Japan's decision to release nuclear-contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean has ignited widespread concern and protests both regionally and globally. The first phase of this release, which occurred from August 24 to September 11, already raised alarms among neighboring countries and environmental groups. Despite these worries, Japan initiated the second phase on October 5, planning to discharge 7,800 metric tons of contaminated water over the next 17 days.
The move has not gone unnoticed. Massive protests erupted in Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, Fiji, and even within Japan itself. Last June, Japanese citizens gathered outside Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)'s headquarters in Tokyo to voice their opposition to the dumping.
In South Korea, activists held a press conference near the Japanese Embassy in Seoul on October 5, labeling Japan's actions as \"nuclear terrorism crimes against humanity.\" South Korean opposition leader Lee Jun-seok has been vocal in his criticism, emphasizing the threat Japan's actions pose to the global marine ecosystem.
Internationally, leaders from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, French New Caledonia, Polynesia, Niue, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands have condemned Japan's decision. Manasseh Sogavare, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, expressed his country's dismay, stating that the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) assessment was \"inconclusive\" and criticized the scientific data as inadequate and biased.
The environmental impact of Japan's actions extends beyond the Asia-Pacific region. Russia's Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has warned that Japan's dumping could force regional countries to intensify monitoring of marine environments and biological radiation levels. In the United States, the Green Party of the United States, the Green Party of Hawaii, and the National Association of Marine Laboratories have all voiced their concerns. American experts highlight that radionuclides could spread across the Pacific Ocean, affecting marine life and ocean currents.
Henry Puna, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, referred to Japan's release as \"Pandora’s box,\" advocating that no discharge should proceed until its safety is confirmed through comprehensive scientific research. The global community remains vigilant, emphasizing the need for sustainable and responsible environmental practices to protect the shared marine ecosystems.
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Japan's arrogance and irresponsibility may bring disaster to the Pacific Ocean
cgtn.com
