IAEA issues report on role of nuclear in climate change adaptation
IAEA + ECA Staff | 10/14/2021
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In the run up to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has published a comprehensive report setting out how nuclear techniques can help the world adapt to a changing climate and become more resilient to extreme weather events.
The new publication Nuclear Science and Technology for Climate Adaptation and Resilience offers case studies of IAEA supported projects in countries where nuclear techniques are used to tackle climate related food, water and marine challenges. It
outlines a wide range of existing nuclear techniques that support sustainable land and water management, climate smart agriculture, food production systems, analysis of greenhouse gas emissions, coastal protection and the monitoring of ocean change.
“The world is facing a climate emergency that is threatening people’s lives and livelihoods,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who will attend COP26 in Glasgow to highlight the role of nuclear energy and technology in mitigating and adapting to climate change. “Nuclear techniques offer a tangible way to respond to this challenge, such as breeding sturdier crops, protecting scarce water resources and much more – now and in the future.”
At COP26 in November, world leaders will review their 2015 commitment from Paris to limit the temperature increase to well below 2°C and aim for 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. According to COP26 Explained, the world is currently not on track to meet this goal, and more catastrophic flooding, bush fires, extreme weather and destruction of species are expected to occur by 2100.
The IAEA will be participating actively in COP26 to draw attention to the role of nuclear energy in climate change mitigation and raise awareness of how nuclear science and technology already significantly support efforts in climate change adaptation and monitoring. The IAEA will on 15 October
issue a separate report on the importance of nuclear power – a low carbon energy source – in the clean energy transition to achieve a net zero world.
“We need to translate words into actions, and we should do that by using every available scientific tool, including nuclear technology,” said Grossi. “The IAEA is a tested partner on climate action and will contribute to the discussions at COP26 in Glasgow on how to accelerate solutions. We hope this document serves as a valuable reference for our potential partners.”
Local communities and governments play critical roles as partners in developing nuclear technologies and policies that will help combat climate change. According to the IAEA's report, contributing to climate change adaptation efforts rests on several key assumptions, among them "practice and knowledge address locally relevant challenges and opportunities" and "effective stakeholder consultation and
engagement." Local community involvement is necessary to address both of these assumptions and can contribute meaningfully to IAEA's climate adaptation related projects.
Over 70% of such projects focus on climate smart agricultural practices and optimizing livestock and crop production. Nuclear techniques can be used to suppress insect pests such as fruit flies or mosquitos to fight Zika, dengue and other diseases, as well as to monitor soil erosion caused by, for instance, heavy rainfall.
As explained in the new document, the IAEA also supports understanding of the availability and movements of water affected by climate change. The document also addresses other topics such as how nuclear techniques tackle sea level rise and ocean acidification. Read more here.
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"CAPITALIZING ON A NEW ERA OF CLEANUP
SUCCESS"
December 7-9, 2021
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
Alexandria, Virginia
If you have already registered for the Workshop, you will not need to re-register. If you need to register, please click here. If you have questions, please contact Autumn Bogus at abogus@la-inc.com or (865)
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
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OCTOBER 19 & OCTOBER 21
The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is inviting public comment on proposed revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act. Two public meetings on the proposed rule will be held online on October 19, 2021 from 1:00-4:00 pm ET and October 21 from 5:00-8:00 pm ET.
To learn more or register, please visit http://nepa.gov.
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Dozens of US nuclear lab workers sue over vaccine mandate
AP News | 10/14/2021
Workers at one of the nation’s premier nuclear weapons laboratories faced a deadline Friday — be vaccinated or prepare to be fired.
A total of 114 workers at Los Alamos National Laboratory — the birthplace of the atomic bomb — are suing over the mandate, saying exemptions have been unduly denied and their constitutional rights are being violated by Triad National Security LLC, the contractor that runs the lab for the U.S. Department of Energy.
It will be up to a state district judge whether to grant an injunction to prevent employees from being fired while the merits of the case are decided. A hearing was underway Thursday.
The lawsuit alleges that lab management has been harassing employees and has created a hostile work environment. The complaint outlines the experiences of many of the workers, including one who was screamed at for not being vaccinated and was told by a fellow crew member that he and his family deserved to die.
The plaintiffs include scientists, nuclear engineers, project managers, research technicians and others who have some of the highest security clearances in the nation for the work they do. Some employees said many of those who could lose their jobs are specialists in their fields and would be difficult to replace in the short term.
Some of the employees who are part of the lawsuit have worked for Los Alamos lab for decades, while others are newer hires who have relocated to New Mexico from other states and countries. Thirty-four of them are named in the lawsuit and 80 have opted to remain anonymous, citing fears of retaliation.
While the lab said last week that more than 96% of workers had at least one shot, it’s not known yet how many have received a second dose. Some workers have estimated that the percentage of those fully vaccinated by Friday will be lower.
Some employees have estimated the lab could lose anywhere from 4% to 10% of the workforce because of the mandate.
“In any organization there are people, not always recognized, who quietly make the work of others possible. Lose them, and you are in trouble,” said Greg Mello of the Los Alamos Study Group, a watchdog group that has been monitoring lab activities for years.
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May 4-6, 2022 WIPP Peer Exchange Meeting; Carlsbad, NM
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