Petition to the Port of Seattle: Prioritize Public Health and Environment in Cruise Industry
Port of Seattle Commissioners,
We, the undersigned members of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, urge the Port of Seattle to prioritize public health and environmental sustainability in its dealings with the cruise industry.
As the first cruise ship of the season docked on April 6th, 2024, we are reminded of the urgent need to address the detrimental impacts of cruise tourism on our communities and environment. The cruise industry's business model is founded on wrecking the climate, polluting the air and water, exploiting labor, and endangering all that we hold dear.
The health impacts of cruises cannot be overstated. Greenhouse gas emissions from a single season of Seattle-based Alaska cruises rival the entire city's annual output. The same particulate matter emitted by cruise ships has been linked to instances of lung cancer in nonsmokers. The toxic waste dumped by cruise ships annually into our waters poses grave threats to marine life and ecosystems. Furthermore, onboard workers endure abysmal conditions, working long hours for meager pay without adequate rest or rights. We ask, "What amount of heart and lung disease is acceptable? For our families, our communities, and our colleagues?"
In light of these concerns, we call upon the Port of Seattle to incorporate the demands outlined in Resource #2 into its policies and operations. These demands include:
- Expanding the mission of Washington ports to include environmental concerns and sustainability.
- Adopting a transparent policy regarding cruise operations, grounded in honesty and accountability.
- Capping the number of sailings and passengers until the industry adopts sustainable practices.
- Quantifying and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cruise ships.
- Supporting the passage of the Clean Shipping Act of 2023.
- Working to create No Discharge Zones along the entire Alaska Cruise route.
- Instituting a comprehensive onboard observer program to monitor environmental and health impacts.
- Rejecting false solutions such as LNG and scrubbers.
- Ensuring strong labor standards for onboard workers.
- Initiating discussions for an equitable transition away from the mega-cruise business model.
By implementing these measures, the Port of Seattle can fulfill its mission of promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region while safeguarding public health and the environment. We urge the Port to heed our call and take decisive action to address the harmful impacts of the cruise industry.
Sincerely,
Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility