Conflicts - Oil Exploration and Water

Water resources and water quality are closely related to oil exploration, refining and distribution. Since oil products provide over 90% of transport energy in almost all countries it is apparent that any oil operation is an inherent risk for water resources. Since water supplies will be increasingly stressed as a consequence of climate change and population increase the environmental risks associated with oil exploration may intensify. Thus, there are more reasons than CO₂ emissions and climate change to cut down on oil production and consumption. In this paper water related risks are discussed from two aspects: (1) water use and water pollution as a result of normal exploration, refining and distribution, (2) water and marine life contamination caused by accidents. It will be exemplified by some major oil accidents, too often caused by human errors or negligence. Ecological effects of oil contamination for seawaters and freshwaters are discussed. Some aspects of social and economic consequences are examined. Some possibilities for mitigating oil leakage risks are highlighted.