Worst eco disaster in US history

Wednesday, 2 June 2010

The Gulf of Mexico has continues to reel from catastrophic damage caused by the BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion on 20 April. This live webcam shows the oil spilling into the ocean in real time. Scary to watch!

Facts and figures about the oil spill

• Over 75 million litres of oil has polluted the ocean so far, and BP officials have warned that the pipe may continue to leak until August.

• Louisiana’s marshlands have suffered greatly, and the damage is expected to escalate as the hurricane season commences this week.

• Oil in the water is likely to have contaminated and destroyed entire populations of fish and other water species. About 200 00 people in Louisiana who make their living off the local fishing industry are jobless for the season.

• Coastal life in the area faces great danger as many species rely on clean beaches to make their nests.

• The disaster has drastically altered perceptions of oil drilling. President Obama has highlighted the benefits of alternative energy sources and the White House confirmed that no new oil drilling will occur until the cause of the disaster are thoroughly examined. Meanwhile the government of California has completely withdrawn support for any new oil drilling off its coastline.

• BP now faces a flood of class action lawsuitsfor loss of earnings, loss of enjoyment or property, and for bereavement suffered by families of the 11 workers killed in the explosion. The company has pledged to meet all legitimate claims.