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Leaders
4 days ago
- Health
- Leaders
Precautionary Measures: How to Protect Yourself from Nuclear Radiation
As Iran and Israel are engaged in a military escalation, the world is on high alert fearing that the conflict could spiral into a nuclear confrontation. With reports indicating that Israeli strikes have inflicted damage on some Iranian nuclear facilities, questions arise about the possibility of a nuclear radiation and how can people protect themselves in case of such emergencies. Active Monitoring in Saudi Arabia Due to their proximity to the warring parties, countries across the Middle East are particularly concerned over being exposed to potential nuclear radiation. In this regards, Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) is actively monitoring radiation levels in the Kingdom. The NRRC monitors radiation levels through its National Network for Continuous Environmental Radiological Monitoring and Early Warning, which operates 240 stations across Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia Safe of Radiation Following the flare-up of tensions, the NRRC confirmed that radiation levels in Saudi Arabia remain normal, stressing that the Commission proactively evaluates potential nuclear emergency scenarios and implements the necessary precautionary measures to protect the people and environment from radiation impacts. Moreover, the NRRC noted that its proactive national capabilities to predict radioactive fallout cover the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, emphasizing that its evaluation indicates that there is no need for activating nuclear emergency response plans. Similarly, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that there are no elevated radiation levels at the Natanz enrichment site in Iran. Furthermore, the information received by the Nuclear Emergency Operations Center of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Organization (NERCO) from the Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) confirms that there is no environmental contamination in the vicinity of the Natanz and Isfahan uranium enrichment plants. What is Nuclear Radiation? Nuclear radiation is the invisible energy particles or waves emerging from the nuclei of unstable atoms, called radioactive materials. Exposure to radiation happens when these radioactive materials are released into the environment, as a result of an accident, a natural disaster, or an act of terrorism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nuclear radiation can have harmful effects on human health, as well as the surrounding environment. The health risks include short-term effects, such as the Acute Radiation Syndrome, which happens when the body is exposed to a large dose of radiation for a short time, and the Cutaneous Radiation Injury (CRI), which causes injury to the skin due to exposure to a large dose of radiation. Meanwhile, long-term health effects include diseases such as cancer and emotional and psychological distress. Moreover, prenatal radiation exposure happens when a pregnant woman's abdomen is exposed to radiation, impacting the fetus. Nuclear Radiation Emergency In case of a radiation emergency, you should follow these precautionary steps as recommended by the CDC: Take shelter inside a building, as walls can help in blocking much of the harmful radiation. Carefully remove the outer layer of your clothing before entering the building. Once inside, close and lock all windows and doors, reach for the basement or the middle of the building, and stay as far away as possible from the walls and roof. It is preferable to turn off fans, air conditioners and heating units that bring air in from the outside. You should remain inside and follow instructions until authorities say it is safe to go outside. In order to decontaminate yourself, wash parts of your body that were exposed while outside, and wear clean clothes. Drink bottled water and eat food in sealed containers. Radioactive materials become weaker over time, so it is advised to stay inside for at least 24 hours or until emergency officials say it is safe to leave the area. Follow updated information through television, radio or social media. It is recommended to keep a battery-powered radio with extra batteries for emergency situations. If you were outside and could not reach a building, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or a towel. Short link : Post Views: 15
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
'Over $100b needed for carbon-neutral energy sector'
Listen to article Pakistan is transitioning away from fossil fuels at a faster pace than many regional economies, with plans to generate 60% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 to meet its emissions reduction targets. According to global data compiled by the Energy Institute, the share of fossil fuels in Pakistan's total energy consumption declined by 4.8 percentage points from 86.7% in 2019 to 81.9% in 2023. In comparison, the average decline in fossil fuel usage among low- and middle-income countries during the same period was just 0.8 percentage points (from 90.8% to 90.0%). Further, recent data released by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) reveals that clean energy sources, such as hydropower, nuclear, and other renewables, contributed approximately 54% to the country's energy mix last month. The government's move away from furnace oil, the most expensive source of power, is evident, as it accounted for only 1% of the energy mix in April. These figures show that, despite macroeconomic challenges, Pakistan currently holds a relatively cleaner energy mix compared to other Asian and low- and middle-income countries. Neighbouring countries like China and India generate approximately 61% and 75% of their electricity from coal, respectively. In contrast, Thar coal contributes only 13% to Pakistan's energy mix and has played a key role in ensuring grid reliability and affordability. "The energy baseload of Pakistan should be based on indigenous sources of Thar along with renewables to ensure affordability and mitigate geopolitical shocks. Developing economies, including Pakistan, require a balanced transition to renewable energy. Fossil fuels are crucial for short- to medium-term energy stability," said Asif Arslan Soomro, an independent economic and investment analyst. He added that balancing environmental goals with economic stability is crucial, as an abrupt shift from fossil fuels could disrupt growth and strain an already fragile economy. The energy transition will involve enhancing or transforming the entire energy system, and this significant investment relates to the development and upgradation of infrastructure, such as hydropower plants and transmission systems, as well as the phase-out of existing fossil fuel-based power plants. Pakistan requires over $100 billion in investment to transition to a carbon-neutral energy sector, with $50 billion needed to achieve its 60% renewable energy target by 2030, according to the climate ministry. Soomro noted that Pakistan has been ranked as the most vulnerable country to climate change in the Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 report, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions. "Even though its climate impact remains negligible, Pakistan has committed to unconditionally reduce its overall projected emissions by 15% by 2030. We have also committed to reduce emissions by a further 35%, conditional on the availability of required external financing," he added.
Daily Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Indonesia allowing nickel industry abuses to go unchecked
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: AFP Text Size: Weda Bay on Halmahera island is the world's largest nickel mine by production. (AFP pic) JAKARTA: The Indonesian government is allowing environmental damage including deforestation and violations against Indigenous people to go unchecked around a multi-billion dollar industrial park on a once-pristine eastern island, a report said today. Indonesia is both the world's largest nickel producer, and home to the biggest-known reserves, and a 2020 export ban has spurred a domestic industrial boom. Advertisement Operations have grown around Weda Bay, the world's largest nickel mine by production, on Halmahera island as Indonesia exploits the metal reserves used in everything from electric vehicle batteries to stainless steel. Climate Rights International (CRI) said companies had caused a spike in air and water pollution and deforestation around the industrial park, accusing the government of ignoring their conduct. 'The Indonesian government is giving a green light to corporate practices that prioritise profits over the rights of local communities and the environment,' Krista Shennum, researcher at Climate Rights International, told AFP. 'The Indonesian government should immediately hold companies accountable. This could include civil penalties, criminal prosecutions, or rescinding permits.' Much of the park's nickel is sourced by Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), a joint venture of Indonesian mining firm Antam and Singapore-based Strand Minerals, with shares divided between French mining giant Eramet and Chinese steel major Tsingshan. An AFP report last week detailed how the home of the nomadic Hongana Manyawa tribe was being eaten away by the world's largest nickel mine, with members issuing a call for nickel companies to leave their tribal lands alone. Locals have reported a rise in air pollution from nickel processing smelters and rivers polluted by nickel tailings in soil brought down by heavy rain. Water tests by Indonesian NGOs AEER, JATAM, and Nexus3 Foundation in 2023 and 2024 'revealed dangerously high levels of nickel and hexavalent chromium, among other pollutants', the report said. '(Companies) are failing local communities by not making information about the safety of important drinking water sources publicly available and accessible,' said Shennum. Both WBN and Eramet told AFP last week they work to minimise impacts on the environment, including conducting water tests. CRI also said Indonesian and foreign companies in coordination with police and military personnel had 'engaged in land grabbing, coercion and intimidation' of Indigenous peoples and other communities. Local activists and students opposing the industrial park have 'faced criminalisation, harassment and smear campaigns', the report said. Weda Bay Nickel and the Indonesian government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Indonesia's energy ministry told AFP last week it was committed to 'protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and ensuring that mining activities do not damage their lives and environment'. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Indonesia allowing nickel industry abuses to go unchecked: Report
This aerial photo taken on April 18, 2025 shows smoke rising at Weda Bay Industrial Park (WBIP), a major nickel processing and smelting hub, in Lelilef Sawai, Central Halmahera, North Maluku. - AFP JAKARTA: The Indonesian government is allowing environmental damage including deforestation and violations against Indigenous people to go unchecked around a multi-billion dollar industrial park on a once-pristine eastern island, a report said Thursday (June 5). Indonesia is both the world's largest nickel producer, and home to the biggest-known reserves, and a 2020 export ban has spurred a domestic industrial boom. Operations have grown around Weda Bay, the world's largest nickel mine by production, on Halmahera island as Indonesia exploits the metal reserves used in everything from electric vehicle batteries to stainless steel. Climate Rights International (CRI) said companies had caused a spike in air and water pollution and deforestation around the industrial park, accusing the government of ignoring their conduct. "The Indonesian government is giving a green light to corporate practices that prioritise profits over the rights of local communities and the environment," Krista Shennum, researcher at Climate Rights International, told AFP. "The Indonesian government should immediately hold companies accountable. This could include civil penalties, criminal prosecutions, or rescinding permits." Much of the park's nickel is sourced by Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), a joint venture of Indonesian mining firm Antam and Singapore-based Strand Minerals, with shares divided between French mining giant Eramet and Chinese steel major Tsingshan. An AFP report last week detailed how the home of the nomadic Hongana Manyawa tribe was being eaten away by the world's largest nickel mine, with members issuing a call for nickel companies to leave their tribal lands alone. Locals have reported a rise in air pollution from nickel processing smelters and rivers polluted by nickel tailings in soil brought down by heavy rain. Water tests by Indonesian NGOs AEER, JATAM, and Nexus3 Foundation in 2023 and 2024 "revealed dangerously high levels of nickel and hexavalent chromium, among other pollutants", the report said. "(Companies) are failing local communities by not making information about the safety of important drinking water sources publicly available and accessible," said Shennum. Both WBN and Eramet told AFP last week they work to minimise impacts on the environment, including conducting water tests. CRI also said Indonesian and foreign companies in coordination with police and military personnel had "engaged in land grabbing, coercion and intimidation" of Indigenous peoples and other communities. Local activists and students opposing the industrial park have "faced criminalisation, harassment and smear campaigns", the report said. Weda Bay Nickel and the Indonesian government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Indonesia's energy ministry told AFP last week it was committed to "protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and ensuring that mining activities do not damage their lives and environment". - AFP
France 24
05-06-2025
- Business
- France 24
Indonesia allowing nickel industry abuses to go unchecked: report
Indonesia is both the world's largest nickel producer, and home to the biggest-known reserves, and a 2020 export ban has spurred a domestic industrial boom. Operations have grown around Weda Bay, the world's largest nickel mine by production, on Halmahera island as Indonesia exploits the metal reserves used in everything from electric vehicle batteries to stainless steel. Climate Rights International (CRI) said companies had caused a spike in air and water pollution and deforestation around the industrial park, accusing the government of ignoring their conduct. "The Indonesian government is giving a green light to corporate practices that prioritise profits over the rights of local communities and the environment," Krista Shennum, researcher at Climate Rights International, told AFP. "The Indonesian government should immediately hold companies accountable. This could include civil penalties, criminal prosecutions, or rescinding permits." Much of the park's nickel is sourced by Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), a joint venture of Indonesian mining firm Antam and Singapore-based Strand Minerals, with shares divided between French mining giant Eramet and Chinese steel major Tsingshan. An AFP report last week detailed how the home of the nomadic Hongana Manyawa tribe was being eaten away by the world's largest nickel mine, with members issuing a call for nickel companies to leave their tribal lands alone. 'Criminalisation, harassment' Locals have reported a rise in air pollution from nickel processing smelters and rivers polluted by nickel tailings in soil brought down by heavy rain. Water tests by Indonesian NGOs AEER, JATAM, and Nexus3 Foundation in 2023 and 2024 "revealed dangerously high levels of nickel and hexavalent chromium, among other pollutants", the report said. "(Companies) are failing local communities by not making information about the safety of important drinking water sources publicly available and accessible," said Shennum. Both WBN and Eramet told AFP last week they work to minimise impacts on the environment, including conducting water tests. CRI also said Indonesian and foreign companies in coordination with police and military personnel had "engaged in land grabbing, coercion and intimidation" of Indigenous peoples and other communities. Local activists and students opposing the industrial park have "faced criminalisation, harassment and smear campaigns", the report said. Weda Bay Nickel and the Indonesian government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Indonesia's energy ministry told AFP last week it was committed to "protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and ensuring that mining activities do not damage their lives and environment".
