Interview with Murakami Tatsuya: Fukushima and the Crisis of Democracy
Fukushima and the Crisis of Democracy: Interview with Murakami Tatsuya The Asia-Pacific Journal, Vol. 13, Issue. 20, No. 1, May 25, 2015 Katsuya Hirano
Murakami Tatsuya is the former mayor of Tōkaimura or Tōkai village located approximately 75 miles north of Tokyo and 111 miles south of the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
Tōkaimura is considered the birthplace of nuclear power in Japan since the Japanese government built the first reactor for commercial use there in 1965 in collaboration with British nuclear scientists. As Mr. Murakami reveals below, the Japanese government at the time informed the residents of Tōkaimura only of the building of a nuclear research institute, not a power plant. As time passed, Tōkaimura became heavily dependent on the nuclear industry for its revenue and people’s livelihood. On September 30, 1999, the village had a nuclear criticality accident at the JCO nuclear reprocessing plant. It killed two people, left one person in critical condition, and exposed 667 people to radiation. They were the first victims of a nuclear accident in Japan. Mr. Murakami dealt with the emergency situation as mayor and subsequently became a vocal opponent of Japan’s nuclear energy policy. Since the Fukushima Daiichi Plant accident of 2011, he has been a leading figure in the anti-nuclear movement involving 24 village and town mayors, which calls for the abolition of all 54 reactors in Japan. The interview took place at his Tōkai residence in the summer and winter of 2014……..http://www.japanfocus.org/-Katsuya-HIRANO/4320/article.html
Bjorn Lomborg’s ‘seven Nobel laureates’ not all what they seem — or even alive
Graham Readfearn, 31 May 15 The ‘seven Nobel laureates’ Bjorn Lomborg claims are waiting to collaborate with any other university willing to give his ‘Consensus Centre’ a home are not all what they seem — or even breathing. …
AS OFTEN turns out to be the case with matters of detail involving Bjorn Lomborg, not all is as it seems…….
https://independentaustralia.net/environment/environment-display/bjorn-lomborgs-seven-nobel-laureates-not-all-what-they-seem–or-even-alive-,7763
“Nuclear preparedness” in reality an unrealistic stranglehold on public policy
the enormous profit to be had in nuclear preparedness has created the rise of the military-industrial complex, which has a financial — and emotional — stranglehold on Congress and the mainstream media, pretty much guaranteeing that government policy will continue to be chained to the concepts of military dominance and nuclear deterrence. This means continued development of nuclear technology and the wasting of further trillions of dollars that might otherwise be spent for the good of humanity…………..
Countering this vested-interest realism is a global movement demanding the creation of a nuke-free world order and the transcendence of war.
Nuclear Realism, Huffington Post, Robert Koehler Syndicated writer, 29 May 15 There’s a category of political intellectuals who proudly proclaim themselves “realists,” then proceed to defend and advance a deeply faith-based agenda that centers on the ongoing necessity to prepare for war, including nuclear war.
These intellectuals, as they defend the military-industrial status quo (which often supports them financially), have made themselves the spokespersons for a deep human cancer: a soul cancer. Continue reading
Russia will dramatically increase its arsenal of Nuclear Supersonic Bombers
Russia Is Set to Triple Nuclear Supersonic Bomber Force National Interest 29 May 15 Russia will purchase at least 50 of the newly revived Tupolev Tu-160 (Blackjack) heavy strategic bombers, dramatically increasing its arsenal.
As The National Interest previously reported, last month Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that Russia would resume production of the Tu-160 strategic bomber, a Soviet-era aircraft that is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons…..http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russia-set-triple-nuclear-supersonic-bomber-force-12988
Are Florida residents REALLY happy with more nuclear reactors near state parks?
Does Florida need more nuclear reactors near state parks? http://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/todays-buzz/sfl-florida-nuclear-reactors-turkey-point-20150529-story.html By Daniel Vasquez “..Florida Power & Light has plans to add two new nuclear reactors at Turkey Point. Now, some people are still afraid of nuclear reactors. They don’t want them in their backyards. What happens if one of them melts?
FP&L, which generates and sells much of the electricity sucked up by homeowners and businesses in South Florid, tells us there is nothing to worry about…
But not everyone is convinced FP&L is doing so great with the two reactors now at Turkey Point.
The Sun Sentinel’s South Florida 100 member Katy Sorenson, president of the Good Government Initiative at the University of Miami says this:
FP&L has told the Sun Sentinel editorial board that Florida is not ripe for solar energy. Yep, we’re still scratching our head about that one, too.
But shouldn’t we more strongly consider other options rather than adding two more nuclear reactors here, which will be tucked next to Biscayne Bay and between two national parks?
That’s what the feds are wondering. This week the government announced it will accept more public comment on the issue.
Yes. You’re the public. Say something.
Daniel Vasquez may be reached atdvasquez@sunsentinel.com or @ConsumerDan.
Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions
Nuclear Saudi Arabia: Rising ambitions of the House of Saud, RT.com Catherine Shakdam is a political analyst, writer and commentator for the Middle East with a special focus on radical movements and Yemen. May 29, 2015 Saudi Arabia’s seemingly ever-expanding ambitions threaten now to draw the region and the world closer to the edge of a dangerous precipice as it seeks to buy out Pakistan’s nuclear power.
Just as Iran and the P5+1 are set to finalize a tentative nuclear deal by June’s end, offering the world a much-needed respite from talks of war and aggravated political tensions, Saudi Arabia is stretching its nuclear ambitions.
The most violent, reactionary and arguably most oppressive regime, in not just the region but the world, is now has ambitions to rise to a nuclear power. It is actually much worse than that – the very state which interpretation of Islam, Wahhabism, has inspired an entire generation of radical wannabe jihadists is vying for access to nuclear weapons……..http://rt.com/op-edge/263113-saudi-arabia-nuclear-weapon-power/
VIDEO: What’s life after nuclear disaster?
Fairewinds Energy Education, 28 May 15 What if your life was destroyed by a nuclear disaster?
It would not take an atomic bomb laced with lethal doses of radiation to contaminate your homeland, and cause such chaos. When nuclear power plants fail and nuclear reactors experience leaks, explosions, and overheat, radiation is carried by the wind and contamination and chaos ensue. Since Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, Chernobyl in the Ukraine, and now the Fukushima Daiichi triple meltdown in Japan the lives of thousands of innocent people have been turned upside down and destroyed due to nuclear power risks becoming reality.
In the latest video feature from Fairewinds Energy Education entitled: , Fairewinds’ President Maggie Gundersen and award winning Vermont author Chris Bohjalian, discuss what life would be like if a nuclear meltdown occurred at a nuclear power plant in Vermont. In his most recent novel, Close Your Eyes and Hold Hands, Chris uses Vermont as the scene of a nuclear meltdown as seen through the eyes and experiences of 16-year old Emily Shepard, who is orphaned by the catastrophe, Bohjalian’s readers are drawn into the hardships and uncertainty that accompany a nuclear tragedy. With a haunting reality, Bohjalian creates images for his readers of the life currently being lived by the victims of Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi triple meltdown, and previously experienced by the victims of the meltdowns at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island.
Transcript………..http://www.fairewinds.org/nuclear-energy-education//what-if-your-life-was-destroyed-by-a-nuclear-disaster
Promises of Small Nuclear Reactor enthusiasts do not ring true
One size doesn’t fit all: Social priorities and technical conflicts for small modular reactors,http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629614000486 February 2014 M.V. Ramana, , Zia Mian
Abstract
Small modular reactors (SMRs) have been proposed as a possible way to address the social problems confronting nuclear power, including poor economics, the possibility of catastrophic accidents, radioactive waste production, and linkage to nuclear weapon proliferation. Several SMR designs, with diverse technical characteristics, are being developed around the world and are promoted as addressing one or more of these problems.
This paper examines the basic features of different kinds of SMRs and shows why the technical characteristics of SMRs do not allow them to solve simultaneously all four of the problems identified with nuclear power today. It shows that the leading SMR designs under development involve choices and trade-offs between desired features. Focusing on a single challenge, for example cost reduction, might make other challenges more acute.
The paper then briefly discusses other cultural and political factors that contribute to the widespread enthusiasm for these reactors, despite technical and historical reasons to doubt that the promises offered by SMR technology advocates will be actually realized.
Climate Change movement could learn from the Nuclear Freeze campaign
At the same time, the movement to stop climate change is also making history — last year the United States saw the biggest climate march in history, as well as the growth of a fossil fuel divestment movement (the fastest growing divestment campaign ever), and a steady drumbeat of local victories against the fossil fuel industry.
In short, the climate movement, and humanity, is up against an existential wall: Find ways to organize for decisive action, or face the end of life as we know it. This is scary stuff, but if you think no movement has ever faced apocalyptic challenges before, and won, then it’s time you learned about the Nuclear Freeze campaign. Continue reading
Safety concern on nuclear warships entering British Columbia waters
Why B.C. residents should pay attention to a Trident nuclear submarine scandal in Britain, Straight.com by Charlie Smith on May 27th, 2015 For decades, B.C. peace activists have been raising an alarm about nuclear-weapons-carrying submarines travelling through Georgia Strait. When Jean Chrétien was prime minister, Nanoose Conversion Campaign worker Norm Abbey alleged that the Nanoose Bay naval base near Nanaimo had become a “branch plant” of the U.S. Navy’s undersea-warfare operations.
Abbey noted that at least three Trident vessels fitted with “targeted nuclear warheads” had visited the base.
“U.S. submarines have been using Nanoose Bay since 1965, when they moved north from the more densely populated waters of Puget Sound,” wrote Abbey in Peace Magazine. “Residents of urban centers like Seattle didn’t want the nuclear safety hazards, and Ottawa obliged by signing the ‘Canada-U.S. Nanoose Agreement’ in 1965.”
Trident nuclear-weapon-armed submarines are back in the news after a British whistleblower wrote an alarming 18-page reportciting many safety risks. In 1995, the Straight reported that under a series of 10-year agreements, the U.S. pays to operate a torpedo test range on Winchelsea Island in Nanoose Bay. Canada covers the salaries of Canadian civilian staff.
In 1999, Ottawa expropriated the nearby provincially owned seabed so that testing could continue. This came after an NDP government had threatened to cancel the lease if ships carrying nuclear weapons entered the area.
The expropriation was challenged in court by the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation. It won the first round in the Federal Court of Canada but in 2003, the Federal Court of Appeal upheld the expropriation.
Since then, no B.C. premier or Canadian prime minister has publicly questioned the wisdom of U.S. submarines entering B.C. waters carrying nuclear weapons. http://www.straight.com/news/460271/why-bc-residents-should-pay-attention-trident-nuclear-submarine-scandal-britain
Recently fired nuclear power plant employee had explosives, weapons – arrested
Fired nuclear power plant employee arrested with explosives, hundreds of rounds of ammunitionIn an interview with police, Robert J. Johnson allegedly said, “Boom. Tick tock tick tock.” By Chao Xiong Star Tribune MAY 28, 2015
Robert J. Johnson, 58, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was charged May 21 in Ramsey County District Court with four counts of terroristic threats…..http://www.startribune.com/fired-nuclear-power-plant-employee-arrested-with-explosives-hundreds-of-rounds-of-ammunition/305340971/
The dead end industry – nuclear power
Nuclear is a dead end Lancaster Guardian, Phil Chandler (North Lancashire Green Party) 28 May 2015
In David Morris’s interview in your paper he lays out his plans for the future of Morecambe and Lunesdale. The Green Party believe that they are not the way forward in 2015.
The nuclear energy industry is a dead end. No commercial nuclear powerplant has ever been built without huge government subsidy (EDF have been guaranteed nearly double the current price of electricity to build Hinckley ‘C’); we have no agreed method for the long term disposal of all the toxic spent fuel, and the industry as a whole, including producing the fuel, is a significant producer of CO2 emissions.
The only plausible reason for promoting the construction of a third Heysham plant is employment, however the renewable energy industry has been shown to create 12 times the number of jobs per installed gigawatt than nuclear.
Around the bay we have a near perfect scenario for placing ourselves in the forefront of the energy technologies of tomorrow. We have the engineering skills and the natural resources in terms of wind, tide and wave to research, develop and manufacture the infrastructure not only this country needs, but the world will need for generations to come. We would not only create jobs around the bay but move from building systems for delivering weapons of mass destruction that no one can countenance actually using, to building systems that will protect this planet and all life on it…….http://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/letters-opinion/nuclear-is-a-dead-end-1-7283101
Continued down ward trajectory of the global uranium market
One step forward, two steps back for uranium: report, Mining.com Andrew Topf | May 24, 2015 Uranium investors are being urged to exercise caution in the short term due to three events which could affect the prices of the nuclear fuel and the companies that mine it, according to a recent report by Dundee Capital Markets.
The three catalysts, says the report by three sector specialists at Dundee, relate to the highly significant restarts of Japanese nuclear reactors shut down after the Fukushima accident in 2011, and the activities of Japanese electric utility TEPCO.
Regarding TEPCO, there are media reports saying that TEPCO wants to sell some of its uranium inventory in order to cut costs and to counteract uncertainty over the restart of idled nuclear plants. The sales could represent 15 percent of spot volumes, or 3 percent of the total amount of uranium traded last year, with many fearing that is enough to flood the market and put downward pressure on the price. ……
The second driver that could affect the market negatively, is a recent decision by a Japanese court forbidding Kansai Electric Power (TSE:9503) from carrying out a plan to restart two idled nuclear reactors at Ohi north, near Osaka, because of their vulnerability to earthquakes……
The firm advises to stay away from Paladin Energy (TSX:ASX:PDN) …..http://www.mining.com/one-step-forward-two-steps-back-for-uranium-report/
Danger of storing radioactive wasters within a mile of Lake Huron
Panel Says Canada Should Bury Nuclear Waste Near Lake Huron, Forbes 26 May 15 Two weeks ago, a Canadian joint review panel recommended to Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s environment minister, to bury low-level and intermediate-level used nuclear materials 2,230 feet (680 meters) below the ground near the Bruce Power generating station in Ontario, less than a mile from Lake Huron.
Ontario Power Generation, the owner of Bruce, was pleased about the decision, but some others were not. A hundred public interest groups have called on the Ontario Government to step in and ban the proposed plan. The provincial government is the sole shareholder of Ontario Power Generation.
Elected officials from Michigan, Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing), Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township), Candice Miller (R-Harrison Township) and Dan Kildee (D-Flint Township) were pretty upset as well.
Rep. Kildee couldn’t understand “why a site farther from the Great Lakes wasn’t pursued.” Rep. Miller claimed “Storing radioactive nuclear waste within a mile of Lake Huron unnecessarily puts our magnificent Lakes in danger — posing a threat to both the U.S. and Canadian residents who rely on them.”
Diminishing use of nuclear power is a global trend
Nuclear power not cheap, being phased out: expert http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2015/05/24/2003619043 By Sean Lin / Staff reporter Former US Nuclear Regulatory Commission chairman Gregory Jaczko yesterday said that nuclear energy is playing an increasingly insignificant role in electricity generation worldwide, and that, contrary to popular belief, it is actually more expensive than a range of methods of energy generation.
At a news conference in Taipei, Jaczko said that the future for nuclear power generation in the US and
worldwide is one of “decreasing use and eventual phase-out.”
Referencing data generated by the US commission, Jaczko said that even if all US nuclear power plants were able to renew
their operational licenses, the use of the energy source in the nation would come to an end by about 2055.
Diminishing use of nuclear power is a global trend, with just about 70 reactors under construction worldwide — a small fraction of operational reactors worldwide, he said, adding that the majority being built are in China.
The number of new plants is much lower than the number of facilities scheduled to be decommissioned, he said. “The countries that have nuclear power plants are not building anywhere close to the amount of plants they need to replace existing plants,” Jaczko said. “Given the long lead time to build the plants, the cost and other factors, it is unlikely that nuclear energy will play a significant role in electricity generation in the next several decades.”
There is more than enough time for governments to look into alternative technologies without compromising their carbon reduction goals, he said, adding that global energy use is expected to grow significantly over the next 30 years.
He said that energy from nuclear power plants is not as inexpensive as advocates claim.
Referring to a chart compiled by the US Energy Information Administration in 2013, Jaczko said that the “total system levelized cost” for power plants utilizing advanced nuclear energy stood at US$108.40 per megawatt-hour (mWh), while for plants generating power from natural gas with carbon sequestration technology or from geothermal sources, costs were US$93.40 and US$89.60 per mWh.
The estimates skip the money required for nuclear waste disposal and site decommissioning, which constitute the most expensive part of such plants, he added.
Asked to comment on a plan by the state-run Taiwan Power Co to ship nuclear waste to France to be reprocessed, which has been proposed based on an agreement for cooperation between Taiwan and the US, Jaczko said that nuclear waste of US origin must gain US approval before it can be exported.
“Just because it is in the agreement does not mean it has to be done,” he said, adding that Taipower’s plan “does not make any sense.”
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