While Gulf of Mexico is still suffering the consequences of the largest ecological disaster in the USA history (April 2010!), a serious gas leak from an oil rig near Elgin (150 miles off Aberdeen), operated by the French oil giant “Total”, is polluting the North Sea ecosystems. The leak is on-going at an estimated rate of 200,000 cubic metres a day, according to David Hainsworth (Total’s safety manager). Soon after the leak was spotted on Sunday the 25th March 2012, all the 238 workers were evacuated. A leak had been noticed in the Deep Horizon oil rig before the explosion, in 2010.
A part of the numerous concerns goes to the contact of sources of ignition with the gas, causing fire; how to stop the leak; and Stuart Joyner (investec analyst) pointed out that a relief could well cost $50 million, which would only be minimal respect to the cost in the worst case scenario!
Virtually all byproducts of oil, including gas, have quite negative effects on the environment and human health. Environmental impacts include accelerating global warming; causing acid rain, which is harmful to plants and animals (fish!) that live in water, it promotes respiratory illnesses and heart diseases, especially in more vulnerable individuals; contributing to ground-level ozone, which debilitates the lungs. Air toxics are cancerogenic!
FURTHER READING:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-17505448
http://www.ecology.gen.tr/energy-and-environment/92-how-does-oil-impact-the-environment.html
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/groups/yorkshire-south-sheffield/blog/shell...
http://news.discovery.com/earth/bp-oil-spill-damage-to-corals-120328.html
WHAT CAN WE DO INDIVIDUALLY TO CONTRIBUTE STOPPING THE TAR SANDS?
The more you walk or cycle, and not drive your own motor vehicle, the less you fund oil extractive activities & reckless corporate profits.
- If you cannot cycle, the use & promotion of public transport (buses, trains, trams and cycle taxis) is a much better alternative than using your own motor vehicle.
- Minimizing waste: wrapping and packaging are often oil-derived. Choose re-fill shops for your food and (eco-) cleaning detergents.
- Buy local, reducing transport distances for your shopping.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – for instance, creatively reuse what the “old you” would throw into the rubbish bin!
- Avoid aeroplanes as much as you can.
- TO GET INVOLVED: www.h2Oildoc.com, www.greenpeace.org.uk
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