# The Deepwater Horizon Disaster: The New Ecuador?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/is-deepwater-horizon-the-new-ecuador/
- Published: 2012-02-13T16:27:16-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

The Deepwater Horizon disaster is one of the worst environmental disasters in history.
In 2010, an oil rig operated by British Petroleum ([BP](http://www.BP.com)) exploded
in the Gulf of Mexico, releasing millions of gallons of crude oil into the sea. 
The disaster caused immense ecological damage to the Gulf, killing sea life and 
causing significant economic losses to the region.

![BP](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bp-explosion.
jpg?resize=420%2C281&quality=52&ssl=1)

BP Oil Spill Explosion Photo taken June 22, 2010. Photo courtesy Dr. Oscar Garcia/
Florida State University

## Compared to Ecuador

The disaster has been compared to the massive oil spill that occurred in Ecuador
in the late 1990s. In both cases, an oil company was responsible for the disaster
and the companies have been accused of failing to take proper precautions. In Ecuador,
the company was Texaco (now Chevron), while in the Deepwater Horizon disaster it
was BP.

![Oil is seen on the tip of the bill of an oil-soaked pelican on an island in Barataria
Bay just off the the coast of Louisiana, Sunday, May 23, 2010.](https://i0.wp.com/
greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/birdoil.jpg?resize=255%2C344&quality
=52&ssl=1)

Oil is seen on the tip of the bill of an oil-soaked pelican on an island in Barataria
Bay just off the the coast of Louisiana, Sunday, May 23, 2010.

Both spills have had devastating effects on local ecosystems, communities, and economies.
In Ecuador, the oil spill contaminated hundreds of miles of jungle, rivers, and 
streams. The oil has poisoned the land, killing wildlife, and causing health problems
in local communities. In the Gulf of Mexico, the oil spill caused damage to wildlife,
fisheries, and wetlands, as well as economic losses to local businesses.

### Similarities

The two disasters have some similarities, but there are also some key differences.
While both companies were responsible for the spills, BP was found guilty of gross
negligence in the Deepwater Horizon spill, while Chevron has not been held accountable
for the Ecuadorian disaster.

The Deepwater Horizon spill also had a much bigger impact on the environment, as
it released 4.9 million barrels of oil compared to 1.4 million barrels in Ecuador.
The Deepwater Horizon spill was also more expensive to clean up, with BP estimated
to have spent over $65 billion on cleanup and compensation.

#### Conclusion

In addition, the Deepwater [Horizon disaster](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/06/coast-guard-efforts-deepwater-during-the-oil-spill/)
has been a wake-up call for the oil industry. As well as a reminder of the need 
for better safety and environmental standards. Furthermore, BP has been forced to
pay billions in fines and settlements. Finally and may have to pay even more in 
the future.

At the same time, Chevron has yet to take responsibility for the Ecuadorian disaster.
Moreover and the local communities continue to suffer from the effects of the spill.
It also remains to be seen if the Deepwater Horizon disaster will be a lesson for
Chevron. For if the company will be held accountable for its role in the Ecuadorian
oil spill.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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