REMEDIATING THE DAMAGE
While the overall effect of each oil spill is unique, the damages highly variable depending on the location, time, and type of spill. The consequences are long lasting, and the true costs go further than simply skimming the surface.
The damage done by oil spills costs countries millions of dollars a year in addition to resources and effort. The average oil spill in the United States costs approximately $16 per gallon in cleanup and damages.[1] In addition to the clean up costs, the animals and ecosystems harmed along with wasted energy that could have been used. The pollution also cripples the local economy by damaging the tourism and fishing industry.
However, while the damages caused by oil spills are often devastating, technology has greatly advanced in recent years. Physical, chemical, as well as biological methods are available to clean up these oil spills so that their effects can be somewhat reduced. Taking action early on can greatly reduce the overall damage done. To this day, research is still being done by companies and organizations such as MIT and Environment Canada, to find new technologies and methods to improve the clean up process following these man-made disasters.
The damage done by oil spills costs countries millions of dollars a year in addition to resources and effort. The average oil spill in the United States costs approximately $16 per gallon in cleanup and damages.[1] In addition to the clean up costs, the animals and ecosystems harmed along with wasted energy that could have been used. The pollution also cripples the local economy by damaging the tourism and fishing industry.
However, while the damages caused by oil spills are often devastating, technology has greatly advanced in recent years. Physical, chemical, as well as biological methods are available to clean up these oil spills so that their effects can be somewhat reduced. Taking action early on can greatly reduce the overall damage done. To this day, research is still being done by companies and organizations such as MIT and Environment Canada, to find new technologies and methods to improve the clean up process following these man-made disasters.
[1] http://www.limitstogrowth.org/WEB-Graphics/BayOilSpillSign.jpg
[2] http://www.rff.org/rff/documents/RFF-BCK-Cohen-DHCosts_update.pdf
[2] http://www.rff.org/rff/documents/RFF-BCK-Cohen-DHCosts_update.pdf