On April 13, the Japanese government decided to dispose of the nuclear waste water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident by means of marine discharge, which quickly attracted the attention of the international community. The possible consequences of discharging nuclear waste water into the sea have caused great concern to neighboring countries and the international community.
China is highly concerned about the issue of Japan’s nuclear wastewater discharge. In the latest statement on April 13, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Japan had not exhausted its security measures, ignored domestic and foreign questions and opposition, and made a unilateral decision without full consultation with neighboring countries and the international community. Disposing of nuclear waste water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident by way of drainage is extremely irresponsible and will seriously damage international public health and safety and the vital interests of the people of neighboring countries.
The disposal of nuclear wastewater in Japan is not just a domestic issue. The ocean is a whole, and the flow of sea water over the years can spread any pollution to the whole world. It is estimated that after the discharge of nuclear waste water, the Pacific coast of Japan will be affected first, especially the local waters around Fukushima Prefecture, after which the waste water will also pollute the East China Sea. The German Marine Science Institute pointed out that the coast of Fukushima has the strongest ocean currents in the world. Within 57 days from the date of discharge, radioactive materials will spread to most of the Pacific Ocean, and in 10 years will spread to the world's waters. It can be said that Japan’s selfishness will make the whole world “pay the bill” for it.
The impact of Japan's nuclear waste water discharge will be huge. Experiments have proved that long-term, large-scale consumption of radioactive contaminated seafood may cause chronic radiation sickness and other diseases, causing damage to the organs, endocrine system, and nervous system. Greenpeace nuclear experts clearly pointed out that the carbon 14 contained in Japanese nuclear waste water is dangerous for thousands of years and may cause genetic damage. Therefore, not only the neighboring countries have opposed, but also the opposition in Japan. Several citizen groups in Japan submitted 64,000 signatures against the discharge of nuclear sewage into the sea on April 12th.
The Japanese government should earnestly shoulder its responsibilities. Does nuclear waste water meet the standards that can be discharged into the ocean? Is there a better way to deal with it? Should we consult with neighboring countries and relevant international organizations, coordinate and deal with it? These are all issues that urgently need to be addressed before the Japanese government. Ignoring marine ecology and human health and acting unilaterally and arbitrarily is extremely irresponsible to the people of our country or the people of the world. Japan should recognize its own responsibilities and come up with practical solutions to treat nuclear wastewater.
The sea is not a waste water treatment plant, nor a garbage pond. It is an important part of the earth and provides a lot of resources for human production and life. Every country and every person in the world has the responsibility and obligation to maintain the ocean ecosystem and realize the harmonious development of man and nature. Among them, of course, including Japan.