AUKUS Subs and the Nuclear Waste Trap

The AUKUS submarine deal, costing $368 billion upfront, hides a far bigger problem: radioactive nuclear waste from decades of submarine operations. No country has solved this yet, with decommissioned subs sitting idle and scientists stumped. A 2016 study estimated waste facility costs at $145 billion (now $190 billion), but these subs generate far riskier waste. Finding storage sites is nearly impossible, especially with First Nations and Pacific Island communities resisting due to past nuclear trauma. Secretly negotiated in 2021 and never debated in parliament, the deal’s leaders are gone, and critics call it the worst defense move since relying on Britain in WWII. A public inquiry is now assessing if the subs are even viable for Australia’s shallow waters—or if they’ll drag us into unnecessary conflicts with China, with results expected in October. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/37e6dd5af2319b2c