We use the word "pollution" all the time, and the word carries certain connotations, but most of us would have dificulty defining the term specifically. My favorate definition of pollution is this: Pollution is the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the environment to such a degree that environmental conditions change. Some definitions of pollution include the extraction of energy or substances from the environment, if it is done to such a degree that environmental conditions change. The point is that man causes it, and it results in a change in the environment |
Marine Pollution - why isn't more being done? |
This is really more of a political or sociological question than a marine science question, but here goes. Many of us agree that marine pollution is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Plastics pollution, oil pollution, dumping of garbage, pollution from rivers and non-point pollution from agriculture are all affecting the world's oceans. Often, large corporations that are responsible for much of the pollution do not see an economic reason to stop polluting. They are making money, and they are not financially damaged by polluting the oceans, so they will not stop. Politicians often lack the political willpower to control polluters - they are more concerned with getting elected every four years, and large corporations contribute heavily to their re-election campaigns. A grass-roots, community based program can often make quite a difference. We often sit around wondering why "somebody" is not doing something about a problem, without realizing that the "somebody" could be us! As the saying goes: Think Globally, Act Locally". There are many things that you can do today to help slow the spread of marine pollution: Recycle plastics, and encourage others to do so. Get a group together and clean up a local beach. Learn more about marine pollution; where it comes from and how it can be reduced - do you know where your local garbage goes? Does your local community have a good sewage treatment plant? Share your knowledge with others. You can make a difference! |
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Page Created by Dr. Raghu Prakash, Scientist, CIFT, Ocean View Layout, Visakhapatnam |