Monday, June 8, 2009

Toxic Ships

May 14, 09

A new regulation on recycling ships was reached after delegates from 64 nations met in Hong Kong. The International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships requires ships to have updates on hazardous materials that are carried in their years of service. This information is shared with recycling fact ores and the workers will have protective gear so they can dispose the hazardous materials. Disposal procedures and emergency response plans are also required of the centers. However, enforcement of the policy is decided by the nation's government since there is no international agency to regulate it.
Although an international agency would help enforce the new regulations, the agreement between the nations is going to make a difference in hazardous material disposal. Now, toxins are less likely to be leaked and harm the environment. I hope more nations would sign the pact.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/business/energy-environment/15ship.html?_r=1

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