Gulf of Mexico

December 24, 2017

A tiny invasive bug loves the cane that grows along the mouth of the Mississippi River. Can it be stopped?

Scientists pinpoint link between climate change and Hurricane Harvey's record rainfall

December 13, 2017

Two independent groups of researchers have found that between 15 and 38 percent of Harvey’s rainfall was likely caused by climate change.

Environment

Forgotten satellite data is helping researchers reconstruct the effects of a 1979 oil spill

Living on Earth

June 06, 2017

From old satellite data, two optical oceanographers have created a new digital map of the Gulf of Mexico, which may allow researchers to better understand the long-term effects of the 1979 Ixtoc oil spill.

Environment

Studying a 1979 oil spill may help scientists predict long-term effects of Deepwater Horizon

Living on Earth

April 11, 2017

Ocean floor expeditions near the site of the 1979 Ixtoc oil blowout seek to find out how the ocean is recovering three decades after the disaster. Scientists hope their work will shed light on the future of the waters near the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Environment

Gulf of Mexico oil leases spark protests, but little revenue

Living on Earth

September 18, 2016

Citizen activists tried to stop the government’s recent auction of 4,400 oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico. They failed, but the auction brought in less revenue than expected.

Environment

Louisianans rally against new Gulf oil leases

Living on Earth

April 23, 2016

In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon accident, Louisiana residents are being far more cautious about oil and gas drilling in their state.

Environment

BP's $18.7 billion Deepwater Horizon settlement provides relief, but perhaps not justice

Living on Earth

July 26, 2015

Five years ago, the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster caused billions of dollars in economic and environmental damages to the Gulf region. Civil and criminal lawsuits have kept BP in court for years. Now an agreement might bring relief for those government agencies seeking fines and compensation. But is it enough?

Environment

Five years later, the Gulf of Mexico is still recovering from Deepwater Horizon

Living on Earth

April 19, 2015

Things are getting better as oil and toxins from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill dissipate in the Gulf of Mexico — but slowly. Scientists researching the area say no one can be sure when the "pervasive" chemicals will finally disappear.

Environment

Louisiana's much-needed plan to save its wetlands is short almost $50 billion

Living on Earth

January 04, 2015

Louisiana’s rapidly sinking deltas threaten crucial oil, gas and fishing industries. Louisiana has an ambitious, expensive and first-of-its-kind plan to rebuild the region — but right now no one is willing to pay for it. What would be the cost of failure?

Environment

The 'Texas miracle' is fueling huge economic growth — and the climate change that may end it

The World

December 03, 2014

Texas is the biggest climate polluter in the U.S. It’s also is also extremely vulnerable to some of the impacts of climate change. But the state’s most prominent politicians say they don't believe that climate change is real. It all adds up to a big problem for Texas and the rest of us.

The Rivers South, Part 1

Living on Earth

November 15, 2002

A Journey Down Two Rivers (part 1)

Living on Earth

March 21, 2003

Health of the Gulf

Living on Earth

September 09, 2005

The waters being pumped out of New Orleans' streets will most likely make their way to the Gulf of Mexico. A scientist tells LOE about the longterm impact this may have on the Gulf waters and the area's fisheries.

What's Corn Got To Do With It?

Living on Earth

June 22, 2007

One scientist connects the dots between an aquatic dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico and fertilizer runoff from farms hundreds of miles up the Mississippi River.

Spill Threatens Climate Bill

Living on Earth

May 07, 2010

Expanding offshore drilling was vital to a forthcoming Senate compromise on climate change; but the explosion of the oilrig in the Gulf of Mexico has thrown the future of the bill into question.

Eureka, they found it, unfortunately

Living on Earth

June 04, 2010

LSU researcher James Cowan discusses the oil his research ship found deep in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf's Other Deep Sea Wealth

Living on Earth

June 04, 2010

Scientists make a discovery near the seabed oil gusher. Temple University biology professor Erik Cordes talks about the giant deepwater reef recently found in the Gulf of Mexico.

A Clean Energy Wake-up Call from the Gulf

Living on Earth

June 04, 2010

Author and campaigner Bill McKibben says the oil pouring into the Gulf has a stark message for the White House; President Obama must now urgently rally support for clean energy.

Worker Safety in the Gulf

Living on Earth

June 11, 2010

David Michaels, the Assistant Secretary for Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, talks about what his agency is doing to ensure worker safety in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Ixtoc Precedent

Living on Earth

June 18, 2010

Thirty-one years ago, the Ixtoc well in Mexico's Bay of Campeche blew out, gushing more than three million barrels of oil into the Gulf.

Gulf of Mexico

In a hungry little insect, a big threat to Louisiana’s coast

Scientists pinpoint link between climate change and Hurricane Harvey's record rainfall

Forgotten satellite data is helping researchers reconstruct the effects of a 1979 oil spill

Studying a 1979 oil spill may help scientists predict long-term effects of Deepwater Horizon

Gulf of Mexico oil leases spark protests, but little revenue

Louisianans rally against new Gulf oil leases

BP's $18.7 billion Deepwater Horizon settlement provides relief, but perhaps not justice

Five years later, the Gulf of Mexico is still recovering from Deepwater Horizon

Louisiana's much-needed plan to save its wetlands is short almost $50 billion

The 'Texas miracle' is fueling huge economic growth — and the climate change that may end it

Pages

The Rivers South, Part 1

A Journey Down Two Rivers (part 1)

Health of the Gulf

What's Corn Got To Do With It?

Spill Threatens Climate Bill

Eureka, they found it, unfortunately

The Gulf's Other Deep Sea Wealth

A Clean Energy Wake-up Call from the Gulf

Worker Safety in the Gulf

The Ixtoc Precedent