Applying the precautionary principle to Fukushima nuclear wastewater disposal at sea

Abstract Nuclear power undoubtedly offers a cleaner alternative source of energy, but its use is recurrently threatened by nuclear catastrophes and inappropriate waste management. The nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and the decision by the Japanese government to dispose its nuclear wastewater at sea best illustrate these problems. Instead of considering the best outcome for the environment, the decision is rather based on economic factors, such as on‐site tanks reaching full capacity. Endorsing the application of the precautionary principle for this case will protect health and the environment from irreversible damage, redistribute the disproportionate burden borne by the exposed population to the risk‐generators and ensure that the decision making can be justified based on shared wealth instead of shared risks.