Abstract
PurposeJapan's decision to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean in 2023 has sparked strong opposition at home and abroad. In this study, Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR) method is adopted to analyze the conflict problem, and reasonable equilibrium solutions are given to solve the conflict event.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, GMCR is adopted to solve the conflict problem. First, identify the key decision-makers (DMs) on the issue of nuclear effluent and the relevant options they might adopt. Second, the options of each DM are arranged and combined to form a set of feasible states. Thirdly, the graph model is constructed according to the change of DM's options, and the relative preference of each DM is determined. Finally, the conflict problem is solved according to the definition of GMCR equilibrium.FindingsDischarging nuclear wastewater into the ocean is not the right choice to solve the problem. Developing more space to store nuclear wastewater is more conducive to the protection of the ocean environment.Practical implicationsIt is undesirable for the Japanese government to unilaterally discharge nuclear wastewater into the ocean. Objectively assessing the radioactivity of nuclear wastewater and the cooperation of relevant stakeholders can better solve this conflict.Originality/valueThe problem arising from Japan's releasing plan is complicated because of a lack of information and the existence of multiple stakeholders, while GMCR can help us with a better view of the current circumstance in the conflict.
Highlights
On 13 April 2021, Japan announced it would release 1.25 million tons of treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean in two years
The conflict of nuclear wastewater discharge in Japan is a complex process, and there are a lot of uncertainties and unknowns in this process
The results show that S4 and S9 are the equilibrium solutions to solve the conflict problem, and S9 is in consist with the current situation
Summary
On 13 April 2021, Japan announced it would release 1.25 million tons of treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean in two years. The radioactive wastewater results from a disastrous nuclear meltdown accident in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP), which is in the charge of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). On 11 March 2011, the Great Sendai Earthquake and a following giant tsunami hit FDNPP, leading to hydrogen explosions and severe radioactive. © Benshuo Yang and Haojun Xu. Published in Marine Economics and Management.
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