1 - Fighting Pollution Made by Humankind

Summary

The chapter traces the joint effort to reach an agreement on the International Convention Relating to the Pollution of the Sea by Oil. Several organs and officials of the League were involved in the complex legal consultations surrounding the promotion of an international convention that aimed to put a stop to oil discharge from ships – pollution that threatened shores and communities in various countries. The League’s campaign was intense and dealt with the conflict of interests between the shipping industry and those parties that wished to protect the sea and nature from pollution. This legal-environmental effort stands as a case study of the evolution of environmental voices who chose to turn to international law for help.

Although the campaign ultimately failed, it is nevertheless important given the many relevant threads it weaves together: the joint effort of several states and agencies; the deep involvement of various NGOs, who advocated for the protection of migrating birds that were dying in their thousands as a result of poisoned sea water; supportive public opinion with wide media coverage; questions of international law and inquiries relating to international relations; and the battle between the environmentalist agenda and competing industrial interests with their political lobby.