Japan’s plan to discharge treated nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean has drawn sharp international criticism, with neighboring countries and global scientists warning of potential risks to marine ecosystems and human health. Coastal nations including the Chinese mainland, Russia, the Philippines, South Korea, and the United States have raised alarms over the environmental impact of the controversial initiative.
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which operates the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, claims the water will be filtered and diluted to safe levels. However, independent scientific teams have questioned the transparency of TEPCO’s data, with recent studies suggesting residual radioactive isotopes could accumulate in marine life and disrupt food chains over time. “The stakes are global,” said marine biologist Dr. Elena Park, part of an international research coalition. “Current models may underestimate long-term effects on biodiversity and coastal communities.”
Public protests have emerged across Asia-Pacific regions, while governments urge further international oversight. The situation highlights growing tensions between industrial needs and ecological responsibility in an interconnected world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
