Offshore Oil and Gas Extraction Endangers the Oceans: The Case of Alaska
by Tais gadea lara - huella zero
A study reveals the impact of the expansion of this extractive activity on marine ecosystems and the economic activities of coastal communities.
Fossil fuel extraction projects on the high seas threaten marine life and the survival of coastal communities. This is evidenced by a study published in early June by the Earth Insight initiative, in collaboration with civil society organizations. Alaska is one of the places of the 12 projects analyzed.
The report assessed oil, gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in countries where fossil fuel investments are increasing.
Each offshore project would involve pipeline systems, ports, shipping lanes, export terminals, processing plants, and other complementary aspects that would increase pressure on biodiversity. This includes negative impacts on protected areas, marine mammal zones, and areas of high biological importance, such as coral reefs and migratory whale corridors.
In addition, they would threaten local communities whose daily lives depend on fishing, biodiversity tourism, and the health of coastal ecosystems.
The case of Alaska One of the 12 projects Earth Insight analyzed is in the Cook Inlet Basin, Alaska’s oldest oil- and gas-producing region. In the search to expand the activity beyond the territory in the region, the offshore exploitation of fossil fuels began to emerge as a horizon for the industry.
The study analyzes the liquefied natural gas project that seeks to connect the northern slope and the Cook Inlet. An initiative that would require a 1287-kilometer (800-mile) pipeline and an increase in tanker traffic between 40% and 70%.
Experts suggest that the project would negatively impact beluga whale habitat, salmon fisheries, and indigenous food systems. In addition, it would affect the resources and livelihoods of 15 coastal Alaska Native villages.
Far from merely assessing the situation, the report details recommendations for action for decision-makers. Among them, halting the granting of new licenses, permits and approvals for petroleum, gas and LNG projects, offshore and coastal, especially those located in protected areas or close to them. The report calls on governments to meet the multilateral target assumed in 2024 to protect 30% of marine areas by 2030.
Earth Insight Executive Director Tyson Miller underlines: “The commitment represents a unique opportunity to restrict fossil fuel blocks and concessions, in order to safeguard the integrity of existing and future Marine Protected Areas, whale and marine mammal corridors, and the health of coral reefs. seagrasses and mangroves, as well as the communities that depend on them.”
