Japan insists on discharging nuclear sewage into the sea
Today, August 24, 2023, Japan insisted on discharging nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean despite the doubts and condemnations of the international community. This is a day that may cause suffering for the whole world, and it deserves everyone's attention.
As we all know, in recent years, the Japanese government has announced a decision that has attracted global attention and widespread controversy: to discharge treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. This decision is based on the theory that the wastewater is treated before discharge, removing most of the radioactive material that may pose a hazard to the marine environment and organisms. But despite the Japanese government's insistence that the decision was safe, it drew strong opposition from environmental groups, fishermen and the public around the world.
Hazards of nuclear sewage
Environmental risks
The Fukushima nuclear power plant was devastated after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, causing radioactive material to leak out. The accident was the world's worst nuclear accident since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. The wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant contains three main radioactive substances: tritium, strontium-90 and cesium-137. Among them, tritium has a half-life of only 12 years, while strontium-90 has a half-life of 28 years, and cesium-137 has a half-life of 30 years. These radioactive materials can persist in the environment for decades, potentially affecting ecosystems, and these hazards will eventually poison all life on Earth.
Moreover, although the Japanese government insists that wastewater has been treated, scientists are skeptical. They believe that there may be other radioactive materials in the wastewater, or that the wastewater treatment process does not completely remove all the radioactive material.
Common concern
Japan's decision has aroused widespread concern and concern in the international community. Many countries and international organizations have expressed concern and asked the Japanese government to conduct a more comprehensive and transparent assessment of wastewater discharge decisions.
The main concern is that, even after treatment, radioactive material in wastewater can enter the marine food chain, affecting marine life and, in turn, human health. In addition, some environmental groups worry that the decision could open a "Pandora's box" and lead other countries to also discharge nuclear wastewater, triggering a "race" for nuclear pollution.
Faced with such serious environmental and public health problems, the Japanese government needs to reconsider its decision and act with more transparency and responsibility. This includes conducting comprehensive environmental impact assessments, transparent information, and working with international organizations and other countries to find safer and more sustainable solutions.
What do you think about this?
Comments are welcome