Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Greenpeace warns of Australian PM's nuclear plans
Greenpeace warns of Australian PM's nuclear expansion
Sydney, Tuesday 16 May, 2006: The Pacific will become a nuclear highway and Australia the world's nuclear waste dump if John Howard's nuclear fuel leasing plan is taken seriously in North America this week, Greenpeace said today.
Steve Shallhorn, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific said, ”Prime Minister John Howard should use his visit to the USA and Canada to support safe renewable energy solutions that are ready to be plugged into energy grids now, rather than risky, nuclear power.
“Prime Minister Howard's proposals for Australia to expand uranium exports and even import spent nuclear fuel would lead to a great increase in nuclear material shipments in the Pacific.
“Leasing does not change the basic accounting, that nuclear power is by far the most expensive way to turn on a light bulb.
“Nuclear power supplies only 6% of the world energy mix. To double this figure would require over 1000 new reactors over 25 years, which is environmentally and politically untenable.
In 2004 the Pacific Island Forum stated strong concerns over the potential of nuclear accidents to cause economic loss.
“Mr Howard should be mindful that island nations stand up for their rights to protect their exclusive economic zones (EEZ) from nuclear shipments, such as when a Japanese plutonium shipment breached several Pacific EEZ’s in 2002.
“When the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States met in the Pacific in 2002 they condemned the nuclear transports and called for their “immediate cessation” (Nadi Declaration of the Third Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government, 19/7/02),” said Mr Shallhorn.
Ends
Greenpeace
Greenpeace exists because this fragile earth deserves a voice.
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.
Gordon Campbell: On The Public Sector Carnage, And Misogyny As Terrorism
National Maori Authority: Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track Legislation
NZ Government: Comprehensive Partnership The Goal For NZ And The Philippines
DoC: Canterbury Spotted Skink In Serious Trouble
Te Pāti Māori: Oranga Tamariki Cuts Commit Tamariki To State Abuse
NZCTU: Inflation Data Shows Need For A Plan On Climate And Population
Statistics New Zealand: Annual Inflation At 4.0 Percent
