Since April 20th, when an explosion in an underwater drilling rig occurred, dramatic effects have taken place in the Gulf of Mexico due to the massive amounts of oil released in the water. An estimated 7,500 litres of crude oil a day have been pouring into the water since the initial explosion. This could be considered one of the worst environmental disasters in decades.
Several other leaks in the pipe have been discovered due to the explosion, and the situation is not looking good for the Gulf area. Although efforts have been made to stop the leakage, the spill continues to devastate wildlife in the aquatic and coastal areas. Unsuccessful attempts at managing the spill have included a controlled burning of the oil, use of chemical dispersants, and plugging the leak. The spill will have both dramatic and deadly effects on the environment and the economy.
The oil has already spread to many parts of the southern United States' coasts due to winds, currents and tides. It is interfering with industries such as fishing and tourism. Fish are now unsafe to eat, so citizens of these regions are suffering that loss, too.
Effects on the environment have already been devastating, and they continue to worsen. The spill has reached wetlands in the Gulf Regions, and is affecting plant life off of the coast. The Gulf waters are home to many species of fish, as well as diverse aquatic life. Birds that eat the fish are also affected by the spill, and so are aquatic animals such as dolphins.
Could this only be the beginning of more disasters that mankind is inflicting upon nature? Are we setting ourselves up to doom other species as we attempt to extract natural resources? This oil rig was state-of-the-art and was in fine working condition at the time of the explosion. It has been speculated that if it can happen in that rig, it can happen anywhere, and perhaps next time the effects will be even worse.
