Water & Oceans - What Next ?
Countries around the world are becoming more aware about the importance of the oceans. At the Rio Earth Summit in 2002 the state of our oceans were high on the agenda and it was agreed that `Nations must commit themselves to control and reduce the pollution of the marine environment and maintain its life…’
International laws have been made to restrict the amount of waste put into the water and some marine mammals are now protected. But there is still more to be done. We can all make an impact on protecting the oceans provided we make an effort to lessen pollution.
Oil Tanker Amoco Cadiz
Industrial pollution is not as bad as it used to be in the developed world as we have new techniques and better waste treatment than before. New laws and regulations also make it difficult for people to dump their rubbish into the oceans though inevitably some dumping will always occur.
In the UK, the Adopt-a-Beach campaign was launched in 1999 to raise awareness about the problem of marine and coastal litter. The monitoring of marine debris has become increasingly important as a method of tracing and targeting the major sources of litter on UK beaches - beach visitors, fishing, shipping and sewage related debris.
Future reduction of sewage will be possible through the installation of better sewage treatment facilities for the world's cities. Also, many parts of the world have introduced proper recycling facilities for used oil and paint products. In the past people simply dumped used oils and paints into the sewer system where they would do serious damage to the water.
On a daily basis, we take water for granted. In the UK, we can turn on the tap whenever we want to wash our hands or have a drink. Clean water is essential for life, but over a billion people in the world do not have access to it and as a result their lives are very different. We need to learn to be responsible with the way we use water in our homes, as it has a direct impact on the environment, and clean water is valuable to everyone, not only in those countries where it is in short supply.
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Oceans & Water Navigation
Quick Facts
Introduction
The Biggest Oceans
The Ocean Floor
The Water Cycle
Using the Oceans
Water & Oceans - What next ? <<
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