I have lived in Juneau for 39 years and live in a tourist-impact neighborhood.
I supported the efforts of Juneau Cruise Control and believe their concerns are valid.
We as a community need to continue the discussion the initiative drive started this spring.
We need to come to terms with an industry that is insatiable and unsustainable. An industry that “promises” the business community 1.6 million passengers in 2022. That is 400,000 more than the 2019 season, which was quite difficult for impacted areas of Juneau. This number is nearly one-third more passengers than in 2019.
What is our capacity, for large cruise ship passengers?, What is our number?
I understand that limiting passenger numbers will be difficult to defend in court, and maybe our best option is to limit ships by tonnage, let’s talk about it.
And lets go beyond a discussion that is just about the business community? Can we include the contribution to the climate emergency and environmental damages that cruising creates? Also to include in this discussion, the harassment of marine life, or the ongoing deadly pandemic or maybe the labor practices on board ships?
What is our capacity for large cruise ships and their passengers, and how do we reach a negotiated number?
I want to live in a society, not just an economy.
Pat White,
Juneau
