From Common Dreams
Summary:
- The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report warning that the nation’s nuclear reactors are at risk due to the climate emergency.
- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission needs to consider climate risks as it regulates nuclear power plants, which currently number at 94 in the United States.
- The report emphasizes that climate change could exacerbate natural hazards like heat, drought, wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, and sea-level rise, impacting reactor operations and potentially leading to shutdowns.
- Beyond Nuclear group advocates against nuclear power and weapons, claiming that the NRC must address safety impacts from climate risks on nuclear power plants.
Quotes:
- There are currently 94 nuclear reactors in the United States that could be affected.
- “Climate change is expected to exacerbate natural hazards—including heat, drought, wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, and sea-level rise. In addition, climate change may affect extreme cold weather events,” the report reads. “Risks to nuclear power plants from these hazards include loss of offsite power, damage to systems and equipment, and diminished cooling capacity, potentially resulting in reduced operations or plant shutdowns.”
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Read the full post at Common Dreams.