Work

Collaborative governance mechanism for nuclear contamination data in the Pacific Rim region in the context of transboundary nuclear damage accountability inflicted by Japan

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The development and use of nuclear energy is a double-edged sword that brings significant economic benefits but also potential risks. As a radioactive waste disposal activity for the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, the Japanese government discharged the abnormal nuclear waste liquid contaminated with radionuclides from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into its inland sea by pipeline after dilution treatment. As the ocean currents off the coast of Fukushima spread the radioactive substances in the nuclear contaminated water from its inland sea to most of the Pacific Ocean, it will ultimately cause irreversible damage to the public health, fishery economy, and marine ecosystems of Pacific Rim coastal countries. Facing the absence of an international monitoring mechanism for nuclear-contaminated water and the negligence of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have led to low transparency regarding radioactive data from nuclear waste and environmental monitoring data of surrounding marine areas. This article critically discusses the feasibilities basis for the construction of a regulatory cooperation mechanism for nuclear data in the Pacific Rim region by utilizing literature and empirical research methods, advocating the construction of a full-cycle legal regulatory cooperation mechanism that covers the collection, management, monitoring and sharing of nuclear data. The establishment of such mechanisms in the Pacific Rim region involves multiple complexities. As nuclear powers and relevant stakeholders, China, the United States, Russia, and other influential countries as lead nations actively promote the construction of mechanism.

Source: Environmental Challenges

DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101110

Authors: Shumei Yue, Wenna Fan

Institution: Southwest University of Political Science & Law

Language: English

Topic: International Environmental Law and Policies

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,140