Pollution, Politics, and International Law

Pollution, Politics, and International Law: Tankers at Sea is a compelling exploration of the global struggle to manage and protect the oceans in the face of economic ambitions and environmental crises. Centering on oil pollution from vessels, this book provides a detailed account of international efforts to address the environmental damage caused by tanker accidents and oil spills, such as those involving the Torrey Canyon and Amoco Cadiz. Against the backdrop of rising maritime traffic and the pivotal role of oil in the global economy, the authors delve into the high-stakes negotiations at the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the International Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), shedding light on the intense political and corporate rivalries that influence ocean governance. With remarkable clarity, the book weaves together historical and technical insights to present a nuanced analysis of the competing interests at play—governmental, intergovernmental, and corporate. It examines the critical intersection of economic imperatives, environmental preservation, and international law, highlighting the challenges of creating a unified managerial regime for the oceans. Through its vivid narrative and authoritative research, the book not only underscores the urgent need for effective action but also captures the drama and significance of this "silent war" over the planet’s vast maritime resources. A must-read for environmental scholars and policymakers, this work serves as both a vital reference and a call to action for safeguarding the future of the world's oceans. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1979.