Japan's Controversial Decision: Dumping Fukushima Wastewater into Fragile Oceans

The Japanese government plans to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean this summer, following certification by the Nuclear Regulation Authority and confirmation of its safety by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The release is part of the ongoing decommissioning process, which is estimated to take 30 to 40 years. Concerns about reputational damage persist, with some countries opposing the release while others, such as the European Union and the US, are lifting restrictions on Japanese food imports. The most challenging aspect of decommissioning is the removal of fuel debris, which has yet to begin.