Conflicts – Oil Exploration and Water. Issue 5 (13th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zabbey, Nenibarini; Olsson, Gustaf
• Is Part Of: Global challenges. Volume 1:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-07-13
• Subjects: deepwater horizon -- leakage detection -- Niger Delta -- oil accidents -- oil exploration -- oil tanker; Climatic changes -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1002/gch2.201600015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-6646

Abstract

Abstract : Oil exploration, refining and distribution have significant water footprints. Leakages and accidents in exploration or transport can have catastrophic impact on water resources, ecology as well as on human health and livelihood. Increasing water scarcity due to population growth, agriculture, industrial activities, and climate change may exacerbate the impact. Consequences of oil operations or disasters on water are illustrated by a number of examples. Abstract : Water resources and water quality are closely related to oil exploration, refining and distribution. Since oil products provide over 90% of transport energy in almost all countries it is apparent that any oil operation is an inherent risk for water resources. Since water supplies will be increasingly stressed as a consequence of climate change and population increase the environmental risks associated with oil exploration may intensify. Thus, there are more reasons than CO2 emissions and climate change to cut down on oil production and consumption. In this paper water related risks are discussed from two aspects: (1) water use and water pollution as a result of normal exploration, refining and distribution, (2) water and marine life contamination caused by accidents. It will be exemplified by some major oil accidents, too often caused by human errors or negligence. Ecological effects of oil contamination for seawaters and freshwaters are discussed. Some aspects of social and economic consequences are examined. Some possibilities for mitigating oil leakage risks are highlighted.