The consequences of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident continue to impact the environment and diplomatic relations between Japan and China. Indeed, the discharge of treated water from the plant into the sea sparked heated controversy and led to the suspension of imports of Japanese seafood products by China.
This process of disposal at sea began at the end of August and entered its second phase on October 5, despite criticism and reservations expressed by various stakeholders. The main idea behind this process is to get rid of the water used to cool the plant’s reactors after the accident, which has been stored in huge tanks at the plant site for years.
Before being released into the Pacific Ocean, this water was treated to eliminate radioactive substances, with the exception of tritium, considered less dangerous at low doses. However, even though the level of radioactivity in the treated water complies with the standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is below the limits set by the Japanese authorities and the World Health Organization ( WHO) for drinking water, there remain concerns about its consequences on the marine environment.
China was the first country to react to this discharge at sea, by suspending its imports of Japanese seafood products. This decision created a diplomatic crisis between the two countries and was followed by other countries, such as Russia, which is also considering taking similar measures. This situation highlights not only environmental concerns, but also the political tensions that persist between Japan and its neighbors.
Tepco, the operator of the Fukushima plant, has pledged to closely monitor tritium levels in discharged water and communicate transparently with the public about test results. They also planned several phases of sea discharge until 2024, with the final goal of releasing more than 1.3 million m3 of tritiated water into the Pacific Ocean in a phased manner by the 2050s.
This uncertainty regarding the long-term consequences of the discharge of treated water from Fukushima into the sea raises questions about the safety and sustainability of nuclear power, and fuels debates about the transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources.
It is essential to continue to monitor this situation closely and to take into account environmental concerns and diplomatic implications when making decisions regarding nuclear waste management. Safety and environmental preservation must always be at the heart of our concerns, and sustainable and responsible solutions must be considered to avoid such incidents in the future.