Abstract
An overview of the effects that oil spills have on marine environments that shows how the damage depends on the nature of the oil spilled, of the environment it spills in, and of the animals in that environment.

From the Paper
"Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, mankind has increasingly become reliant on fossil fuels such as oil for energy. Oil fuels our car, warms our homes, generates our electricity, and creates a myriad of goods including everything that contains plastic. In our global economy, oil must be transported great distances to reach markets throughout the world. With seemingly increasing frequency, these journeys sometimes end in accidents that result in oil being spilled into the ocean-such as the infamous Exxon-Valdez incident. While oil-tanker accidents achieve far-flung notoriety and..."

Tags:marine, environment, oil, spill, ecology, exxon, valdez, recovery, pollution, damage

Abstract
The paper describes the damage oil spills present to the ecosystem. The paper explains the effects of oil spills on land and on the ocean.

From the Paper
"Oil spills have been a recurring theme of our industrial society for over a hundred years. As our society has become reliant on the use of fossil fuels such as oil for energy, these fuels must be transported great distances. Sometimes these journeys end in accidents such as the infamous Exxon-Valdez incident, in which oil is spilled directly into the ocean. While these accidents achieve notoriety and are typically widely reported, they are not the only kind of oil spill that affects the marine environment. Oil spilled on land..."

Tags:oil, spill, environmnet, marine, affect, wildlife, sea, ocean, exxon, valdez

Abstract
This paper examines the problem of oil spills into waterways. The paper presents the thesis that oil spills are a terrible ecological hazard which justify such dramatic resolutions as the establishment of a global ship safety standard for qualifications to haul oil and, even more aggressively important, to find ways to reduce America's dependency of fossil fuel and foreign oil.

From the Paper
"This is a stark indication that there is a need for something to be done. We cannot afford to sacrifice our environment and ecology to continue to live our collectively chosen lifestyle. It is necessary to introduce meaningful legislation that can at least limit America to a receptiveness to ships meeting safety and environmental standards. That will mean coming to either terms of cooperation or diminishing need from oil trading partner. Of course, facing off with the oil industry is not a desirable task, with the sheer power and influence of this industry making it difficult if not impossible to oppose. However, the economic demands upon the industry are high as well, meaning that there is a sheer internal logic to improvement of standards across the boards."

Tags:ship, fuel, safety, wildlife

Abstract
This paper claims that environmental oil spills are one of the most hazardous and preventable accidents that occur. The paper explains that, although there are a number of agencies that support the ongoing transport of oil via major waterways, by and large, such transport often leads to devastating consequences. The paper describes the importance of the establishment of stringent protocols for the safe transport of oil across waterways. The paper contends that environmental protection agencies need to work in collaboration with tanking and shipping organizations to ensure that every measure is taken to protect the environment from the hazardous effects of oil spills.

From the Paper
"Many oil tanker companies and major corporations such as Exxon have adopted protective measures to help guard against spills in the future. Despite these efforts however spills, small or large in nature continue to occur. Exxon even had another oil spill that was much smaller, but a spill nonetheless a few years after the Valdez disaster. Most of the companies involved in spills argue that the environment and ecosystems affected can recovery quickly and efficiently, and that most environments can return to a normal state of existence as they were before a spill. It is according to Dicks (1998) unrealistic to define recovery as a return to pre-spill conditions but rather recovery is defined as the re-establishment of a healthy biological community in which the plants and animals characteristic of that community are present and functioning normally (Dicks, 1998:2). Generally the area will not have the same composition or structure that was present prior to a spill and continues to change over time."

Tags:ecosystems, exxon, valdez

Abstract
Oil has been an important part of the Nigerian economy since vast reserves of petroleum were discovered in the 1950s. In 1997, Nigeria earned over 95 percent of its foreign exchange from the sale of oil on the global market. Foreign oil companies dominated oil
exploration, drilling and shipping in Nigeria, with Shell Oil controlling approximately 60 percent of the country's domestic oil market. This paper examines the huge environmental damage in Nigeria caused by oil spills, gas-flaring and oil waste dumping. The paper looks at the destruction to the biodiversity of the affected regions, loss of wildlife and soil fertility and health problems. It looks, in particular, at the problems which affect the Ogoni people of the Delta region and the compensation Shell was forced to pay. Finally, the paper discusses the future of Nigeria's oil industry and Shell's promise to improve environmental concerns in the region.

From the Paper
"Critics note that such low-tech security operations can surely be significantly improved, especially when hundreds of millions of dollars are spent in developing technologies to discover oil under the ground. There are many oil pipeline surveillance technologies currently on the market, including a host of fiber optic sensors that detect stress in the pipelines and drilling equipment through subtle shifts in the optic wavelength. Researches at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio have developed harmonic sensors that can be placed inside of pipes via the flow of oil and then attach themselves to the interior to measure outside force. And over the last two years, ChevronTexaco has invested tens of millions of dollars in startup companies that design pipeline sensor networks (ibid)."

Tags:Olusegun, Obasanjo, pollution, Human, Rights, Watch, ChevronTexaco

Abstract
This is a case study about the damage oils spill can cause to society. The author discusses the economic, ethical and legal implication of oil spills. Furthermore, he introduces Kant's and Rawls' philosophical theories on ethics and provides an example of Ashland official behavior during oil spills to support his argument.

From the Paper
"Balancing profit and ethical behavior is one of the hardest things that a company has to try to do. In the case of Ashland, company officials failed to act with sufficient care, thoughtfulness and foresight to prevent environmental tragedy. It was this kind of deregulation that of course marked the entire Reagan era in American politics and the environmental consequences of which we are still paying for. "

Tags:petroleum, products, environment, public, companies, officials, Ashland, human, morality, critical, judgment

Abstract
Oil has been an important part of the Nigerian economy since vast reserves of petroleum were discovered in the 1950s. In 1997, Nigeria earned over 95 percent of its foreign exchange from the sale of oil on the global market. This paper discusses the environmental damage on the Nigeria caused by oil spills, particularly on the Ogoni people of the Delta Region who claim that Shell Oil Company caused extensive damage to their way of life. The paper examines the damages that Shell was forced to pay out to the tribe, as well as the steps taken by the Shell and other petroleum companies to ensure less environmental damage.

From the Paper
"Although residents of the area also complain that tests should be taken to determine the extent of oil spills when they occur, this too, is passed up. The government of Nigeria has no labs that can test for oil pollution and international environmentalists are leery about doing work in the area because of the economic and political situation. As a result, the residents have never taken soil and water samples from despoiled areas. They have never tagged animals with sensors in order to chart disrupted habitats. They have never done a computer simulation to determine whether the canal that Shell built, in order to quicken the removal of oil from the river running through the village, has permanently changed the flow of the river. This was once seasonal but now flows year-round, thereby erasing cyclical ponds critical to spawning fish (Zachary)."

Tags:pollution, gas, pipelines, ChevronTexaco

Abstract
This case study examines the global company British Petroleum. It begins with the background of the company and its strengths and weaknesses. It describes the major problems facing BP today, especially those resulting from recent oil spills. The paper then offers suggestions for dealing with those problems and evaluates the alternatives. It concludes with recommendations for strategic planning.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Overview: The Environment
SWOT Analysis
Stakeholders' Analysis
Major Problem/ Problem Statement
Significant Aspects of the Problem
Evaluation of Alternatives/Recommendation/ Implementation
Recommendation
Implementation Strategy

From the Paper
"'BP' (British Petroleum) petrol first went on sale in Britain in the 1920's. Since then, the BP brand has grown to become recognized worldwide. BP produces gasoline, transport fuels, chemicals and alternative sources of energy such as wind, solar and biofuels.

"BP's strength comes from its size and assets. They are a global company with 30 years of solar experience. BP has historically led the way in responsible environmental practices and consistently pledges to reduce emissions. Their "Beyond Petroleum" marketing has led consumers to believe BP is a champion for the environment and has landed BP increased consumers and many endorsements. Also, Arco brand, which was acquired by BP in 2000, has a strong loyalty and customer following. Even with these strengths, BP has many weaknesses. Oil is a limited resource. It is also dangerous, casing safety concerns. BP had their most major spill in the US's Gulf Coast, an oil spill Northern Alaska slope, spills in Prudhoe Bay oil field resulting in criminal charges and had a refinery explosion in Texas which killed 15 people. BP does have opportunities though, with technology, exploration, oil discovery, tax breaks and their new investment in Iraq. BP faces threats from regulatory agencies, competition and the political unrest that threatens BP's pipelines."

Tags:global warming, alternative energy, environment

Abstract
This policy document proposes a framework for determining responsibilities of damages caused by oil spills from accidents in the sea and liabilities of the damages. It charts out general directions for the European Union and its member states with regard to the prevention of damage and the realization of compensation.

Abstract
Specifically, it will justify the assertion that oil spills occur from a variety of sources by bringing many of them to light. Upon this, it will be clear that there is indeed significant cause for concern and even greater need for a system-wide outlook on oil-leakage. After disclosing the various sources of oil spillage into the world's marine environments, the impact on marine ecosystems will be discussed, as will suggestions for prevention and spillage containment and recovery. Specific cases will be highlighted where appropriate. 8 pgs. 17 f/c. 7b.