A Growing Concern

Kommunenes Internasjonale Miljøorganisasjon

Local Authorities International Environmental Organisation

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A Growing Concern
Serious environmental problems threaten the long-term health of our marine ecosystems

For decades scientists have warned of the detrimental impact we are having on our fragile environment. In marine terms, a huge volume of litter, debris and toxic substances are discharged into our oceans on a daily basis, threatening all forms of sea life and human health. KIMO was founded to engage with and find solutions to these critical problems.

Over 90% of the world's cargo is now transported by sea

With increasing amounts of road cargo now being transported by sea, emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides from shipping are expected to be greater than all land-based emissions in the EU by 2020, contributing to acid rain, air pollution and health problems. In addition a combination of inadequate health and safety standards, weather, commercial pressure and communication failure results in 10,000 cargo containers being lost overboard annually. The video of the MSC Napoli below illustrates the seriousness of the issue.

Click here to visit our dedicated Action Area on this issue.

20,000 tonnes of litter is dumped into the North Sea every year

Despite many initiatives to reduce marine litter it remains one of the most significant problems affecting the marine environment. Plastic, the predominate type of marine litter, can cause entanglement or be ingested by marine mammals and birds killing 100,000 and 1,000,000 respectively world wide each year. In addition, fishermen lose countless hours clearing and untangling their ships resulting in lost fishing time. In conjunction, beaches can quickly become unsafe and unsightly to the public.

Click here to visit our dedicated Action Area on this issue.

An increase in nuclear energy and decommissioning

Over 40 nuclear reactors are currently being constructed in 11 countries. The transportation and emission of nuclear waste pose a threat to the health of our oceans. Increased reprocessing of radioactive waste and its subsequent transportation by sea increases the chance that a serious nuclear accident may occur. The impact of a nuclear cargo vessel running aground on our coastlines is inconceivable - not only threatening our marine ecosystem, but the health of coastal communities. Image on left © Greenpeace. NB: KIMO does not condone or support the reckless actions of Greenpeace in the video clip below. KIMO works towards enduring solutions to these problems.

Click here to visit our dedicated Action Area on this issue.

Concentrations of microscopic plastic particles in the marine environment are increasing

Following exploratory research, scientists have established that highly-toxic chemicals may be concentrated on the surface of microscopic fragments of discarded plastic. These hazardous fragments can then be ingested by animals which, in turn, are then consumed by humans. The research into this issue must be continued to ascertain the true impact on the marine environment and the significant threat to human health this poses.

Click here to visit our dedicated Action Area on this issue.

These marine issues are only a short introduction to the variety of serious threats that face the north east Atlantic. Explore our website to learn more...

Visit our Who We Are section to learn more about our origins and organisation

Visit our What We Do section to learn about our environmental actions

OctEportal