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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
Hurricane Katrina was bad, but the future could be considerably worse, a new report says. "One of the greatest environmental and economic disasters in the nation's history is rushing toward a catastrophic conclusion, so far unabated and largely unnoticed."
An oil tanker sitting 60 miles off the coast of Texas holds $100 million worth of crude oil. But for now, no one knows who's allowed to sell it, who the buyer is or even where the oil will eventually go.
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 amazing sperm whale ?with the biggest brain, loudest sound and deepest dives in the animal kingdom ?are at serious risk from the oil in the Gulf. They're the only endangered marine mammals in the Gulf, and scientists say just a few deaths could put th
The drug war in Mexico has turned local journalism there into a potentially deadly career choice. Powerful cartels often threaten or kill hometown journalists who dare to report on the latest violence. But an innovative system for getting information out quickly -- and safely -- has recently emerged.
Despite the images, the media has so far failed to produce a word or phrase to adequately describe the oil pouring into the Gulf. LOE tracks the flow of words that try to capture the disaster ? and invites your suggestions for le mot juste.
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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
Louisiana's coastline is disappearing at the rate of a football field an hour
Living on Earth
September 23, 2014
Hurricane Katrina was bad, but the future could be considerably worse, a new report says. "One of the greatest environmental and economic disasters in the nation's history is rushing toward a catastrophic conclusion, so far unabated and largely unnoticed."
Business
A mystery oil tanker is anchored in limbo outside of Houston
PRI's The World
August 05, 2014
An oil tanker sitting 60 miles off the coast of Texas holds $100 million worth of crude oil. But for now, no one knows who's allowed to sell it, who the buyer is or even where the oil will eventually go.
Environment
The 'Texas miracle' is fueling huge economic growth — and the climate change that may end it
PRI's 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.
Biggest Brains in Biggest Danger
Living on Earth
July 02, 2010
The amazing sperm whale ?with the biggest brain, loudest sound and deepest dives in the animal kingdom ?are at serious risk from the oil in the Gulf. They're the only endangered marine mammals in the Gulf, and scientists say just a few deaths could put th
Can the Bluefin Bounce Back?
Living on Earth
July 15, 2011
After decades of overfishing and a disastrous oil spill in its spawning grounds, there are now signs of hope for the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.
Mexicans near border rely on Texas media for news on drug violence
PRI's The World
August 29, 2012
The drug war in Mexico has turned local journalism there into a potentially deadly career choice. Powerful cartels often threaten or kill hometown journalists who dare to report on the latest violence. But an innovative system for getting information out quickly -- and safely -- has recently emerged.
How to Describe the Disaster?
Living on Earth
July 02, 2010
Despite the images, the media has so far failed to produce a word or phrase to adequately describe the oil pouring into the Gulf. LOE tracks the flow of words that try to capture the disaster ? and invites your suggestions for le mot juste.
Former BP Engineer Arrested in Connection with Gulf of Mexico Spill
The Takeaway
April 25, 2012