14 Energy Transitions and Environmental Protection …
435
other uncontrolled chemicals during oil drilling. These effluents contain
contamination of both oil fractions and heavy metals.
14
Oil spills are a major concern, according to the Ecuadorian government; the trans- Ecuadorian pipeline has spilled about 17 million gallons
of oil since it began operating in 1972. This has not only impacted on
the environment directly but raises the potential as well for both surface
water and underground water.
15 In a country like South Sudan, the
potential for accidental leakage and intentional leakage from skirmishes
has not yet been assessed, but it should be noted however that most of
the South Sudanese people and their livestock in the area and beyond,
are depending on the untreated water of the river Nile for their domestic
needs.
16
• Effect on the Upper Nile Biodiversity
Just like in other oil-rich countries such as Nigeria, the negative impact
of fossil fuels in South Sudan are characterized by loss of biodiversity
and destruction of habitats. The oil pollution in Paloich has not only left
many farmlands infertile, but it has also driven away wildlife. Additionally, it has resulted in the destruction of ecosystems and the savannah
grassland. Basically, oil spills impair the process of photosynthesis which
is key in enhancing plant diversity thus leading to biodiversity loss.
17
The toxic crude also affects underground herbs and shrubs, while
microbial organisms that form essential groups in the food web are also
destroyed, this phenomenon is evident in the unchecked oil pollution as
it is in the case of the Paloich area as the dark blend crude oil is acidic
in nature.
18 Besides this, deforestation is rampant and yet there are weak
awareness and sensitivity on environmental issues among the public and
the policymakers.
14 Ibid.
15 Ibid.
16 Ibid.
17 Mohmmed, Y. A; Nimer, N. B.; and el Moghraby A. I., Policy Profiles Africa Biodiversity
Series-Sudan, UNEP/ACI (1996).
18 Harrison, M. N.; and Jackson, J. K., Ecological Classification of Vegetation Of Sudan. Bulletin
No. 2. 1–45 Forest Dept. Khartoum (1958).
435
other uncontrolled chemicals during oil drilling. These effluents contain
contamination of both oil fractions and heavy metals.
14
Oil spills are a major concern, according to the Ecuadorian government; the trans- Ecuadorian pipeline has spilled about 17 million gallons
of oil since it began operating in 1972. This has not only impacted on
the environment directly but raises the potential as well for both surface
water and underground water.
15 In a country like South Sudan, the
potential for accidental leakage and intentional leakage from skirmishes
has not yet been assessed, but it should be noted however that most of
the South Sudanese people and their livestock in the area and beyond,
are depending on the untreated water of the river Nile for their domestic
needs.
16
• Effect on the Upper Nile Biodiversity
Just like in other oil-rich countries such as Nigeria, the negative impact
of fossil fuels in South Sudan are characterized by loss of biodiversity
and destruction of habitats. The oil pollution in Paloich has not only left
many farmlands infertile, but it has also driven away wildlife. Additionally, it has resulted in the destruction of ecosystems and the savannah
grassland. Basically, oil spills impair the process of photosynthesis which
is key in enhancing plant diversity thus leading to biodiversity loss.
17
The toxic crude also affects underground herbs and shrubs, while
microbial organisms that form essential groups in the food web are also
destroyed, this phenomenon is evident in the unchecked oil pollution as
it is in the case of the Paloich area as the dark blend crude oil is acidic
in nature.
18 Besides this, deforestation is rampant and yet there are weak
awareness and sensitivity on environmental issues among the public and
the policymakers.
14 Ibid.
15 Ibid.
16 Ibid.
17 Mohmmed, Y. A; Nimer, N. B.; and el Moghraby A. I., Policy Profiles Africa Biodiversity
Series-Sudan, UNEP/ACI (1996).
18 Harrison, M. N.; and Jackson, J. K., Ecological Classification of Vegetation Of Sudan. Bulletin
No. 2. 1–45 Forest Dept. Khartoum (1958).