Pacific Leaders and Japan Agree on Nuclear Wastewater Discharge
Pacific leaders and Japan have reached a significant agreement on the issue of Japan's treated nuclear wastewater discharge into the Pacific Ocean. This consensus was confirmed by Cook Islands Prime Minister and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Mark Brown, following the PALM10 Summit in Tokyo on Thursday.
Discussions focused on the release of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water from TEPCO’s nuclear power station. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida assured the Forum that the discharge complies with international safety standards and practices, emphasizing Japan’s collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure safety and transparency.
“The discharge is in line with relevant international safety standards and practices, and we will continue to work closely with the IAEA,” Kishida stated.
PIF leaders, acknowledging Japan's assurances, highlighted the need for continuous, transparent communication with Pacific Island countries.
“This process must be based on scientific evidence and conducted transparently to ensure it does not endanger the wellbeing of the Pacific people or the marine environment,” Brown noted.
Japan has committed to supporting the development of regional scientific capacity through the IAEA, with PIF leaders requesting active IAEA engagement in the region.
“We appreciate Japan’s commitment to enhancing our scientific capabilities. The IAEA’s involvement will be crucial in ensuring the safety and transparency of this process,” Brown added.
The leaders agreed to keep the ALPS treated water issue as a standing agenda item for the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM), supported by an ongoing review process. This decision reflects their dedication to addressing long-term implications and ensuring continuous monitoring.
Amid the discussions, Robert Richmond, an independent expert and Research Professor at the University of Hawaii, voiced significant concerns. He highlighted unanswered questions about the efficacy of the ALPS treatment and the contents of the storage tanks containing radioactively contaminated wastewater.
“The long-term effects of this discharge on Pacific marine ecosystems and those who depend on them are still unknown. Even small doses of radiation can cause cancer or genetic damage,” Richmond warned.
He criticized the current monitoring program as inadequate, failing to protect ocean and human health.
“The discharge, planned to continue for decades, is irreversible. Radionuclides bioaccumulate in marine organisms and can be passed up the food web, affecting marine life and humans who consume affected seafood,” Richmond explained.
Richmond also expressed concerns about additional stressors impacting the Pacific Ocean, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change. He urged Japan to reconsider its approach, suggesting that the nation could transform this challenge into an opportunity for responsible disaster management.
“Japan can set a new direction for handling such disasters, supporting the health of the people of Japan, the Pacific, and the world. True leadership would embrace this unprecedented and critical opportunity,” he said.
As the meeting concluded, Prime Minister Mark Brown reaffirmed the PIF leaders’ commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing the Pacific region through innovative and collective approaches.
“To realize the potential of our people and resources, we must explore new strategies and work together to overcome our shared challenges,” he stated.
The consensus reached at this meeting marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and sustainability of the Pacific Ocean, reflecting a collaborative effort to protect the region’s environment and the wellbeing of its people.
Also read
Post a Comment