One of the most disastrous environmental incidents in US history occurred in April 2010.  Commonly known as the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill, this major oil spill produced numerous environmental, economical, and cultural threats.

The oil spill resulted from an explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, which was working on a well for the oil company BP.  The explosion cost the lives of eleven people, working on the drilling rig. The spill began with an explosion on April 20th and did not stop until July 15th, almost three months later, when the well had finally been capped successfully.  According to federal reports, nearly five million barrels of oil have been released from the damaged well, and about 800,000 barrels have been captured by containment efforts.¹

Environmental Threats

Apart from the devastating effects to marine life, the oil from the spill affected land as well, reaching the shores of Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama.  Fortunately, the surface oil dissipated rapidly due to the gulf’s natural capacity to break down oil, but the impact of the oil that dissolved below the surface is unknown.²   Two preliminary government reports show only low concentrations of toxic compounds in the deep sea, however, they did find a decline in oxygen levels.³  Damage to local animal life has been extensive, as the area that has been affected is a habitat for many fish and bird species.  Further information on the endangerment of animals can be found at the news analysis “Spill Baby Spill.”

It is hoped that the negativity surrounding this incident will lead to an increased interest in renewable energy alternatives, and a movement away from overconsumption of oil for energy usage.  Unfortunately, BP has been criticized of continuing to invest in oil drilling, despite current events.  Specifically, BP is currently investing in the Arctic, an area that would be even more environmentally sensitive to an oil spill.⁴

Economic Threats

The Gulf of Mexico Oil spill has impacted both local and international economies.  Local economies have been most severely affected, especially certain areas of Louisiana that are solely dependent on tourism and fishing.  Overall, the Gulf Coast states rely heavily on commercial fishing and tourism to sustain their local economies, and these states have experienced billions in losses.⁵

Apart from the small businesses and families that are being impacted, this incident has cost BP $17 billion dollars.⁶   This is the largest corporate loss in UK history.⁷  BP has agreed to pay $20 billion for damages, and the negativity resulting from this spill has halted the Obama administration’s plans for the expansion of offshore drilling.⁸

Cultural Threats

Local ecosystems play a vital role in the cultural aspects of many areas affected by the oil spill.  The Gulf Coast shores depend on tourism and fishing, and both are part of their culture.  In many places severely affected by the oil spill, tourism has slowed down dramatically and there has been a fishing closure to many areas of the gulf.

For the second, third, fourth, fifth, and even sixth generation fishermen, guides, business owners, and boat captains of many areas of Louisiana, it is impossible to separate their jobs from their culture, and for many their profession is more than a livelihood, it is a way of life.⁹

1  “Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill (2010)”

2  ibid

3  ibid

4  Sauven

5  Maestas

6  “The Wages of Failure”

7  Sauven

8  “Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill (2010)”

9  Maestas 

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