Japan will begin releasing treated radioactive water from the tsunami-damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24, despite opposition from neighboring countries. The decision comes after approval from the UN's nuclear watchdog. Approximately 1.34 million tonnes of water, which have been collected and stored in tanks since the plant's destruction in 2011, will be released over the course of 30 years. Authorities have argued that releasing the water is a necessary step in the decommissioning process, as space for storage is running out. While the Japanese government and the UN have concluded that the impact on people and the environment will be negligible, many people, including fishermen, fear the release will affect their livelihoods. Protests have taken place urging the government to stop the release. The water has been filtered to remove radioactive substances, but it will still contain tritium and carbon-14. Experts have stated that these substances are not a danger unless consumed in large quantities and that the contaminated water will be massively diluted when released into the Pacific Ocean. China and South Korea have been the most vocal opponents of the release, with China accusing Japan of treating the ocean like a "private sewer." Japan has been criticized for prioritizing its interests over the well-being of humankind. Both China and South Korea have banned fish imports from Fukushima.
Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:16:37 GMT | BBC