Why is Japan releasing '500 Olympic-sized pools' of water into the Pacific?

Japan's decision to release treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima Nuclear Plant into the Pacific Ocean has sparked protests and raised concerns from various stakeholders.

Japan has received a go-ahead from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Nuclear Plant, which was damaged by the 2011 earthquake-induced tsunami, into the Pacific Ocean.

In spite of stiff opposition from China and the locals, the two-year evaluation by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded that Japan's plans follow international safety standards and would have a very small impact on people and the environment in terms of radioactivity.

The head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, gave the final report on the release of over 1 million metric tons of water, to Japanese PM Fumio Kishida on July 4, describing it as a "significant moment".

IAEA addresses concerns

• To address ongoing environmental concerns, Grossi announced that the IAEA would station staff at the Fukushima plant throughout to monitor the water release.
• Understanding the uniqueness of the situation, as this has never happened before, Grossi promised that the IAEA will work towards easing people's worries and concerns.

• However, he emphasised that the Japanese government would have the final say in the release, which is expected to span over 40 years.

Assurances from Japan

• The Japanese government has maintained that the water, equivalent to 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools, has undergone rigorous filtration to remove most of the radioactive elements, except for tritium, and is safe. Tritium, a hydrogen isotope is tough to separate from water.
• Before being released into the Pacific, the water will be diluted to levels well below internationally approved tritium limits.
• The official date for the water release has not been specified, pending approval from Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO), Japan's national nuclear regulatory body, which is expected to provide its final decision in the coming week.
• According to a Japanese official, in response to Chinese criticism, the treated water to be released from the reservoir is going to be safer than nuclear water released by most countries, including China.

Domestic resistance

• Japanese fishing unions have long opposed the water release plan, concerned about its potential impact on their yield and reputation.
• Following the 2011 disaster, several countries banned certain Japanese seafood products.

• A petition from the regions surrounding the Fukushima plant has garnered over 250,000 signatures since the proposal was initially introduced.

International reactions

• Neighbouring countries, including China and South Korea, have expressed their concerns over the years regarding the potential threat to the marine environment and public health, brought in by the potential release of the water.
• Beijing has emerged as the most vocal critic, urging the suspension of the water release plan. China's embassy in Japan stated that the IAEA report should not serve as a justification for the release and called for a halt to the plan.
• South Korea, in a response to the IAEA verdict, said they will review it soon and respond accordingly soon. As the ban on Fukushima seafood continues, South Korea will also keep a close eye on the release.
• However, Japan has pledged to provide transparent explanations based on scientific evidence to both its own citizens and the international community.
• Japan's clarification on the treated water containing lower tritium levels met Chinese opposition. Chinese officials argue that Japan's comparison of tritium levels is misleading and confusing. They claim that the concepts being compared are not equivalent.
• The Chinese foreign ministry expressed regret over the IAEA's "hasty release" of the report and warned of potential consequences if Japan proceeds with the water release.

• Rafael Grossi intends to ease South Korea's concerns over the water release during his subsequent visit.
• Some in South Korea have been stocking up on sea salt and food in anticipation of the release.
• Additionally, Grossi is expected to visit New Zealand and the Cook Islands as part of his efforts to address concerns and provide clarifications on the plan.