In 2011, in Japan, a disaster happened. A massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck, followed by a 14 meter tsunami, leaving Japan in destruction, and taking 20,000 innocent lives. Not only did this leave a trail of destruction, but it also caused one of the most horrific nuclear disasters in human history. After several days of problems in the reactors, finally, on Monday, March 14th, 11:01 AM, the reactors exploded. In order to contain the disaster of the nuclear meltdown, Japan decided to cool the damaged reactors with sea water, and store the radioactive wastewater in their storage facilities in Fukushima. In 2021, Japan publicly announced that they will discharge 1 million tons of nuclear wastewater in the ocean by 2023. However, the announcement has sparked a controversial debate. Proponents disagreeing with Japan’s plan say it would be harmful no matter what, as radioactive wastewater will have catastrophic consequences on both humans and marine animals.. On the other hand, people who agree with Japan say that the dilution of the wastewater will have no negative impact on people or marine animals. My thesis is that Japan’s choice is wrong, and if they carry out their plan of action, it would definitely not only have short-term consequences, but also affect future generations.
There are several dangers of radiation. The wastewater contains tritium, a type of hydrogen that cannot be removed. “Tritium could take 60-100 years to fully turn into harmless helium”Nigel Marks, an associate professor of physics and astronomy stated. Due to this harmful hydrogen, there are many negative effects for radiation. Firstly, it is dangerous to sea creatures. If the nuclear wastewater is dumped in the ocean, the tritium would be organically bound into cells of the animals, including humans. Moreover, it could be harmful for people as people consume seafood. If we eat something that was exposed to radiation, then we would be carrying the burden of the risks of radiation too. Once humans are exposed to the harmful materials of radiation, they can cause serious diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and reproduction issues.
The ocean is not a dumping ground. It is a place that provides us with water, food, and energy. Now, Japan is trying to dump all their radiation waste into the ocean by convincing Joe Biden’s Administration and other scientists of the safety of the discharge without asking the neighboring nations. Japan’s selfish act conveys the image of being the owners of the ocean. Nobody owns the ocean as it is classified as an international zone. Everybody uses it and it shouldn’t be used as a dumping ground by contaminating it with hazardous radioactive chemicals like strontium-90 or tritium. We shouldn’t make it harmful with nuclear waste, but should instead try to save it and keep it clean. It is for the sea, people, animals, and the world’s health to keep it clean and safe.
Other consequences such as trade and conflict between nations. Also, there can be other consequences such as trade and conflict. If Japan dumps the waste into the water, people would boycott Japanese products, as they would think it is dangerous and because of their anger. It will have a negative effect on Japan’s economy and trading, as well as countries nearby such as Korea and China. This bad economy might cause other conflicts, and in severe cases, even war. A major problem like war would cause huge destruction. All the potential outcomes and further consequences don’t have any benefits for anybody, and has more negatives than positives.
In conclusion, Japan’s decision is wrong and a selfish act, which would not only have negative effects on the marine life, but people as well. Even though they claim to dilute the wastewater before discharging it into the ocean, TEPCO and the nuclear committee of Japan are not reliable as their plan is to simply dump the radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean as their only solution. Radiation is harmful to both humans and sea creatures and can cause incurable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, and reproduction issues. Secondly, the ocean is not a dumping ground as it is an international zone for everyone to use. Japan shouldn’t act like they own the ocean. Finally, there can be consequences in trade which can cause conflict between nations, eventually leading to wars. Japan shouldn’t dump the waste into the ocean unless they get permission from the UN. It is common sense to know that it will have many negative effects if they dump the dangerous radioactive waste into the international ocean. This inhumane selfish act will cause catastrophic harm for all living organisms, thus ultimately affecting people in the present, and dangering the well-being of future generations.
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