I think we all know that oil and gas is not a shining example of an environmentally friendly industry.
In fact, it is quite the opposite. According to the NRDC, the oil and gas industry’s routine operations emit toxic by-products, release high levels of greenhouse gases, and lead to thousands of spills in U.S. waters annually.
That oil can linger for decades and do irreversible damage to delicate marine ecosystems.
According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of a bird’s feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements.
Without the ability to repel water and insulate from the cold water, birds and mammals die from hypothermia.
Many birds and animals also ingest oil when they try to clean themselves, which can poison them.
Fish and shellfish may not be exposed immediately but can come into contact with oil if it is mixed into the water.
When exposed to oil, adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and respiration rates, fin erosion, and reproduction impairment.
Oil also adversely affects eggs and larval survival.
Yikes. Even small spills that we don’t hear about in the media have devastating effects on marine life.
Not only are oil spills horrible for the ocean ecosystem, but cleaning efforts remove just a fraction of the oil AND the chemicals used to ‘clean up the spill’ are pollutants themselves. Wonderful.
Pretty much a lose-lose situation for oceans and marine life.
Oceans and Marine Life – Clarify Green
I think we all know that oil and gas is not a shining example of an environmentally friendly industry.
In fact, it is quite the opposite. According to the NRDC, the oil and gas industry’s routine operations emit toxic by-products, release high levels of greenhouse gases, and lead to thousands of spills in U.S. waters annually.
That oil can linger for decades and do irreversible damage to delicate marine ecosystems.
According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of a bird’s feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements.
Without the ability to repel water and insulate from the cold water, birds and mammals die from hypothermia.
Many birds and animals also ingest oil when they try to clean themselves, which can poison them.
Fish and shellfish may not be exposed immediately but can come into contact with oil if it is mixed into the water.
When exposed to oil, adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and respiration rates, fin erosion, and reproduction impairment.
Oil also adversely affects eggs and larval survival.
Yikes. Even small spills that we don’t hear about in the media have devastating effects on marine life.
Not only are oil spills horrible for the ocean ecosystem, but cleaning efforts remove just a fraction of the oil AND the chemicals used to ‘clean up the spill’ are pollutants themselves. Wonderful.
Pretty much a lose-lose situation for oceans and marine life.