The terrible toll of the cruise ship industry — High Country News – Know the West

The cruise ship industry has taken a terrible toll on the environment, human health, and marine life. In recent years, cruise ships have become a popular form of vacationing, with the number of ships increasing exponentially. As the industry grows, so does the amount of pollution, noise, and negative impact on the environment and wildlife.

Cruise ships are responsible for producing large amounts of air pollution in the form of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other forms of particulate matter. These pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as other health issues. It is estimated that the air pollution from cruise ships is equivalent to that of 11 million cars.

The emissions from cruise ships also threaten marine life. The large amounts of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter that are released into the water can cause acidification, which can kill coral and other sea life. The noise produced by the ships can disrupt the communication of marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins.

The cruise industry also has a negative impact on the environment in terms of waste. The sewage and wastewater discharged by the ships contain pollutants and microorganisms that can contaminate the water. The large amounts of trash thrown overboard by passengers can be ingested by marine life, leading to injury or death.

The cruise industry is also responsible for disturbing coastal areas and interfering with the local ecosystem. Cruise ships can displace local fishing activities, disrupt the habitats of animals, and damage coral reefs.

The cruise industry needs to be held accountable for its environmental and health impacts. The industry should be required to reduce its emissions, use cleaner fuels, and implement waste-reduction strategies. It should also be required to take steps to minimize noise pollution and to protect coastal areas from disturbance. These measures would help to reduce the terrible toll of the cruise ship industry on our environment and the people who live and work in it.