30号-Environmental Destruction Summary-January 1997

30号-Environmental Destruction Summary-January 1997

Impact on Marine Environment from the Russian Tanker Accident off Shimane Prefecture

In January 1997, a Russian tanker had an accident off the coast of Shimane Prefecture, resulting in a large amount of oil spilling into the sea. This incident posed a significant threat to the environment, particularly causing severe damage to the marine ecosystem. Marine life suffocated due to the oil, and disruptions in the food chain caused widespread ecological effects. The oil spill also led to coastal pollution, causing substantial economic losses to the fishing and tourism industries. This incident was reminiscent of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, emphasizing the global importance of marine environmental protection and the urgent need to strengthen oil spill countermeasures.

Settlement of the Kawasaki Pollution Lawsuit

At the same time, in Kawasaki City, residents who suffered health damage due to pollution filed a lawsuit against the government, the Metropolitan Expressway Public Corporation, and numerous companies, which was finally settled after 14 years of legal battles. This lawsuit demanded the cessation of emissions of air pollutants that caused severe respiratory diseases and asthma, as well as compensation for damages. The settlement required the companies to pay a total of 3.1 billion yen in resolution funds, with each plaintiff receiving 7.73 million yen. The companies' responsibilities were clarified, and the settlement is expected to strengthen the legal obligations for future environmental measures.