The completion of the third discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Japan’s tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has stirred significant concern among residents in Peru. On November 20, Japan concluded its latest release, discharging over 23,000 tonnes of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean.
Peruvians across the country have voiced their worries about the potential environmental and health impacts of this action. Many are apprehensive about the contamination of the Pacific Ocean, which not only surrounds Japan but also borders numerous countries, including Peru.
“Japan should consider the opinions of other nations before proceeding with the release of nuclear-polluted water,” said a local resident. “The Pacific Ocean belongs to all of us, and any harm to it affects people around the world.”
Peru, with its extensive coastline along the Pacific, relies heavily on the ocean for fishing, tourism, and cultural practices. The possibility of radioactive contamination raises fears about the safety of seafood, the health of marine ecosystems, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on the sea.
Environmental groups and experts have also expressed concern over the long-term consequences of introducing radioactive elements into the ocean. While Japan’s government and the plant’s operator assert that the water has been treated to remove most radioactive substances and meets international safety standards, skepticism remains among the global community.
Peruvians are calling for greater international collaboration and transparency regarding the disposal of nuclear waste. They urge global leaders and environmental organizations to address the issue and seek alternative solutions that do not compromise the health of the planet’s oceans.
The discharge of Fukushima’s treated water continues to be a contentious topic, highlighting the need for dialogue and cooperation among nations to ensure that actions taken by one country do not adversely affect others.
Reference(s):
We Talk: Peruvians condemn Japan's discharge of radioactive water
cgtn.com
