Japan Tsunami Junk Floating Towards Hawaii

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the debris from the Japan tsunami, estimated to be between 5 to 20 million tons, that is moving across the Pacific Ocean towards Hawaii. Participants explore the implications of this debris, including its potential impact on the environment and local communities, as well as humorous takes on the situation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the sheer volume of debris and question the feasibility of cleanup efforts, with one asking how 20 million tons of garbage could be managed.
  • Others share humorous suggestions, such as the idea of a reality TV show focused on contestants scavenging the debris.
  • A participant from Oahu mentions that most debris is likely to float north of Hawaii, indicating a potential reduced risk for those on the island.
  • One participant humorously claims that the debris has already "passed through" their daughter's bedroom, suggesting a lighthearted take on the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the significant volume of debris and its movement towards Hawaii, but there is no consensus on how to address the situation or the implications of the debris.

Contextual Notes

There are no detailed plans or methods discussed for managing the debris, and the conversation includes a mix of serious concerns and lighthearted commentary.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in environmental issues, disaster recovery, and community responses to natural disasters may find this discussion relevant.

BadBrain
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See:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/envoy/20-million-tons-debris-japan-tsunami-moving-toward-143640503.html

Up to 20 million tons of debris from Japan’s tsunami moving toward Hawaii

By Laura Rozen
Senior Foreign Affairs Reporter

Some 5 to 20 million tons of debris--furniture, fishing boats, refrigerators--sucked into the Pacific Ocean in the wake of Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami are moving rapidly across the Pacific. Researchers from the University of Hawaii tracking the wreckage estimate it could approach the U.S. West Coast in the next three years, the UK Daily Mail reports.
"We have a rough estimate of 5 to 20 million tons of debris coming from Japan," University of Hawaii researcher Jan Hafner told Hawaii's ABC affiliate KITV.
Crew members from the Russian training ship the STS Pallada "spotted the debris 2,000 miles from Japan," last month after passing the Midway islands, the Mail wrote. "They saw some pieces of furniture, some appliances, anything that can float, and they picked up a fishing boat," said Hafner. The boat was 20-feet long, and was painted with the word "Fukushima." "That's actually our first confirmed report of tsunami debris," Hafner told KITV.

The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan on March 11 has left some 20,000 people dead or missing.
 
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No one has plans to pck up the garbage? Perhaps TLC can do a reality show about it and can have contestants loot the junk.
 
How could you pick up 20 million tons of garbage?
 
I'm on Oahu. If I see anything here, I'll let you guys know... It looks like most of it is going to float north of Hawaii though, which is good; it would suck to be riding a wave and then all of a sudden get hit in the head with a refrigerator!
 
I don't know, you're probably missing out on all sorts of cool stuff. I could use a new fridge myself
 
Don't ever underestimate what contestants on a reality tv show are capable of.
 
It's already passed through my daughter's bedroom.
 
Jimmy Snyder said:
It's already passed through my daughter's bedroom.
:smile:
 

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