Gulf war spills leave 20,000-sq-km oil slick visible from space
Satellite images show 500-plus oil spills across the Gulf since the US-Iran war began in February.
Reported by The GuardianClaims checked against the source, 23 h ago.
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A fragile marine ecosystem already stressed by climate change now faces generational harm from wartime pollution. A naval blockade makes it almost impossible to document.
In Australia. No direct Australian effect yet, but the Strait of Hormuz carries a quarter of the world's traded oil; damage to this route could ripple into Australian fuel markets and shipping costs.
Key facts
- 20,000 square kilometres
- Oil slick size
- Eight months since February
- War duration
- More than 30 confirmed or reported
- October attacks
- 35 kilometres off UAE coast
- Gem No 2 slick
- Dark slicks stretching across the Strait of Hormuz show growing environmental harm.
- Eight months of conflict have turned one of the world's busiest shipping routes into a battlefield.
- Oil tankers hit by missiles and sea mines have spilled crude across the Gulf.
- Satellite analysis by Greenpeace found a combined footprint of about 20,000 square kilometres.
- This is almost the size of Wales.
- The pollution has reached mangrove forests, coral reefs and seagrass meadows.
- These waters are home to dolphins, sea turtles and countless fish.
- October saw the worst damage, with more than 30 confirmed or reported attacks.
- One supertanker, the Gem No 2, left a slick stretching 35 kilometres off the UAE coast.
- Marine experts warn the shallow Gulf has no deep cold water to buffer the heat and pollution.
- Climate crisis adds to the problem.
- Recovery will be slow and lasting damage is likely.
