This week in nuclear and climate news Australia

In an extraordinary article in the New Yorker, Jonathan Franzen predicts that the climate apocalypse is now inevitable, and that main goal should preparation rather than prevention. He makes a persuasive argument, but has aroused the ire of climate scientists.

In nuclear news, the problem of Russia’s recent nuclear explosion lingers, as abandoned boats and beaches near the accident area are found to have high levels of radiation.   Also lingering are the catastrophic effects of radiation and chemical poisons unleashed on Iraq, with thorium, a product of depleted uranium decay, still causing birth defects.

AUSTRALIA

NUCLEAR.

• One week left to put in submissions to Federal Nuclear Inquiry.  Greig Myer’s fine submission to Inquiry into the prerequisites for nuclear energy in Australia.
• Former Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull calls nuclear power a “loopy” fad.  Labor Party urges Prime Minister Scott Morrison to rule out nuclear power.  Labor wants Liberal Coalition to come clean on planned sites for nuclear reactors.
• Scrutiny on proposal for thorium nuclear reactors for Australia.
• Minister Canavan and Department of Industry Innovation and science ready to spoil beautiful, sacred, and arable land – for nuclear trash.
• Australia is complicit in the new nuclear arms race.

Australia sells weapons to Saudi-led coalition, is complicit in human rights abuses.

CLIMATE. Climate change now brings Queensland into a new era of bushfires.  Record warming coming to Eastern states because of sudden warming of air above Antarctica. Australian Medical Association labels climate change ‘a health emergency’.  Minerals Council of Australia doesn’t like tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, with his statements about climate. The Morrison government’s scandalous deception about “Kyoto credits” and climate change.

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Australia has met its renewable energy target. But don’t pop the champagne.  Tasmania wind farm delivers Australia renewables target. But what’s next?    Wind, solar and storage prompt re-design of Australia’s energy market. ‘Bold’ scheme launches to power every property on SA’s Eyre Peninsula with solar. Victoria’s boosted rooftop solar rebate fully subscribed in minutes. Australian Energy Market Operator looks at role of rooftop solar to help manage Electric Vehicles on the grid.  The new normal: EV sales double in Australia, while petrol car sales slump. EDL’s Coober Pedy Hybrid Renewable Project wins at 2019 Asia Power Awards.

INTERNATIONAL

Global catastrophe ever closer as nuclear arms race revs up.

‘All of us are in danger’: John Pilger delivers warning from Julian Assange.

UN warns on need for global action – treaty – as the world’s oceans are in dire trouble.

JAPAN.

• Tokyo Officials Still Unsure What to Do With Radioactive Fukushima Water. To Prevent Polluted Water from Being Discharged into Sea Korea Pushing for International Cooperation in Handling Fukushima Water. North Korea lambasts Japan over Fukushima. Japan briefs diplomats on Fukushima nuclear water concerns.
• Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama says ‘radioactive contamination not under control‘
• Vietnamese trainees sue Fukushima firm over decontamination work.  Japanese government to send staff to disaster-hit Fukushima towns to help restart farming production. Section of exhaust stack at nuclear plant removed.
• Japan urges nuclear companies to get ready for decommission era.

RUSSIA. A small nuclear reactor was definitely the cause of the Russian missile engine explosion. Akademik Lomonosov — the first floating nuclear power stations – both a nuclear and a climate danger. Safety and security preparations for remote Prevek as floating nuclear power plant enters East Siberian Sea.

UKRAINE. The radioactive fallout from Chernobyl continues to impact lives.

USA.

• The Pentagon Wants More Control Over the News. What Could Go Wrong?
• Elizabeth Warren is vowing to wean the country off nuclear power if elected president. Democratic candidates split nuclear energy.
• Petition drive launched to reverse aid to Ohio’s nuclear plants,  Nuclear company FirstEnergy Solutions wants Supreme to stop Ohio statewide vote on financial rescue of nuke plants.
• Meet the religious peace activists – ready for 25 years in gaol!

CENTRAL AMERICA. Emigration from Central America is driven by climate change.

UK. UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) gives incorrect information on Calder Hall. County Council rejects plans for transport of Hinkley Point A nuclear wastes through Somerset. Nuclear power is uninsurable. Britain’s Sizewell C and Bradwell B are not done deals.

FRANCE. Europe’s record heat linked to climate change. Deaths in France. France pledges to press Iran to comply with nuclear deal.

BANGLADESH. Excessive costs of nuclear power for Bangladesh.

BELGIUM. No more room for Belgium’s nuclear waste .

CHINA. Nuclear waste problem to be explored by China, in giant underground lab.