Re: “Despite all the cruise ships, Seattle residents prefer other vacations” (Aug. 31, FYI Guy):
Congrats — Seattle is the No. 1 cruise-ship port on the West Coast! But while few locals benefit, many are harmed.
Why? Ships in Puget Sound or idling at berth produce 20% of our diesel particulate matter, elevating disease risk in port communities. DPM exposure is linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory hospitalizations and premature death. But in 2025, an expected 298 cruises will bring approximately 1 million passengers, most flying here to cruise. Half the total emissions of a cruise vacation are caused by those flights, shifting the health risks to port workers and nearby residents.
We must reduce cruise health harms. The Council on Clean Transportation estimates that shore power for ships at the Port of Seattle could reduce DPM 2.5 emissions by 29%. The Washington State Medical Association House of Delegates will consider resolutions urging all oceangoing vessels to use shore power while at berth. The resolutions would also oppose expansion of cruise sailings via the Port of Seattle and cap flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at current levels.
Let Florida keep the cruise ships and airplanes. We’ll keep our clean air and good health.
Chris Covert-Bowlds, MD, and Breck Lebegue, MD, MPH, co-chairs, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility Climate and Health Task Force
