Despite global opposition, the Japanese government began releasing nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24. The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has announced that the first phase of the release is complete, with the second phase scheduled to begin as early as the end of September.
In New York City, several residents have expressed concern over Japan’s actions. They believe that the Japanese government should have considered the opinions of countries around the Pacific Rim before proceeding with the discharge.
“The ocean connects the entire world,” said one New Yorker. “This is not just a matter for one country. What happens on the other side of the ocean can impact all of us.”
Since the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Japan has struggled with managing the contaminated water used to cool the damaged reactors. The decision to release the treated water into the ocean has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally.
TEPCO asserts that the water has been treated to remove most radioactive elements and is safe to release. However, critics argue that not enough is known about the long-term environmental impacts.
As the second phase of the release looms, the international community continues to grapple with the implications of Japan’s decision. For many Americans, the issue underscores the interconnectedness of global environmental challenges.
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Americans say the ocean should not be Japan's exclusive dumping ground
cgtn.com
