Global Issues Flashcards
Where did the oil rig disaster occur?
Gulf of Mexico (coastline of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida)
How many people died in the oil rig disaster?
11
How many people were injured in the oil rig disaster?
17
How many barrels were leaked into the sea per day during the oil rig disaster?
40,000 barrels, although scientists think it’s 60,000
How long did it take for plugs to block the leak of the oil rig disaster?
4/5 months
What caused the oil rig disaster?
High pressure, lack of safety (bipassed alarms) and cost cutting measures
What are the consequences of the oil rig disaster?
Decline in fishing industry, food web threatened, 500+ endangered species died and sunken oil collects along the coast line (still harms birds)
What percent of income did the fishing industry provide from the Gulf of Mexico?
80%
How was the bp oil rig managed after the spill?
Pom-Poms, containment booms, corexit fluid and controlled burning
If the ocean was shrunk to the size of an Olympic swimming pool, how much oil would have been spilt?
1 water droplet
When was the Aletsch glacier given world heritage status?
2001
Where is the Aletsch glacier located?
Switzerland, Swiss Alps of Jungfraul
What is the environmental importance of the Aletsch glacier?
Largest in Europe, ‘spectacular beauty’ and protected area exceeds 80,000 hectares
What is the scientific importance of the Aletsch glacier?
Provides information for geologists, provides contemporary information for climate change and some lichens are only found there worldwide
What is the economic importance of the Aletsch glacier?
Tourism generates a sustainable economy
