Friday 29 March 2024
 5.9°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / Flat earth lunacy

In response to Tor Justad: Increased risk (SN, 16/12/15)

Transporting nuclear waste by sea is opposed by environmental groups throughout the world, and HANT is of the view that all nuclear waste should remain on the sites where it is produced which is in line with Scottish Government policy.”

Tor Justad, I think this little piece of ‘flat earth, green lunacy’ is best forgotten; it is scaremongering at its most stupid. Some simple statistics for your observation:

Deaths from hazardous nuclear waste transportation accidents worldwide: nil.

Deaths from atmospheric pollution worldwide (smoke, car exhausts et al): annually seven million plus.

UK deaths from nuclear industrial accidents, all sources, over the last 50 years: nil.

Lives saved by irradiation (nuclear medicine, radiotherapy et al): tens of thousands each year.

That puts the risk into perspective!

Demonising the nuclear industry is about as pointless as Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA) and Highlands Against Nuclear Transport. Two utterly ridiculous and unnecessary organisations that serve no purpose whatsoever but to scare the ignorant.

Fact is that far more people die in transporting and commissioning wind turbines. Or for that matter, falling overboard from towing vessels!!!

The campaigning group HANT (Highlands Against Nuclear Transport) has been campaigning since 2013 to stop these plans on the grounds that the risk to the environment, fishing, aquaculture and tourism is unacceptable.”

Can you explain, Tor Justad, what that risk is and outline where that transportation of nuclear waste has hurt anyone or damaged any biological ecosystem in the history of humankind?

Ian Tinkler
Clousta

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.