What are the global efforts to reduce water pollution?
• The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (or MARPOL, from marine pollution) was set up in 1973. MARPOL limits the amounts of oil, sewage and poisonous waste, and rubbish that ships can release into the sea. • The Bonn Agreement (1969) aimed to protect the coastal areas around the North Sea. • The Hensinki Convention (1947) aimed to protect the water around the Baltic Sea. • The London Dumping Convention (1972) banned the dumping of fuel oil, chemical weapons materials, nuclear waste, and other dangerous substances. What can we do to reduce water pollution? There are a few ways in which we can do something to help reduce sea pollution: • Do not leave rubbish or any litter on the beach, in the sea or rivers, after a picnic. Make the effort to dispose them without the need to harm the environment. • Help a local conservation group clean up local rivers and beaches. • Contact local authorities if sea pollution is spotted. • Take part in cleanup acts held in
