Letters | What G7’s non-opposition to Japan’s nuclear waste water plan says

Readers discuss the rich world’s support for the Fukushima water release plan, a win-win for Hong Kong and golf, and a compromise on Fanling

Japan

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 4 Jul 2023

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In the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in 2011, Japan used seawater to cool damaged reactors, resulting in the daily production of more than 130 tons of contaminated water. Faced with a predicament over what to do about the radioactive waste water, the Japanese government has proposed discharging it into the Pacific Ocean while ensuring it meets safety standards.

Japan’s plan has caused outrage around the Asia-Pacific region, with the Pacific Islands Forum and Japan’s neighbouring countries voicing their disapproval of the plan and their doubts about the safety standards. Oceanographic institutes and marine scientists have questioned the safety-related data provided by the Tokyo Electric Power Company, the owner of the nuclear plant, and called on Japan to find other means of waste water disposal.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has highlighted that if the plan is followed, the Japanese government will be accountable not only for causing marine pollution, but also for jeopardising the health and safety of mankind.

South Korea’s fishermen have raised concerns about the threat to their livelihoods, with many gathering at the National Assembly in Seoul to protest against Japan’s plan. A notable Korean lawmaker challenged Japanese officials to drink the waste water to make good on their assertions that it is safe to be discharged.

In contrast, led by the US, the G7 has backed Japan’s plan to discharge the nuclear waste water into the Pacific, despite scientific concerns about severe consequences for marine life.

Interestingly enough, the Group of 7 governments’ stance does not fully reflect public opinion in the United States, for example, on nuclear-related matters.

The fact that the Japanese government’s waste water discharge plan has met with no real G7 resistance shows how desensitised the world has become to environmental issues, such that politics can be prioritised over environmental sustainability.

Dr Kevin Lau Chung Hang, advisor to Our Hong Kong Foundation

Take a leaf from the British Open

I presented my comments to the Town Planning Board meeting on June 29 regarding the Draft Fanling/Sheung Shui Extension Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/FSSE/1.

We at the International union of Professional Development Institutions are not in a position to take sides for or against the government plan to build public housing on the part of the Fanling golf course that will be returned to the authorities in September, after the lease expires.

We propose a middle way, where both sides could reach a compromise and benefit along with other Hongkongers.

When the Leisure and Cultural Services Department takes over the management of the Old Course, it should invite all sporting groups to submit proposals as to how to use this land, so that more sports and more people in Hong Kong can benefit. At the same time, the space should be made available to anyone interested in pursuing leisure activities, seeking recreation or doing some sightseeing.

As for the development of golf and Hong Kong’s international status as a golf hub, we propose that the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau organise the Hong Kong Open, with all local golf clubs as co-organisers. Our government can provide larger awards to attract top players.

This is also a chance to develop other local golf courses to international standards, with government assistance. Furthermore, under this approach, other areas of Hong Kong would be promoted to the outside world.

Consider how the British Open is held at different golf courses in the United Kingdom, not just St Andrews. The Hong Kong Golf Club can play a leading role in running the Hong Kong Open with the Culture Bureau, while other local golf clubs can be upgraded and assist.

We hope the government can consider our suggestions and make a popular decision.

Leslie Y.S. Lee, chairman, International union of Professional Development Institutions

On Fanling, a compromise between development and preservation please

Your correspondent’s letter, “Hong Kong golf can afford to give up Fanling land for housing” (June 29), rather misses the point. The scale, diversity and vehemence of opposition to the Government’s proposed resumption of a major slice of the Old Course at the Fanling golf club is not prompted chiefly by a desire to preserve 10 holes of golf, but rather by utter dismay at the government’s determination to press ahead, regardless, with an act of wanton cultural and environmental vandalism.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho stubbornly refuses to consider alternative – and arguably more suitable – sites for public housing development; she dismisses, out of hand, the wealth of reasoned and well-informed objections submitted to the Town Planning Board.

Despite this, I hope and trust that board members will have the courage and good sense to steer the government towards a rational compromise: one that protects the natural beauty of this land for the widest possible public enjoyment, while preserving its rare and magnificent old trees, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Elizabeth Bosher, Discovery Bay