Japan’s release of radioactive water a risk

South Korean people chant slogans during a protest against Japan’s discharge of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, in Seoul, South Korea, August 26, 2023. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

THE international community was taken aback by Japan’s action to discharge nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific on Aug 24, 2023. This move occurred despite the widespread protests and opposition from nations across the Asia-Pacific.

Japan’s unilateral action is seen as a display of self-interest and irresponsibility, with the potential to inflict immeasurable harm upon the ocean ecosystem.