2:27 PM - Our correspondent Christina Schull reports on Helen Caldicott's speech:

Dr. Caldicott spoke extensively of the harm that even the smallest amount of radiation creates, describing that a millionth of a gram can get into ones lungs, causing pain in the chest 5-7 years later as lung cancer, and eventually death. She explained how a single particle of plutonium can be passed to offspring, causing deformities. She said that Hanford makes “HUGE, HUGE, HUGE” quantities of plutonium, and called Bechtel a “wicked organization.” She said the US government is “full of corporate prostitutes” and encouraged women to start taking a larger role in government. She then went on to paint a picture of what a global nuclear apocalypse would look like, with the sun blocked out by fallout, life would disappear in less than 10 years. 

Dr. Caldicott said, “Occupy is the most exciting thing I’ve seen in 20 years. You have such a responsibility on your shoulders.” She then described how the US could become a great example on how to save the planet, using electric, solar, and other forms of renewable energy. She finished her speech with, “Happiness comes from helping children in a hospital, from teaching in a school, and working with wonderful people and saving the planet. We’re here to serve, not to make ourselves happy.”