What Can One Expect from a P Chemist?

The main promoter of nuclear energy fetishism to the scientific illiterates in the Labour leadership, Sir David King, is stepping down.  At least he was right on the climate change bit.  That seems to have been about it.

Scientist Who Warned Blair of Climate Dangers Steps Down from Post - The Independent (UK) - 01 Jan 08

"As the top science adviser to the Prime Minister, Sir David gave Tony Blair the scientific ammunition to conduct a ruthless campaign of 'contiguous culling' during the foot-and-mouth crisis of 2000-2001, when the Government took the deeply unpopular decision to kill all cattle on farms neighbouring an outbreak rather than to vaccinate unaffected livestock against the virus.

Sir David, 68, is also credited with convincing the former prime minister of the seriousness of climate change, saying publicly he thought it posed a more serious threat to people's lives than the threat of terrorism. He is also known to support the technology of genetic modification (GM), badger culling and the rebuilding of nuclear power stations – none of which has endeared him to environmentalists."

What Can One Expect from a P Chemist?

The main promoter of nuclear energy fetishism to the scientific illiterates in the Labour leadership, Sir David King, is stepping down.  At least he was right on the climate change bit.  That seems to have been about it.

Scientist Who Warned Blair of Climate Dangers Steps Down from Post - The Independent (UK) - 01 Jan 08

"As the top science adviser to the Prime Minister, Sir David gave Tony Blair the scientific ammunition to conduct a ruthless campaign of 'contiguous culling' during the foot-and-mouth crisis of 2000-2001, when the Government took the deeply unpopular decision to kill all cattle on farms neighbouring an outbreak rather than to vaccinate unaffected livestock against the virus.

Sir David, 68, is also credited with convincing the former prime minister of the seriousness of climate change, saying publicly he thought it posed a more serious threat to people's lives than the threat of terrorism. He is also known to support the technology of genetic modification (GM), badger culling and the rebuilding of nuclear power stations – none of which has endeared him to environmentalists."

The Road Not Taken, This Time?

More questions about the refurbishment of old nukes.  This time up in Ontario.

Ontario Politicians Debate Nuclear Power Spending - CTV News - 30 Dec 07

"Ontario's nuclear power plants are aging and most have to be either renovated or rebuilt. The estimated cost of the overhaul is about $40 billion.

NDP MPP Peter Tabuns said Ontario needs to think twice before investing in nuclear power.  'We are taking a huge economic gamble with nuclear power that already has shown itself to be a loser,' he said, using the Darlington plant as an example.  That project was expected to cost taxpayers $3 billion but ended up costing $12 billion instead.  'We're still carrying the debt,' Tabuns said.

It takes about 10 years to get the plants up and running, said Energy Minister Gerry Phillips."

The Road Not Taken, This Time?

More questions about the refurbishment of old nukes.  This time up in Ontario.

Ontario Politicians Debate Nuclear Power Spending - CTV News - 30 Dec 07

"Ontario's nuclear power plants are aging and most have to be either renovated or rebuilt. The estimated cost of the overhaul is about $40 billion.

NDP MPP Peter Tabuns said Ontario needs to think twice before investing in nuclear power.  'We are taking a huge economic gamble with nuclear power that already has shown itself to be a loser,' he said, using the Darlington plant as an example.  That project was expected to cost taxpayers $3 billion but ended up costing $12 billion instead.  'We're still carrying the debt,' Tabuns said.

It takes about 10 years to get the plants up and running, said Energy Minister Gerry Phillips."