4 August 2023 at 20:51

Alliance for Future Generations urged Fiji PM to reconsider its stance after he expressed satisfaction with Japan’s dumping plan

The Alliance for Future Generations (AFG) is deeply concerned by the recent statement made by Fiji’s Prime Minister, expressing satisfaction with Japan’s plans to dump the Fukushima Nuclear Waste Water into the Pacific Ocean.

As a collective of passionate individuals committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of future generations, we feel compelled to address this matter and advocate for responsible, sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

The decision to release the Fukushima Nuclear Waste Water into the Pacific Ocean is one that has far-reaching consequences for the entire Pacific region and beyond. This action has the potential to inflict lasting damage to marine ecosystems, threatening the livelihoods of countless communities that depend on the ocean for sustenance and economic well-being.

Our concerns regarding this matter are deeply rooted in the Pacific Ocean as a source of identity for all Pacific communities, and the need for accountability, transparency, and the protection of our planet’s delicate ecological balance. The disposal of nuclear waste poses serious risks to marine life and human health, and any decision in this regard must be based on rigorous scientific evidence and must prioritize the well-being of both current and future generations.

We urge the Fiji Prime Minister and by extension, his government, to reconsider its stance and take a stronger position in advocating for the implementation of alternative, safe, and sustainable solutions for the Fukushima Nuclear Waste Water. We also urge Pacific leaders to trust the independent panel of scientific experts, appointed by the Pacific Islands Forum to review the data and information provided by Japan. As members of the global community, it is our collective responsibility to uphold principles of environmental stewardship and to prioritize the health and safety of our oceans and the lives they sustain.

Furthermore, we call upon the international community, including Pacific Island nations, to unite in solidarity and demand that Japan seeks alternative solutions to handle its nuclear waste responsibly. This issue goes beyond national borders and will have lasting impacts on both current and future generations, and we must collectively advocate for the protection of our shared environment for the sake of present and future generations.

This story was originally published at Alliance for Future Generations on 04 August 2023.