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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Caritas PH opposes Japan's plan to dump radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean

Caritas PH opposes Japan's plan to dump radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean

Published Aug 24, 2023 06:00 am

The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Caritas Philippines, has expressed its opposition to the Japanese government's decision to release "contaminated" water from a Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.

 

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Photo credit to Caritas Philippines

 

“We stand in solidarity with the Catholic bishops' conferences of Japan and South Korea in expressing our concern and opposition to the planned dumping of radioactive water into the sea,” Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said in a statement on Thursday, Aug. 24.

Bagaforo said the decision is a “reckless gamble” specifically on the health and well-being of the people and the environment. 

“We call on the Japanese government to reconsider its decision and to find a safe and responsible way to dispose of the contaminated water,” he said.

He also called on the Philippine government to adhere to “the proponents of House Bill 8218 to stop pushing for its legislation in view of the unforeseen negative effects of radioactive materials, even if treated, to the ocean and other ecosystems.”

He added that nuclear energy is “not a safe or sustainable option” for the country.

“Maybe this is our warning that nuclear energy is still not a viable, pro-poor, and pro-environment solution," he added.

According to international media reports, Japanese engineers are planning to discharge nuclear wastewater which has a volume of around “540 Olympic swimming pools” to the Pacific Ocean. 

Read:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/24/japan-to-release-water-from-fukushima-nuclear-plant

"We urge the Philippine government to invest in renewable energy sources that are safe, sustainable, and affordable. Renewable energy is the future of our planet, and it is the only way to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations," Bagaforo said. (Sonny Daanoy)

Read:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/23/final-preparations-under-way-for-fukushima-water-release

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