Fukushima: why is Japan releasing radioactive water into the Pacific?

Should Japan release millions of litres of radioactive waste water into the Pacific Ocean?  

Everyone remembers the Fukushima nuclear plant being swamped by a tsunami in March 2011. All four of the plant's reactors were written off – and ever since, the reactors have been cooled with recycled water from a new treatment plant. The plant now plans to release the cooling wastewater into the ocean.

In this episode of the Briefing, we're joined by marine biologist Robert Richmond, a professor with the University of Hawaii, who details his concerns with Japan's plans, and what it might mean for the Pacific's ocean ecosystem.

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