Fukushima: wastewater from ruined nuclear plant to be released from Thursday, Japan says

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below

🗞️ Driving the news: Japan will begin releasing wastewater from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant this Thursday
• The decision is controversial as the water contains tritium, a radioactive substance
• This move has encountered resistance from fishing communities, China, and various other groups and nations

🔭 The context: Following the devastating 2011 Fukushima disaster, over 1 million tonnes of water have been stored at the site
• Despite filtration, tritium remains in the water, raising concerns for environmental and human health

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: Radioactive releases into the ocean have global environmental implications
• While the UN’s nuclear watchdog approved the discharge, citing negligible risks, environmental groups like Greenpeace warn of lasting marine pollution

⏭️ What's next: As Japan embarks on this wastewater release, it'll be under intense scrutiny
• Results of tests on the discharged seawater are expected to be available next month, offering more clarity on the implications of this move

💬 One quote: “This is an outrage that violates the human rights of the people and communities of Fukushima, and other neighbouring prefectures and the wider Asia-Pacific region.” (Shaun Burnie, Greenpeace East Asia)

📈 One stat: About 1.3 million tonnes of treated water is being held on the Fukushima site, enough to fill 500 Olympic swimming pools
• The water will be diluted and released over the next 30 to 40 years

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