In 2011, the Tōhoku earthquake hit
Japan, a massive 9.0 on the Richter scale. This caused seawater to flood
several nuclear power plants, releasing radioactive water into the area.
Apparently, this radioactive water is still being released into the ocean;
something that could have a tremendous negative effect on Japan’s economy. According
to scientists, fish caught off the coast of Japan have elevated levels of
cesium, a radioactive and toxic alkali metal that is associated with cancer in
humans. This suggests that radioactive waste has collected on the seafloor and
is continuing to contaminate fish.
Due to this fact, around 36 species of fish caught off Fukushima (where the nuclear meltdown occurred) are illegal to sell in Japan. Being an island nation, fishing is a large part of the Japanese economy. Many people who make their living fishing will not have a source of steady income, and a large part of the economy will have all but vanished. If radioactive waste continues to contaminate fish, the Japanese economy (already in bad shape from the earthquake) will suffer greatly. This shows that, over 18 months after the earthquake itself, the devastation is still making itself known. It is questionable as to whether or not Japan will ever fully recover from the damage done. Not only did the earthquake hurt Japan, but the effects will echo around the world. How do you think the detriment to the Japanese economy will affect other countries worldwide?
This is very unfortunate consquence of this horrible earthquake. It is sad to hear that japan is stll suffering from the natural disaster. It is very hard because there is nobody to blame for this disaster, it is just bad luck. It is even worse luck that this happened to an island nation thats is heavily dependent on its fishing industry. To answer your question, I believe this will have a large impact globally for years to come. At least for the next few years, Japan will not be a major world power because it will have to spend so many of their resources to rebuild. This may lead to goods from Japan rising in price. All in all, I believe Japan will be able to rebuild from this catastrophy, but how long will it take and at what cost?
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Earthquake was a larger disaster than what meets the eye. To think that over a year and a half later, there is still a direct impact. Families and animals were affected, and the suffering continues. With the economical problems to add, Japan's condition will take years to restore. I think if Japan's economy is truly affected by the contaminated fish, the global impact will be noticeable especially with exports. It will take years for the wildlife to be restored as well, so the environmental toll will be long-lasting.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-22/japan-exports-fall-at-fastest-pace-since-post-earthquake-slump.html