Written by Bruno Mikiewicz
Welcome to the first of many articles shedding light on the detrimental impact of corporations on our precious planet. Today, our focus is on the infamous Deepwater Horizon oil spill, also known as the BP oil spill. The nickname might not convey the full horror of this disaster, which claimed 11 lives and unleashed a staggering 210 million gallons (about 7,900,000 liters) of oil into the ocean—equivalent to 310 Olympic swimming pools.
So, how did such a catastrophe occur? It all boils down to a series of unfortunate events. Without delving into technical details, a surge of natural gas blew through a core meant to seal the well, causing a massive explosion. Despite attempts to shut down the blowout preventer (BOP), all efforts failed. Negligence, poor procedures, and a chain of unfortunate events culminated in this environmental tragedy.
But just how much oil flooded into the waters? The numbers are staggering. Independent experts estimate around 780,000 cubic meters (± 10%) were spilled, contaminating approximately 180,000 square kilometers of ocean—an area twice the size of South Carolina. The aftermath was devastating, with sludge spotted for months and coastlines in multiple countries left reeling from the impact.
Stopping the spill was no easy feat. Multiple attempts, from domes to top kills, were made, each with varying degrees of success. Ultimately, a combination of containment systems and drilling relief wells proved effective, but not before extensive damage had been done.
The aftermath? Billions of dollars lost, ecosystems ravaged, and countless lives lost. BP alone shelled out around $60 billion in cleanup costs, while the Gulf Coast economy took a massive hit, with tourism losses estimated in the billions and thousands of jobs lost.
Did this disaster bring about significant change? Sadly, not as much as one would hope. While the Obama administration imposed a drilling moratorium, it was later repealed after pressure from affected companies. The toll on marine life was catastrophic, with hundreds of dolphins, thousands of sea turtles, and tens of thousands of marine mammals perishing as a result.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of corporate negligence. It’s up to us to hold these entities accountable and fight for the protection of our oceans and all who call them home.
Coral Operation Rescue Project 