The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has submitted a final report to Japan stating that the proposal to dump treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean is consistent with international safety standards. However, small island nations in the Pacific remain concerned about the potential threat this poses to their health, security, and the environment. The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has long been opposed to nuclear contamination in the region and has urged Japan and other nuclear states to store or dispose of their waste in their own countries. The Pacific has experienced the negative effects of nuclear testing in the past, and Pacific leaders are worried about the legacy of nuclear waste. There are concerns about the adequacy of current nuclear safety standards and the need for independent testing of the wastewater. Japan plans to dump billions of tonnes of Fukushima nuclear waste into the Pacific, but there is mounting opposition from government leaders and civil society organizations. The Pacific region, already suffering from the effects of climate change, strongly opposes any nuclear dumping that could have catastrophic consequences. Students and environmentalists in Fiji are particularly concerned about the risks to marine and human health posed by the radioactive substances in the wastewater. The Marshall Islands, which has experienced the direct impact of nuclear testing, also opposes Japan's decision. Japan is not a signatory to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, but as a dialogue partner to the treaty, it is expected to prevent environmental pollution from radioactive waste. The Secretary General of the PIF has called on all states to take appropriate measures to prevent harm to the territory of another state as required under international law.
Sun, 09 Jul 2023 04:41:58 GMT | IDN InDepthNews | Analysis That Matters