Who Has What: Carlton Church International Lookback on Nuclear Regime

The world has been shattered when the United States unleashed its nuclear weapons a little more than 70 years ago directed towards Nagasaki and Hiroshima on August, 1945 in Japan. Many were devastated and afraid of the possibility of countries using it against each other. The havoc and damage it brought to Japan which until now is being felt not only on the towns involved but is also etched even on the major cities of Tokyo and Yokohama. Yet, a lot more have been awed on the power it can give to those who possess it. Soon enough, the secrets and technology in making nuclear weapons soon spread.

Four years after the United States released its missiles aimed towards hundreds of civilians in Japan, the Soviet Union conducted its first nuclear text explosion. The United Kingdom (1952), France (1960), and China (1964) followed. Seeking to prevent the nuclear weapon ranks from expanding further, the United States and other like-minded states negotiated the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968 and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1996.

NPT was supported by a lot of states and a lot have sought a more peaceful negotiation with countries they have conflict with. But not all have been showed their amusement. In fact, a lot of countries complain against the United States, stating that they are selfish for preventing other nations to launch their own nuclear weapons just because they have already used theirs.

India, Israel and Pakistan have never signed the treaty and still possess their nuclear arsenals. Iraq was even able to initiate nuclear program under former ruler Saddam Hussein and inspired other members of the Persian Gulf.

North Korea, on the other hand, was first a member of NPT but withdrew on January 2003. Just recently, on the 70th anniversary of Workers Party in the country was held, nuclear missiles were paraded in Pyongyang’s square, stating that they are to launch it if the United States and other hostile countries continue to mock their supreme leader, Kim Jong-Un.

According to further reviews, Iran and Libya have pursued secret nuclear activities in violation of the treaty’s terms, and Syria is suspected of doing the same. Still, nuclear nonproliferation successes outnumber failures and dire forecasts decades ago that the world would be home to dozens of states armed with nuclear weapons have not come to pass.

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Carlton Church: Further Destruction of Nuclear Use

Arguments are raised on both the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy. As we continue to delve deeper though, the more we see the worsening effect of the use of nuclear. Carlton Church International Movement to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Energy has been soliciting reasons to further strengthen the cause that we have started.

As we have repeatedly stated, nuclear molecules are too strong for humans to handle. It is best to leave it alone to nature. Organizations often use this argument in favor of nuclear energy but it’s a partial truth. Much of the consumption of fossil fuels is due to road transport, used in heat engines (cars, trucks, etc.). Savings in fossil fuel for power generation is fairly low.

Despite the high level of sophistication of the safety systems of nuclear power plants the human aspect has always an impact. Facing an unexpected event or managing a nuclear accident we don’t have any guarantee that decisions we took are always the best. It’s not that the machineries and facilities used are frauds but risks in this field are greater. Two good examples are Chernobyl and Fukushima.

If you have not read our previous article about the topic, Chernobyl was an accident on April 26, 1986 when a sudden surge of power during a reactor system destroyed Unit 4 of the Nuclear Power plant at Chernobyl, Ukraine, Soviet Union. The accident and the fire that followed released massive amounts of radioactive material into the environment. Even the recent generation children are still being affected by the radioactive effects of nuclear. Children who are near the plant suffered from different kinds of ailments.

The Chernobyl nuclear accident is, by far, the worst nuclear accident in the history. Different wrong decisions during the management of the nuclear plant caused a big nuclear explosion.

Fukushima Accident was also a mishandled uses of nuclear which affected millions of individuals and also cost lives. The results were overwhelming with Japanese authorities implementing a 20 km exclusion zone around the power plant, and the continued displacement of approximately 156,000 people as of early 2013. Trace quantities of radioactive particles from the incident, including iodine-131 and caesium-134/137, have since been detected around the world. Businesses were affected even on the buzzing busy streets of Tokyo, Japan, the country’s capital.

It is being reviewed that people in the area worst affected have a slightly higher risk of developing certain cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report that estimates an increase in risk for specific cancers for certain subsets of the population inside the Fukushima Prefecture. A 2013 WHO report predicts that for populations living in the most affected areas there is a 70% higher risk of developing thyroid cancer for girls exposed as infants (the risk has risen from a lifetime risk of 0.75% to 1.25%), a 7% higher risk of leukemia in males exposed as infants, a 6% higher risk of breast cancer in females exposed as infants and a 4% higher risk, overall, of developing solid cancers for females.

- See more at: Carlton Church International

Carlton Church: Australia in Doubt on Building Nuclear Plant

With the continuous trend of nuclear proliferation, the nuclear-free Australia is in critical dilemma on whether to start the industry in the country or not. On one end of the coin, the negative effects of nuclear generation will surely cause skepticisms and complaints. On the other side, nuclear fuel industry is worth exploring.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been reserved when it comes to nuclear talks but he did admit that “Australia should ‘look closely’ at expanding its role in the global nuclear energy industry, including leasing fuel rods to other countries and then storing the waste afterwards”.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill set up a royal commission in March to undertake an independent investigation into the state’s participation in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Carlton Church International, non-profit organization campaigning against nuclear use, says there is no need for Australia to venture into nuclear turmoil as they already have an extensive, low cost coal and natural gas reserves. Other critics has also seconded this motion as it is known that even Turnbull has pointed out that the country has plentiful access to coal, gas, wind and solar sources.

During an interview, he also stated, “I’m not talking about the politics. We’ve got so much other affordable sources of energy, not just fossil fuel like coal and gas but also wind, solar. The ability to store energy is getting better all the time, and that’s very important for intermittent sources of energy, particularly wind and solar. But playing that part in the nuclear fuel cycle I think is something that is worth looking at closely”.

A survey was also conducted among random people and a lot of them have been reluctant about the nuclear issue. Some fear that the Fukushima Daichii Incident would happen, knowing the extent of the damage it has caused even to those living in Tokyo, Japan.

Another review also stated, “We only have to look at the Fukushima disaster in Japan to be reminded of the health, social and economic impacts of a nuclear accident, and to see that this is not a safe option for Australians.”

According to further studies by analysts, 25 nuclear reactors can be built around Australia producing a third of the country’s electricity by 2050. But it also found nuclear power would be much more expensive to produce than coal-fired power if a price was not put on carbon dioxide emissions.

Greenpeace dismissed nuclear power as “an expensive distraction from the real solutions to climate change, like solar and wind power”.

- See more at: Carlton Church International

Japan Finally Acknowledges Negative Nuclear Effects

One of the leading sources of news and information, Thomson Reuters, has just reported about Japan’s acknowledgement of casualty caused by the Fukushima nuclear power plant wreckage. However, it may be too late for the victim as the young man, an unnamed worker in his 30s working as a construction contractor in Tokyo Electric Power Co’s Fukushima Daiichi plant and other nuclear facilities, is already suffering from cancer since 2011.

The ministry’s recognition of radiation as a possible cause may set back efforts to recover from the disaster, as the government and the nuclear industry have been at pains to say that the health effects from radiation have been minimal. It may also add to compensation payments that had reached more than 7 trillion yen ($59 billion) by July this year. It can also cause a lot of setbacks from a lot of nuclear projects which were supposed to be due in the succeeding years.

A streak of legal issues and complaints are also to be faced by Tokyo Electric, mostly on compensations for those affected. According to further reviews, it is estimated removing the melted fuel from the wrecked reactors and cleaning up the site will cost tens of billions of dollars and take decades to complete.

Despite the recognition, a lot more people are still anxious. The recognition would mean acknowledgment of possible radiation effects still lingering in Japan’s boundaries. When it was once denied, the public are consoled of the improbability of being exposed to radiation but now that the government has expressed its possibility, many individuals fear of their and their families’ lives.

Hundreds of deaths have been attributed to the chaos of evacuations during the crisis and because of the hardship and mental trauma refugees have experienced since then, but the government had said that radiation was not a cause. Yet now, it is different. The trauma and fear are emphasized more.

Anti-nuclear organizations, on the other hand, are happy that their warnings are now being regarded. Carlton Church International, one of the non-profit organization campaigning against nuclear proliferation, spokesperson, Abigail Shcumman stated, “I don’t think ‘I told you so’ would be appropriate but that is what I really wanted to say”. She added, “We are pleased that at last, we are being heard. However, we continue to get worried for the people and the children. They are exposed and need guidance on what to do”.

- See more at: Carlton Church International

Carlton Church - Iran Joins Nuclear Fray

Just recently, North Korea has threatened the United States of Nuclear war on the launch of what they claim to be their own missiles displayed in Pyongyang’s capital during the 70th anniversary parade celebration of Worker’s Party in the country. 

The world has been disturbed of the possibility of the impending war against the United States and other hostile parties who have been mocking the isolated country’s supreme ruler, Kim Jong-Un. 

Until recently, many people believed that these North Koreans were fraudsters and blabbers in spreading talks of nuclear weapons without showing anything. Many analysts had agreed that it is no longer an empty threat but that North Korea is already becoming more aggressive against the forces which have shown great disrespect towards their country. 

Several seismic movements were also observed to have happened in the northern part of the country in the past 5 years after they have declared that they have been developing a nuclear weapon. The underground activities were said to be possible nuclear bomb testing and experimentation. 

There is even great speculation that this secretive country where national activities are hidden from the rest of the world has opened partnership with China. It is believed that the nuclear weapon shown in the parade was carried by a Chinese-made transporter erector launcher. If this is true, America is up for a greater battle with two great foes.

The fear have not yet subsided when Iran, one of the countries in the Middle East which boasts for its endless supply of oil and also a formidable opponent in the face of war according to histories, now endorses a landmark clear agreement which is backed up by its parliament system to regain its nuclear program. 

The Iranian parliament, after a heated argument and complaints passed 161 votes in favor of the nuclear deal, 59 against it and 13 abstentions, according to the review of Carlton Church International, a non-profit organization campaigning against any utilization of nuclear energy. The same situation is seemed to be patterned after the nuclear power plant reopening in Japan which also incited rallies in Tokyo. 

Under the agreement, Iran is expected to start work on rolling back its nuclear programme from October 18 – labelled as adoption day – which includes taking out thousands of centrifuges at its enrichment facilities and pulling out its heavy-water reactor and filling it with concrete.

Although it not a promise of nuclear weapon proliferation, there are still so many people against it. North Korea, when starting with nuclear projects, had also promised that they will not be developing it for weapons of mass destruction.

- See more at: http://www.carltonchurch.org/news/iran-joins-nuclear-fray

Carlton Church - Natural Disaster Survival Kit

Floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, super typhoons and fires. These types of news appear more frequently within this year than the previous ones. Old people nowadays even complain of the changing world, followed by endless accounts of peaceful living during their time. Are these all effects of global warming? Is our Mother Earth now starting to get angry of what we, humans, have done to its resources? Perhaps.

We can never predict when a disaster would strike our home. And since you are still reading this, it is safe to assume that you are still able breathe and live your life. The best thing we can do right now is prepare. There is no use panicking only when the warning arrives. It is better to give gear up now and perhaps survive a few more years.

Preparation should not be too extravagant. And it doesn’t have to be a suitcase filled with gas masks and whatnot. Remember that on the face of disaster, having a large baggage would be more of a burden that survival assistance. Pack light. You’ll only need a few of the following things:

1. Gears, extra batteries and supplies.

Multi-purpose tool/knife, moist towelettes, dust masks, waterproof matches, needle and thread, compass, area maps, extra blankets and sleeping bags should all should be part of your emergency supply kit.

It is also important to bring extra charge for your devices. There are back-up universal batteries available for most cell phones that can offer an extra charge.

2. Important paperwork and insurance documents.

When tsunami hit Japan last 2011, all documents were washed up resulting to chaos and strenuous recovery operations. Until now, many citizens linger in the streets of Tokyo in the hopes that most technologically advanced city in the world can reproduce certificates, diplomas and other legal and important written document stolen by water. This is why copies of personal documents like a medication list, proof of address, deed/lease to home, and insurance papers, extra cash, family photos and emergency contact information should be included in your survival kits.

3. First Aid Kit

Store your first aid supplies in a tool box or fishing tackle box so they will be easy to carry and protected from water. Inspect your kit regularly and keep it freshly stocked and do not use cheap and fraudulent ones. It is also helpful to note important medical information and most prescriptions that can be tucked into your kit. Medical gauges, bandages, Hydrogen peroxide to wash and disinfect wounds, individually wrapped alcohol swabs and other dressing paraphernalia should also be useful.

- See more at: http://www.carltonchurch.org/news/natural-disasters-survival-kit

Carlton Church - Love and Hate Relationship with Nuclear Powers

We cannot deny the contribution of nuclear energy in our present lives. Medically, it has been used to further strengthen the realms of science. Its elements have been helpful in many successful experiments and with the continuous search for knowledge, it has been reviewed as one of the elements of nature which can open doors to great possibilities and widen human understanding on life forms. Perhaps, nuclear is one of components of nature which can solve great mysteries and answer life-long questions. 

However, time and again, we are reminded of its capabilities when not handled properly. One minute we awe of its prowess, next minute, we despise the use of it in the expense of innocent victims who might have died before their time.

Chernobyl, Fukushima, Nagasaki, Hiroshima. These are the “accidents” which claimed millions of lives in total, most of them civilians. We commemorate their anniversaries since it is rare to be hit by nuclear bombs or get blasted in a nuclear plant. 

Then, just as people should be doing, we continue living. When finally the fear subsides, when insurance has paid off the damages, when the government has paid respects to the families left behind, when the city of Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan and the Soviet Union have finally cleared the remnants off the streets, we get back to applauding nuclear powers.

Yet, once again, as we are facing another threat of war declared by ISIS forces which have emphasized death to those who would hinder their path of total control, we fear the use of the greatest weapon known to human kind: nuclear. 

Different governments and organizations are on the move to dispel anyone who is suspected of smuggling nuclear contaminates to ISIS force. Every movement the authorities make, every little allegations make it to headline news. 

We are currently informed of the latest news: a group of people were caught and suspected of doing fraudulent negotiation with ISIS members, taking advantage of the situation and selling cache of deadly cesium – a very powerful powder used for production of the weapon of mass destruction. Later on, we are informed that it was all a hoax. Those on top do not realize the loopholes on these panic-stricken raids.

Authorities pounce on suspects in the early stages of a deal, giving the ringleaders a chance to escape with their nuclear contraband — an indication that the threat from the nuclear black market in discreet areas is far from under control.

- See more at: http://www.carltonchurch.org/news/love-hate-relationship-with-nuclear-powers