bbc.com
Oil-Polluted Floods in South Sudan
Climate change-driven floods contaminate water sources with oil pollution in South Sudan, leading to serious health risks and raising concerns about environmental responsibility.
English
United Kingdom
Climate ChangeEnergy SecurityPublic HealthAfricaEnvironmental DisasterGovernment AccountabilityOil Pollution
Greater Pioneer Operating Company (Gpoc)Un World Food Programme (Wfp)Sign Of HopeBbcYale University
Chilhok PuotNyatabahDavid Bojo LejuMary Ayen MajokDr Samuel Puot
- What are the sources of the contamination?
- The contamination stems from oil spills, pipeline ruptures, and the improper disposal of produced water, a byproduct of oil extraction containing harmful pollutants.
- What health consequences are linked to the contaminated water?
- Locals report various health issues, including birth defects and illnesses related to contaminated water, with anecdotal evidence suggesting a correlation between the pollution and these problems.
- What is the role of the South Sudanese government in this issue?
- The South Sudanese government is heavily reliant on oil revenue and has commissioned an environmental audit, but its findings haven't been released, and accountability for the pollution remains weak.
- What actions were taken by individuals and organizations to address the problem?
- A former oil engineer, David Bojo Leju, raised concerns about the pollution to his employers but says his concerns were largely ignored. He later fled South Sudan after being detained for his testimony in a potential lawsuit.
- What is the main environmental issue affecting South Sudan described in this article?
- Climate change-exacerbated floods in South Sudan have mixed with oil pollution, contaminating water sources and causing health problems for the population.