Analysis Of An Environmental Disaster Recent Envi

Analysis Of An Environmental Disasterrecent Envi

Assignment 2: LASA 1: Analysis of an Environmental Disaster Recent environmental disasters have significantly impacted the human population in multiple ways. In this assignment, you will identify a recent environmental disaster and discuss potential correlated health impacts. Begin this assignment by identifying one recent example of an environmental disaster. For example, the BP oil spill or the earthquakes in Haiti or Japan. Using the readings for this module, the Argosy University online resources, and the Internet, write a research paper including the following: Provide a description of the environmental event/disaster you have identified.

Include the following points: Consider if the event was caused by humans or natural. Examine the direct and indirect impact on immediate- and long-term public health. Identify data regarding mortality and/or morbidity outcomes, if available. Explain the geographical impact with respect to health. Also consider the number of lives lost, environmental damage, economic fallout, and long-term repercussions or impact.

Examine the research on the likelihood of this event recurring. Identify and describe the immediate- and long-term emergency response plans and efforts to the disaster you have selected. Be sure to identify which groups, organizations, and/or governments led or are leading the response efforts and the various players who participated or are participating in this response. Examine the lessons learned from previous responses to similar disasters. List at least three recommendations for protecting public health from a recurrence and/or the aftermath of similar disasters in the future.

Be sure to use a minimum of four external, peer-reviewed journal articles or reliable Internet resources. Write a 3–4-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 stands as one of the most devastating environmental disasters in recent history, greatly impacting ecological systems and public health in the Gulf of Mexico region. This disaster was predominantly caused by human error, specifically failures in safety protocols and equipment malfunction, leading to the blowout of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig operated by BP. The explosion resulted in the release of approximately 4.9 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf over 87 days, causing substantial environmental and public health consequences (Gohlke & Hays, 2011).

The environmental impact was profound, with extensive damage to marine and coastal ecosystems. The oil spill affected hundreds of miles of shoreline, killing wildlife such as sea turtles, dolphins, and numerous bird species, while contaminating vital habitats (Ljungberg et al., 2012). The direct health impacts on humans involved exposure to toxic hydrocarbons for cleanup workers and communities residing along affected coastlines. Long-term health issues linked to exposure include respiratory problems, skin irritation, neurological effects, and potential carcinogenic risks (Perkins et al., 2013). Mortality was notably high among affected marine fauna, while epidemiological data on human morbidity indicate increased respiratory symptoms and dermatological conditions among cleanup crews and residents (Sharma et al., 2014).

Geographically, the disaster's impact was concentrated around the Gulf Coast states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The economic fallout was extensive, affecting fishing industries, tourism, and local economies, with estimates of economic losses in the billions of dollars. Environmental degradation was compounded by long-term contamination of water and sediment, with potential for persistent toxicity impacting ecological recovery over decades (DWH NERP, 2016).

Research indicates a significant recurrence risk, given the ongoing reliance on deepwater drilling and the repetitive nature of oil exploration activities in similar environments. This underscores the importance of stringent safety regulations and technological advancements to prevent future spills. Emergency response plans initially focused on containment and cleanup, led by government agencies such as the Coast Guard, BP, and environmental organizations. These responses involved dispersants, mechanical skimmers, and booms, but lessons learned pointed to the need for better preparedness and risk assessment protocols (Ribic et al., 2016).

Lessons from previous responses stress the importance of swift coordinated action, transparency, stakeholder engagement, and robust contingency planning. Enhancing community awareness and establishing rapid deployment teams are critical for future disaster mitigation. Recommendations to prevent recurrence include implementing stricter safety standards for offshore drilling, investing in new technologies for early leak detection, and strengthening regulatory oversight to ensure compliance. Additionally, developing comprehensive health surveillance programs for affected populations can mitigate long-term health impacts (Fekete et al., 2012).

In conclusion, the Deepwater Horizon spill exemplifies the devastating consequences of human-caused environmental disasters, emphasizing the necessity for improved preventive measures, rapid response protocols, and long-term health monitoring strategies. Addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by this event can help mitigate future risks and protect both ecological integrity and public health.

References

• DWH NERP. (2016). Deepwater Horizon Research Consortia. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/deepwater-horizon/media/2016-dwh-nerp.pdf
• Fekete, B. M., Monk, J., & Taylor, M. (2012). Long-term health effects of oil spills: A review. Environmental Health Perspectives, 120(4), 456-462.
• Gohlke, J. M., & Hays, S. P. (2011). Evaluation of oil spill exposure on public health and wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. Journal of Environmental Management, 92(7), 1845-1854.
• Ljungberg, L., et al. (2012). Ecological impacts of the Deepwater Horizon spill. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 64(7), 1417-1422.
• Perkins, E. J., et al. (2013). Oil spill health effects: A review of recent epidemiological evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives, 121(12), 1414-1421.
• Ribic, C. A., et al. (2016). Response and recovery issues following oil spills: Lessons learned from Deepwater Horizon. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 110(1), 357-369.
• Sharma, S., et al. (2014). Impact of the Gulf oil spill on human health: An epidemiological review. Journal of Public Health Research, 3(1), 139-145.