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- Unjust sentence for Tokyo Two
Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki, known as the Tokyo Two, exposed widespread corruption in Japan's whaling programme – in return, they have been handed a one year suspended prison sentence. However, despite the harsh punishment the two anti-whaling activists stood in court as heroes today, having successfully put whaling on trial, both in court, and in Japan's national media. - Nuclear News: Germany to extend life of nuclear reactors
AFP: Germany to extend life of nuclear reactors
‘BERLIN - Germany will extend the life of its 17 nuclear reactors by 12 years on average, Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen announced Monday after marathon talks on the controversial issue. The decision came after 12 hours of talks between senior politicians and forms a key component of the future energy policy of Europe's largest economy. The lives of older plants will be extended by eight years and those of newer ones by 14 years, Roettgen said, adding that Germany would spend three billion euros annually to develop renewable energy. Chancellor Angela Merkel's predecessor Gerhard Schroeder had decided to mothball the reactors by around 2020. Merkel wanted to postpone the shutdown as part of a new "energy concept" for the country due to go before her cabinet on September 28. The announcement immediately met with mixed reactions. "We have together found a way to take Germany forward," said Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle. But the decision was
criticised by Greenpeace and other environmental groups as well as Germany's Green Party.’
The Jerusalem Post: Israel eyeing nonmilitary nuclear technologies
‘Israel is moving forward with plans to build civilian nuclear power plants, although no specific goals have been set, The Jerusalem Post was told on Sunday. National Infrastructures Minister Uzi Landau (Israel Beiteinu) has been pushing nuclear power as a way for the country to meet its long-term energy needs, and it will feature as part of the ministry’s national master plan for energy, once it is drawn up. It issued a tender last month for a consultant. However, since the master plan is far from complete, the ministry does not know what percentage of electricity production would come from nuclear power, or what percentage it would comprise of the fuel basket, if at all, the Post was told. Any nuclear plans are at the very least a decade away from fruition.’
AFP: EDF may face criminal trial over Greenpeace affair
‘NANTERRE, France - Prosecutors have called for French state energy giant EDF, accused of spying on environmental campaigners Greenpeace, to face criminal trial, EDF lawyer Alexis Gublin said Saturday. The energy company, and former executives Pierre Francois, who was the company's second highest security official, and his immediate superior Pascal Durieux, are also implicated, along with two other employees. It will now be down to the judge Thomas Cassuto to decide on whether or not the case should go to the criminal court. In 2009 the two EDF executives were suspended for "unlawful intrusion into information systems" and accused of hacking into the computer of the former head of campaigns for Greenpeace France, Yannick Jadot, in 2006. "It is vital that the potential responsibility of EDF is confirmed and the chain of responsibility in this very serious affair is established," said Jadot, now a deputy in the European Parliament. The energy giant had said it was a victim of the detective firm Kargus, and that it had registered as a civil plaintiff in the case.’
The Mirror: Nuke test veterans health files to be probed after they die
‘A nuclear test veteran has discovered the Government has ordered secret research into his health - after he dies. David Whyte has been included in a programme giving scientists access to his NHS records. He now fears thousands of others are also being secretly monitored. Mr Whyte, an ex-Army engineer, said: "To find out you will be included in medical research you have not agreed to after you've died is horrifying." The events came to light after Mr Whyte applied for his MoD records and noticed his name was on a mysterious "health physics" list. Using the Freedom of Information Act, he was told he had been included in a mortality study. Mr Whyte was among 22,000 men told to witness atomic tests in the South Pacific between 1952 and 1967. The Government is battling a High Court compensation bid by 1,000 veterans and widows for health problems.’ - Arctic defenders deported from Greenland
Sadly, all four of our climbers will not be coming back to the Esperanza after all. Jens, Sim, Timo and Matt are flying home to Germany, USA, Finland and Poland respectively. Their personal belongings are still on board and they are going home in spare clothes bought for them by friends in Greenland. I'm sure they'll be glad to see their families again but we're really going to miss them on the ship and we haven't finished our 'Go Beyond Oil' tour yet.
Yesterday we were hoping they would be back on board and Victor even made them a Welcome Home banner. I have sent them all the supportive messages people wrote us over the last few days by email so at least they can read those when they get home. The atmosphere on board feels very mixed. We're feeling pretty down about losing four of our crew who we all became friends with over the last few weeks. But we need to remind ourselves of what we have achieved as we say goodbye to our four heroes today.
Every minute they were up there occupying the rig was another minute Cairn Energy couldn’t drill. We want to stop them sparking an Arctic oil rush. And at the very least we've made it less likely they’ll strike oil this year before the winter weather conditions force them to leave the area.
We shut down drilling by taking action on the high seas, but if dangerous deepwater oil drilling is to be stopped for good then action also needs to be taken in the world's capitals. Our leaders need to take us beyond oil, to invest in clean energy solutions for the sake of the climate and the preservation of pristine environments like the Arctic.
Later this month, environment ministers from countries bordering the North Sea will meet in Norway, where Germany is proposing a moratorium on new deepwater drilling. We're backing Germany's call because we don't want to see another disaster, similar to that in the Gulf of Mexico, happen at new deepwater sites across the world. And we need to go beyond oil to protect our climate.
Our journey continues…--Lisa
Image 1: (left to right) Jens, Timo, Sim and Matteo - waiting to be deported from Greenland today - wearing clothes given to them by friends. © Greenpeace/ Sune Scheller
Image 2: The Stena Don oil rig in the Arctic - occupied by Greenpeace climbers for over 40 hours. © Greenpeace/ Will Rose
Image 3: Our four heroes getting some fresh air outside the police station yesterday while they were still in police custody. © Greenpeace/ Sune Scheller
- Arctic defenders still in police custody
We are still waiting for our climbers to be released but hoping they will be back on board the Esperanza soon. They are sorely missed - especially Timo's lovely guitar playing in the evenings. Anais is talking about preparing a "Welcome Back!" banner for them and every time the captain or our campaign leader walks past we keep asking "any news?". The answer is still no. Nobody knows exactly when they will be out and perhaps they wont be allowed back to the ship at all.
Sim, Timo, Jens and Matt are truly heroes! I don't think I have ever witnessed such an amazing direct action in all my time with Greenpeace. Timo, Matt, Jens and Sim scaled the oil rig by climbing a structure that looked unclimable to me. When I look at the footage of their ascent - my jaw drops open in amazement. They spent over 40 hours up there - suspended above the churning Arctic waves through freezing winds and periods of loud noise from the thrusters that keep the rig in position. They kept themselves in good spirits throughout the occupation and never complained about the conditions they were in. We're so very proud of them for stopping Cairn's Arctic drilling for so long. They really stopped it for 40 hours - and that's quite an achievement.
While our climbers were on the rig and since they have been arrested - we have received some very touching messages of support from so many people. I've been gathering them today so that I can show the climbers when they're back on board. I thought it would also be nice to share them here (see below) and say thanks to everyone who sent us these messages - and the others I haven't managed to copy yet. It means a lot to us to receive them and I have already printed off several pages of them and passed them around over dinner in the mess. I even saw our chief engineer reading them and watched his face light up with big smiles. And he rarely smiles so this is quite an achievement!
Thank you so much. I'll let you know more news on our heroic Arctic defenders when I have it.
-- Lisa
Timo and Matt on the Esperanza before the action. We want them back along with Sim and Jens! (Images © Greenpeace/ Will Rose)
Messages to the climbers via Twitter:
OwenJ92
Aug 31, 11:49pm via Web
@gp_espy keep it going! what you're doing is amazing, I've never seen a protest like it! stick to it!
Emmabob3
Aug 31, 11:23am via Twitter for iPhone
@gp_espy - Well done for your amazing/brave/inspiring action. You have my total support & best wishes ; )
jonesthelight
Aug 31, 11:27am via Web
@gp_espy All the very best with that and what a great way to start my day :)
GinniKipper
Aug 31, 11:39am via Web
@gp_espy Massive congratulations and gratitude for what you are doing for us. I'm still gathering followers on FaceBook :-)
wolf_hazel
Aug 31, 11:54am via Web
@gp_espy Well done guys for the work on Cairn Energy! Hang in there! I support you and wish you all the best!
r3to
Aug 31, 12:10pm via CoTweet
@gp_espy Spectacular action!! Well done! Hope you can stop Arctic drilling for good.
patrickolszo
Aug 31, 12:21pm via Echofon
@gp_espy - this is amazing work - keep going - we are all rooting for you! A global moratorium on oil drilling now #gobeyondoil
givepeasachance
Aug 31, 12:36pm via Web
@gp_espy Well done to all, we're all cheering you on back home! Keep up the good work guys and gals. Much love and solidarity xx #beyondoil
Lear88
Aug 31, 2:21pm via Web
keep up the amazing work in the Arctic @gp_espy. You continuously inspire change - where others would rather take it away. :) #beyondoil
JohnBaldy
Aug 31, 3:21pm via Web
Follow @gp_espy for an object lesson in both saving the planet and in making a twitter feed exciting. Big up Greenpeace!
kateogden
Aug 31, 3:25pm via Web
@gp_espy You guys are an inspiration! Stay safe! #beyondoil
mayhew60
Aug 31, 4:05pm via Web
@gp_espy I woke up with a smile today. You guys are doing a great job. It is time to send a message that oil is not the future
tennilesunday
Aug 31, 4:33pm via Web
I effing love greenpeace @gp_espy for working to shut down Cairn Energy's oil rig in the arctic. http://www.gobeyondoil.org
alisonjanehealy
Aug 31, 6:28pm via Web
@gp_espy Guys, keep up the amazing work. When right is on your side, then many things are possible
iXalapa
Aug 31, 6:46pm via Web
@gp_espy Great Job!!!! even with the navy behind you do the job !!! we are proud and surprise
Chelspresso
Aug 31, 8:15pm via Twitpic
@gp_espy http://twitpic.com/2jy774 - Beyond impressive. Keep up the good work, MUCH love and respect.
OwenJ92
Aug 31, 11:49pm via Web
@gp_espy keep it going! what you're doing is amazing, I've never seen a protest like it! stick to it!
celiaalario
Sep 01, 12:02am via txt
Rt @Greenpeace: Wishing our4activists occupying Cairn'sArctic oil rig&everyone onboard @gp_espy a good sleep! http://bit.ly/bys
mariamonica
Sep 01, 3:06am via Twitpic
@gp_espy http://twitpic.com/2k0d3y - I've no words now that I've seen your courage.I wish I could do something from here. Pls. take care.
350
Sep 01, 11:00am via HootSuite
If you're not following Greenpeace's @gp_espy, you're missing a helluva adventure in the fight against #oil in the Arctic.
Emmabob3
Sep 01, 3:27pm via Web
@gp_espy- Just thought I'd check in to say well done for stopping the drilling in the arctic for 24 hours. Go go go (but keep safe) ; )
daisystreet
Sep 01, 3:31pm via Saezuri
@gp_espy : Good morning, Esperanza! Enjoying the updates. Thank you for not only believing, but *doing. Take care. Stay safe. Be wonderf
AshleighF68
Sep 01, 4:25pm via Web
@gp_espy you guys are doing so well!! being brave enough to go against what others think! you have my total support :)
Lear88
Sep 01, 5:55pm via Web
Hang in there @gp_espy the world is watching in awe. Let's all make a wave. #beyondoil
gotsound
Sep 01, 5:55pm via Web
@gp_espy For the past week every morning I wake up feeling inspired after reading your live tweets from the arctic. Keep up the battle!
soup1531
Sep 01, 6:05pm via Web
@gp_espy Hold strong ya'll. We are all extremely proud of you. I will start collecting beer to feed you when you get back to SF Sim!
Sneakyboots
Sep 01, 7:44pm via Web
@gp_espy Sim, you lucky dog! I'd give anything to be hanging up there with you right now! Way to go, guys and girls..good on you!!!
engagejoe
6:48am via HootSuite
@gp_espy What a beautiful video of Anais. Her Arctic story brilliantly illuminates why I organize locally. http://j.mp/9Z0U
brianfit
9:14am via TweetDeck
@gp_espy Sending a virtual cup of piping hot coffee to climbers aboard the Stella Don. ♨ http://bit.ly/bysplt
IanMcL13
11:13am via Web
@gp_espy Thanks for your courage and your passion on our behalf
twinkle031
12:11pm via twicca
@gp_espy you did so nice things! I live in Korea now but when I grow up, I want to be a big help. keep going!!
Messages to the climbers on Facebook
Abi Ralls: HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sylvia Watson-Stewart: Well done, we're with you in spirit!
Therese Davis: YOU GUYS ROCK! Wish I was there helpin'
Talitha Mcintyre-Burnie: You are my heroes! xx
Tara Wales: So friggen Far Out!!! You guys represent me also, I am disabled, I couldn't do that. So you speak for me also and I thank you all!
Deborah Barrass: Good, brave people.Their actions will be remembered in our uncertain future.
Wende Anne Maunder: Sim - thank you so very much. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the courageous work you are doing. I wish I had a million pounds to help you with your campaign. Bless you! Bless Greenpeace.
Sergio De Benito Navarrete: I'm very proud of all these Greenpeace activists. Thanks to all of you, and please never, never give up. Planet Earth needs more people like you. Greetings from Spain.
Polly Pearshouse: I used to be a climber but not like that! Scary stuff - huge respect for what you're doing - thank you
Jean Loughlin: Yeah...RESPECT GUYS....I couldn't do it!!!
Julie Bird: Love to you all and the deepest respect
Scott McNeil: this is what it takes, bravery and courage and determination, well done greenpeace
Julian Padfield Paddy: Good on you guys wish i was there,.
Jackum Brown: Bravo! Go for it, guys, you all deserve medals
Jo Billups You guys make my day! :)
Christopher Brooks: you're amazing! love your style. With you in spirit
Jackie Taylor: I support u all the way Greenpeace, please take care out there xx
Sue Tait: Sending blessings and light to your vital and wonderful work x
Annastacia Fulcher: Brilliant news and everyone is just amazing for what you are all doing. Thanks for the phone call Lisa letting us know whats going on. I wish you all well and pray for your safety.
Barbara Tencynskaya: Hurrah!! Ignore the mindless critics, GO GREENPEACE! :-D
Brian 'Jones' Smart: Go greenpeace!! Save what is left of this beautiful planet of ours before the big corporations who only care about money ravage it into a unlivable pile of dirt and pollution!!
Dimitri Fache: I admire your courage!
Andrea Liane: totally amazing staying in the Arctic until it get to cold to drill. i am so very impressed with the commitment of everyone aboard You on board deserve mega medals, and thank you from all who care. I no u'll never give up.
Michael Callender: Go guys, the world supports you!!! Wish I could be there.
Rebecca Fowler thank u brave activists, u inspire me daily! NO ARCTIC DRILLING!!
Cathy Monkley: You're all doing an amazing job. I salute you - big hugs all round x
Gemma Dawn: so much respect for all you guys that hung off that rig!!!!
Tom Cohen: hang in there sim hope you have ear plugs sounds pretty loud under there,great anchor points thoughlooks made for you!
Sergio C Buitrón: If you were looking for a hero look no more.
Bonnie Marie Lindsay: SIM~YOU ARE AWESOME!!
Kyra Winn: love your work Sim and friends :)
Gregory Riley Now: THIS is the kind of DIRECT ACTION I pay for!!!
Katharina Dumrath: I hope the activists willl be okay and that there will be no severe repercussions. I understand why the police had to arrest them (they were trespassing), but I pray that they'll have the sense to release them with a slap on the wrist instead of making a huge deal out of it. We already have 2 activists facing prison sentences in Japan- we don't need any more
Sandy Wilson: What a strange world we live in. Those fighting for our planet are arrested whilst those killing it are let free. Good on you guys for putting your life on the line.
Didoo Hydi: You are really amazing guys.. keep on, we'll always support the cause till the end.
Maria Elena: nothing is so much less than 40+ hours
Luis Rivas: drill stopped turning! That's a result! Hope they are out soon :D
Ruth Daw I am glad the four brave activits are fine!
Saskia Morice: You amazing guys have all my support as well as thousands and thousands of other´s everywhere...We are with You! We love you so much for what you are doing in the name of our Mother Earth..Thank You!
Tamari Chi: greenpeace outshines politics and politicians. When the governments should be handling things, it takes special organizations to do their job for them.
Rakesh Prashara: Well done everyone, my thoughts are with the activists in custody. Our future depends on going beyond oil!
Denys Tsutsaev: good job guys!!!Well done!!
Jackey Caldwell: What you are doing today changes all our futures. Hang on in there.
Tim Hatcher: Hang in there guys (literally). All right thinking people of the world are with you.
Jean Loughlin: thank you !!!!!! for what you are doing ....you are doing it for so many people.....Bless you for your bravery!!!
- Nuclear Myths and Facts #4: Nuclear plants can’t be built fast enough
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) has published a document called ‘Myths & Facts About Nuclear Energy’. The NEI – ‘the policy organization of the nuclear energy and technologies industry and participates in both the national and global policy-making process’ – describes the document as a collection of ‘Synopses of Common Myths About Nuclear Energy and Corresponding Facts That Refute Them’.
In this series of posts we’re presenting some Corresponding Facts of Our Own That Refute the NEI’s Corresponding Facts.
The ‘Myth’: Nuclear plants can’t be built fast enough.
NEI’s ‘Fact’: In just 19 years, between 1970 and 1989, 105 nuclear energy plants were constructed and put into service in the United States. The current licensing and construction of new nuclear plants will take 8-10 years, which is comparable to similar sized electricity sources. The timeline is expected to shorten to six years or less with licensing and construction experience. Building new nuclear plants will create thousands of non-exportable jobs, help revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector, and positively affect the U.S. economy and the environment.
Let’s face it – when it comes to climate change, we’re in a race against time. Global emissions of climate change gases must peak and fall as soon as possible. Can nuclear power do that and in time?
In a word: No.
The UK Met Office (UKMO) said last year that it would be almost impossible to keep the global temperature rise under 2 degrees centrigrade, unless global carbon emissions peak before 2020. The first few new nuclear reactors the NEI is calling for will only be coming online then (and that’s if things go to the very optimistic plan and any delays are avoided). In other words, those reactors will arrive much too late to fight a battle that needs to be won in the next ten years. Nuclear plants can’t be built fast enough.
And even if we get a massive expansion in nuclear power, its contribution to cutting global carbon emissions is small. The Energy Technology Perspectives 2008 report produced by the International Energy Agency in 2008 shows that, even if existing world nuclear power capacity could be quadrupled by 2050, its share of world energy consumption would still be below 10%. This would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by just 6% compared to the 21% reduction from renewable energy sources and the 54% from various electricity and fuel efficiency measures (see page 41 of the report).
The point is this: we don’t have the time to wait until 2020 or 2050. Safe and clean renewable energy sources and energy efficiency programmes are ready to go right now. As we say in one of our nuclear briefings: Nuclear power is a dangerous waste of time.
