reverse Obama-era order aimed at planning for climate change.  Increase in harmful algal blooms in U.S. freshwaters due to climate change.

Americans are disturbingly unbothered by the idea of striking first with nuclear weapons. The weapons industry is polluting America’s environment – Potomac River as an example. USA power utilities have a long history of abandoning nuclear projects – Florida ratepayers could be up for $millions for two nuclear reactors that may never be built. South Carolina nuclear power backers push for tax-payer aid. Risky venture for Utah counties? will they gamble on speculative thorium nuclear venture? Pennsylvania to give out potassium tablets to communities near nuclear power stations.

SOUTH AFRICA. In South Africa, nuclear and coal lobbies wage a (losing) war against renewables.

IRAN. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani calls on European Union to actively support Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear treaty. If USA imposes new sanctions, Iran could abandon the nuclear agreement.

RUSSIA. First load of nuclear waste from Andreeva Bay, Norway,  arrives in Mayak.

FRANCE.French nuclear regulator ASN makes EDF review all nuclear components made by Areva’s foundry Creusot Forge.

UK. BBC gives platform for climate sceptic Nigel Lawson to spout anti science. Global temperatures really have risen- climate denialist Nigel Lawson admits.  Energy sector impacted by Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union.

INDIA. India’s Adani mining giant accused of corruption just as it seeks funds from the Australian government for coal mine.

 

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

To 14 August – nuclear and climate news

Some puzzlement. North Korea threatens to fire intermediate-range ballistic missiles into waters NEAR Guam. USA and its deputy sheriff Australia see this as an attack ON Guam. Kim Jong Un might not be  a very nice man. But he’s not mad. He saw what happened to Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and Gaddafi in Libya, seeing that they didn’t have nuclear weapons. As for Trump – a narcissistic sociopath who delights in his own unpredictability – who knows what he might do?

A great pity that the very real global crisis of climate change is now taking a media back seat to the  USA-North Korea tensions.

I’m  attaching a picture this time – surely the saddest image from the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. A boy standing at rigid attention with the dead body of his infant brother strapped to his back at a crematorium in Nagasaki . Photographer Joe  O’Donnell recalled that the boy stared motionless as bodies were being burned and he awaited his turn. He also noticed that the boy’s lips were caked with blood because he was biting them so hard, although no blood spilled.

 

NUCLEAR. Can Donald Trump be prevented from plunging the world into nuclear war?

Donald Trump: USA ready to act militarily against North Korea: Merkel calls for de-escalation of the rhetoric.

Risk of US-N.Korea nuclear war increases, but is still unlikely.

China confident about new sanctions on North Korea: Trump prepared for “preventive war”

CLIMATE. The human effect – as New York and other cities become climate changed sweltering hotspots.

Temperatures of 55°C to emerge if global warming continues. By the end of the century, extreme weather could kill 150,000 people each year in Europe. No Climate Money for Nuclear Power.

USA – Climate 

USA – Nuclear

NORTH KOREA. A North Korean miniaturised hydrogen bomb would change everything. New UN sanctions on North Korea: US, South Korea pleased, China is wary.

JAPAN.Hiroshima’s mayor urges that Japan join the UN nuclear weapons ban: PM Abe toes the USA line on keeping nuclear weapons.    Mayor Remembers Nuclear Bombing of Nagasaki; Calls For Nuclear Disarmament; Stands with Fukushima Victims.  Ibaraki Governor vows not to allow restart of Tokai No. 2 nuclear plant.   Radioactive Hot Particles in Japan: Full Radiation Risks not Recorded  . 1,700 Contaminated Vehicles Removed from Fukushima Daiichi Plant Site. Unexploded bomb found at Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant

IRAN. It’s up to Europe to save the nuclear agreement withIran

August 14, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

This week Hiroshima Day August 6th, and the nuclear/climatenews

A survivor of the atomic bombings in 1945 remarked, “This pain that we carry, let it end with us.” As memorials are held, in Japan,  in UK,  and around the world, there is hope for an end to nuclear weapons, as the UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty is developed.

On climate, there’s a gradual realisation that it is still worth fighting climate change: but catastrophic change might be inevitable.

On nuclear – well – things are grim for the nuclear industry, with the abandoning of 2 reactors being developed in South Carolina – after $9 billion already spent on them, just about the last straw following the Westinghouse bankruptcy, the French and Finnish nuclear build problems, and Britain’s dubious Hinkley and Moorside projects.

To deal with global threats, public awareness must be raised – Ralph Nader.

What about an illegal order to fire a nuclear weapon? Must the military obey?

Al Gore on the desperate need to act on climate change—and fast.  “Biological Annihilation” – global warming’s effect on plant and animal species. “Ghost forests” increasing now, due to climate change and rising seas.  Effects of heat – and climate change – on air travel.     Global ocean circulation appears to be slowing due to global warming. Climate change induced air pollution. Methods of climate geoengineering.

JAPAN.  

EUROPE. Swiss Alps: global warming is revealing long-frozen bodies of lost travellers.

KUWAIT. Kuwait getting right out of nuclear investment, as it sells shares in the beleagured AREVA group

CANADA. Wildfires continue in Canada: more than 1 million acres burned so far.

USA – Nuclear

Climate denial in charge in USA government.  Workers in Southern USA States now facing climate change health hazards– State of California aims for 100% renewable energy by 2045

IRAN. As President Rouhani starts a new term, Iran says US breaching nuclear deal.

UK. Serious consequences for Britain, especially its nuclear industry, if Britain leaves Euratom.  UK’s Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) fails to produce a plan for dealing with high activity radioactive waste.

ASIA.  The role of climate change in decline of one of Asia’s most critical water resources.  In remote Asia, solar power is transforming the lives of women.

INDIA. Levels of humid heat will kill millions, if warming is not tackled. Many thousands of suicides in India – linked to climate change.

SOUTH KOREA. South Korean President Details Phase-out of Coal, Nuclear Power .

CHINA. Future of China’s nuclear export industry in doubt.

UKRAINE. Radioactive tourism in Ukraine.

August 6, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | 2 Comments

The past week in climate and nuclear news

On CLIMATE the situation is eerie. Technogeeks are exploring geoengineering ways to cool the planet. Some journalists – New York’s David Wallace Wells, Slate’s Tommy Lynch, predict an uninhabitable Earth, and warn that we are not alarmed enough.

The general media inform us of greatly increased wildfires, (Europe),  (USA), floods, (India)(Germany), droughts, (USA), (Italy) . These news items whisk away under the relentless hurricane news of celebrities, sport, and Trump’s latest absurdities.

On NUCLEAR it would seem few immediate events are happening. However,important issues are being explored. Investigative journalism lives!

 

Catholic Church organising to support UN nuclear weapons ban.  Cybersecurity researchers warn that nuclear power stations are vulnerable to hackers and terrorists.

Impact of Environmental Change on Human Security  – climate refugees.   NASA monitors Arctic sea ice loss. Plans for technology to remove CO2 from air.  Artificially cooling planet Earth by thinning cirrus clouds. 100 Fossil Fuel Companies Responsible for 71 Percent of Carbon Emissions Since 1988 — And They’re Being Sued For it.

EUROPE. European Heat, Drought, Fires Bite Deep as 1 Million Impacted by Water Rationing in Rome. European Commission wants Czech Republic to deal with its nuclear waste backlog.

JAPAN.

RUSSIA.  Russia decides to fuel floating nuclear plant in Murmansk, following pressure from Norway. Russia provides $70 billions to countries in its nuclear marketing drive.

USA.

IRAN. Iran refrains from being drawn into a row, by USA’s new sanctions slapped on Iran.

IRAQ. In Mosul, ISIS nearly had the means to make a radioactive “dirty bomb”.

UK. Serious doubts about UK’s Trident nuclear plan – problems not “manageable or resolvable.”  Inquiry into Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)’s spending, held behind closed doors.  Unexpected release from gaol of 2 UK peace campaigners.

GREENLAND. Greenland ice sheet might start to melt “faster and faster”.

UKRAINE. Ukraine’s dangerous nuclear industry: theft of 100s of containers with radioactive materials.

SOUTH KOREA. South Korea to move away from nuclear power – but still wants to sell nukes overseas!

CHINA. China’s marketing strategy – Poland and Britain as springboards for China’s nuclear marketing.

INDIA. Indian State Government hands over land for nuclear development, displacing 2,200 families.

ISRAEL.  Israel STILL punishing nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu.

July 29, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

The week to July 21 in climate and nuclear news

I am wondering if those who read this newsletter, (and many other people, too) are getting “climate change fatigue”.

“Nuclear fatigue” too, perhaps. Still, on the nuclear scene, nothing dramatic seems to be happening this week. Nevertheless, a bit like climate change, nuclear pollution is something that continues to creep up on the unaware world. Investigative journalism still lives: a new report tells of vast areas of America’s land poisoned by mismanagement of military wastes

Not a good time to give up on reading about climate change, with the current debate on Is the Climate Emergency Just a Big Problem, or is it a Catastrophe?

CLIMATE  We Still Have Time to Restore Our Climate. But the Climate Time Bomb Is Ticking.Prof James Hansen warns on sea level rise: Earth could become ‘practically ungovernable’. Methane from thawing permafrost could be increasing the rate of global warming. $530 trillion costs for the future, if no effective action on climate change. Global Sea Ice Coverage Has Fallen Off a Cliff — Impacts Likely to Be Wide-Ranging.

NUCLEAR.  Will Small Nuclear Reactors be the great white hope for the ailing nuclear industry? Probably not.

EUROPE. Drought ravages South Europe crops.

CANADA. Huge wildfires again in Canada – 1000s forced to evacuate.

JAPAN.  Japan map showing potential nuclear waste disposal sites to be released  Japan’s government planning protection in fear of radioactive terrorism at 2020 Olympics.  Fukushima Radiation and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Japan’s local authorities want security measures: nuclear reactors a target for military or terrorists.

Fukushima. 5.8 M Quake Near Ongoing Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Site; Torrential Rains; Threats Of Increased Dumping of Radioactive Water to the Pacific. Underwater Robot Begins Probing Fukushima Daiichi’s No. 3 reactor. Will Tepco Dump 770,000 tons of Tritiated Water Into the Pacific Ocean?

FRANCE. Hot weather causes France to cut nuclear power output: (climate change is not good for nuclear reactors)  Europe’s struggle to find a solution to nuclear waste disposal.

UK.

USA.

IRAN. The Iran nuclear deal is working.

GERMANY. Nuclear and Renewable power really don’t work well together

SOUTH AFRICA. On Mandela Day, South Africa’s anti nuclear movement pledges to stop the government’s nuclear plans.

INDIA. Villagers protest, and stop drilling work for proposed nuclear power plant in Chutka, India.

 

July 21, 2017 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

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