W8D2-P1P2P3P4

Multiple Choice

a large equipment used for taking oil or gas

• rig

• gallon

• greenhouse gases

• onshore

• offshore

Multiple Choice

a unit for measuring liquid

• rig

• gallon

• greenhouse gases

• onshore

• offshore

Multiple Choice

gases which causes the earth to become hotter

• rig

• gallon

• greenhouse gases

• onshore

• offshore

Multiple Choice

on land

• rig

• gallon

• greenhouse gases

• onshore

• offshore

Multiple Choice

in the sea

• rig

• gallon

• greenhouse gases

• onshore

• offshore

Multiple Choice

a process where waste gas is burnt

• flaring

• emissions

• petroleum

• environment

• initiative

Multiple Choice

waste gases

• flaring

• emissions

• petroleum

• environment

• initiative

Multiple Choice

oil that is found under the ground or sea

• flaring

• emissions

• petroleum

• environment

• initiative

Multiple Choice

the natural world in which people, animals and plants live

• flaring

• emissions

• petroleum

• environment

• initiative

Multiple Choice

a plan for dealing with a particular problem

• flaring

• emissions

• petroleum

• environment

• initiative

Multiple Choice

different species of animals and plants

• biodiversity

• chemicals

• side effects

• toxic

• exploration

Multiple Choice

substances used in a chemical process

• biodiversity

• chemicals

• side effects

• toxic

• exploration

Multiple Choice

unexpected result of a situation

• biodiversity

• chemicals

• side effects

• toxic

• exploration

Multiple Choice

containing poison, poisonous

• biodiversity

• chemicals

• side effects

• toxic

• exploration

Multiple Choice

looking for sites for oil and gas drilling

• biodiversity

• chemicals

• side effects

• toxic

• exploration

Open Ended

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is widely considered to be one of the worst environmental disasters in history. The accident occurred on April 20, 2010, when the Deepwater Horizon, an offshore drilling rig located in the Gulf of Mexico and operated by BP, suffered a blowout while drilling an exploratory well, leading to a catastrophic explosion and fire. The incident resulted in the loss of 11 lives and the sinking of the rig two days later.

The blowout led to the release of approximately 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico over an 87-day period before it was successfully capped. The spill had a devastating impact on the environment, causing widespread damage to marine life and coastal habitats, harming wildlife and affecting the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing and tourism.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill served as a glaring call for a shift to cleaner energy alternatives, prompting a critical re-evaluation of offshore drilling practices. The disaster accentuated the pitfalls of relying on fossil fuels, emphasizing the pressing need to accelerate the transition to renewable and clean energy sources.

Open Ended

During the Gulf War in 1991, Iraqi forces intentionally opened oil valves and pipelines, releasing an estimated 240 million gallons of oil into the Persian Gulf in an attempt to prevent U.S. forces from landing on the Kuwaiti coastline.

These deliberate oil spills wreaked havoc on the region’s ecosystems, resulting in devastating consequences. The spilled oil coated coastlines, mangroves, and salt marshes, causing widespread damage to marine life and disrupting habitats. Simultaneously, intentional oil fires from the destruction of Kuwaiti oil wells released vast plumes of black smoke, leading to severe air pollution. This pollution not only posed immediate health risks to the local population, causing respiratory problems and skin irritation, but also had long-term implications for air quality and climate in the affected regions.

The environmental catastrophe had profound human costs as well. Beyond the immediate health impacts, the economic fallout was significant, particularly for those reliant on fishing and tourism. The loss of livelihoods compounded the challenges faced by local communities. Moreover, the intentional destruction’s enduring effects persisted long after the war, necessitating extensive cleanup efforts and environmental restoration projects. The deliberate use of oil as a weapon underscored the urgency of international cooperation to prevent such environmental atrocities and highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental and human well-being in conflict zones.

Open Ended

On March 23, 2005, a massive explosion occurred at the BP Texas City refinery in Texas City, TX, resulting in the deaths of 15 workers and injuring more than 170 others. The explosion was caused by a leak in a distillation tower, which released highly flammable hydrocarbons into the air. The hydrocarbons formed a vapor cloud, which ignited, resulting in a massive explosion.

The explosion led to the tragic loss of 15 lives and caused injuries to numerous workers. Many others in the surrounding community were also affected by the blast. The incident also had environmental consequences, including the release of hazardous substances into the air.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) conducted an extensive investigation into the incident. The investigation revealed a combination of organizational and safety deficiencies, including inadequate training, poor communication, and deficiencies in safety culture.

The BP Texas City refinery explosion is still considered one of the worst industrial accidents in U.S. history.