A Petrobras oil platform in Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
AS OF TODAY, THERE ARE LESS THAN TWO YEARS UNTIL THE 2016 OLYMPICS. CAN BRAZIL CLEAN UP OVER A CENTURY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE? The Olympic Games have long been derided from an environmental standpoint as an unsustainable event. Think about all the resources that go into making the Games happen. Stadiums need to be erected, ski slopes must be carved, vast quantities of bottled water need to be on hand. It’s safe to say that the relationship between sport and sustainability is not always the most harmonious. But if Rio is serious about it’s commitment to cleaning up Guanabara Bay, then this commitment has the potential to change the relationship between sport and sailing. For the sailing to happen, change must happen alongside. Only time will tell what kind of legacy Rio 2016 will leave behind.
TAKE ACTION Pollution is often a “slow drip” issue. Next time your club or program hosts a regatta, consider the legacy you want to leave. Discuss the prospect of organizing a beach clean up during or after your regatta. Implement Clean Regattas at your next event and let everyone know how important racing in clean waters is to you!
SAILORS FOR THE SEA - OCEAN WATCH MAGA ZINE 11