Neither have we devised effective means to eliminate or even ameliorate the destructive forces of nature. But we are not entirely helpless. We can reduce the number of casualties in such situations by increasing cooperation and co-ordination among countries. We can share information and establish cooperative crisis management, including search and rescue missions. Such a cooperative approach to crisis management is also helpful in dealing with man-made disasters.
Accidents resulting in oil spills are one example.
Major oil routes like those from the Middle East to North East Asia are particularly vulnerable to accidents as traffic increases. This is also a serious concern in South and East Asia given the increasing demand for oil imports. Besides accidents, the deliberate and irresponsible dumping of chemical pollutants, heavy metals, sewage and other toxic waste into the oceans is another major source of sea pollution. These, and other problems in environmental protection, can only be dealt with through enhanced international cooperation. These may be categorised into two groups.