A Global Problem
While the shipping industry can hardly be deemed green, it is slowly chugging toward that portion of the spectrum. Perhaps it would be best to call it khaki or olive. The momentum, in any case, is toward a cleaner, more environmentally responsible industry. "I really believe we’re on the cusp of a new chapter in the maritime industry," said the Port of Oakland’s Sinkoff. "The regulations and plans now taking effect will drive new technologies and alternative fuels--they’re pointing to a sustainable era for shipping."

Goldman Prize winner Hasan agrees there is scope for measured optimism. But she also noted that recent changes in the shipping industry are largely the result of unrelenting pressure from citizens, environmental groups, and regulatory agencies. That pressure, she maintains, must remain in force--and it must be international in scope.

In her native Bangladesh, a great concern is that ships flying flags from developed countries where environmental laws are tough and rigorously enforced are now switching flags and sneaking into the Bangladeshi breaking yards before the rules are tightened.

"Developed countries are playing a very large role in the tragedy that is occurring on Bangladesh’s beaches," she said. "Our ship-breaking problem is the global shipping industry’s problem, and it must be addressed at the global level. We need the world’s help on this."

Hasan’s plea points to the very heart of the shipping trade’s great environmental dilemma. The planet’s oceans are indivisible and all-encompassing, and the damage inflicted by the ships that ply them are endured by all. The world as a whole benefits economically from shipping, so it is both appropriate and necessary that the entire world undertakes the Herculean task of cleaning up the industry.

Glen Martin, a former environmental reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, has contributed to many periodicals, including Audubon, Discover, Sierra, Wired, Men’s Journal, Reader’s Digest, Outside, and Bay Nature. He lives in Santa Rosa.