Japan’s plan to discharge treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean is sparking international controversy, with critics calling it an environmental gamble. The proposal, announced earlier this year, aims to begin releases by summer but faces mounting resistance from citizens, scientists, and governments across the Asia-Pacific.
G7 Summit Stops Short of Endorsement
At May’s G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan failed to secure explicit backing for its plan. While the group acknowledged International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety reviews, the joint statement notably omitted direct support. This comes as opposition grows both domestically and abroad, with neighboring countries expressing concerns about marine ecosystems and food security.
Seoul Residents Voice Fears
In the Republic of Korea (ROK), protesters gathered in Seoul last week demanding action. “We’re seeing panic about seafood safety already – restaurants could go bankrupt overnight if this happens,” said one participant at the rally, which collected thousands of signatures against the plan. Japanese officials maintain the water will be treated to safe radiation levels, but critics argue adequate long-term impact studies are lacking.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between disaster recovery efforts and transnational environmental responsibility. With multiple Pacific nations urging alternative solutions, all eyes remain on Japan’s next moves and the IAEA’s pending safety report.
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'We Talk': Japan's nuclear wastewater dumping plan harms the innocents
cgtn.com
