Fukushima

Japan to Go Ahead With Fukushima Water Release Plan

Japan plans to release treated radioactive water from Fukushima Daiichi into the Pacific Ocean on 24 August. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved the plan. The water has been treated to remove most isotopes except tritium and carbon-14, and will be diluted with seawater to meet safety standards. The release will span 30 years, starting with 7,800 tons. Experts note that radiation exposure would be minimal compared to natural background radiation. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticized Japan, accusing it of prioritizing self-interest. The Fukushima disaster in 2011 caused an exclusion zone and forced 150,000 to evacuate.