What is the main environmental concern with offshore petroleum exploration?

Answer 1

Methane leaks.

Explosions, which injure and kill workers.

Oil spillage in the sea killing many marine animals.

Crippling of fishing and crabbing industries.

Damage to tourism industry, and all services based off of that.

Pollution of beaches for residents and tourists.

Financial penalties, possibly including company dissolution.

Hurricanes can damage structures causing leaks and/or explosions.

Damage to reputation of brand, causing lower sales, vandalism, protests.

Answer 2

Offshore drilling has rarely harmed the environment. In fact natural oil seeps pollute the water more than drilling operations and more oil/gas is spilled at gas stations than off drilling platforms.

On a drilling platform even one drop of oil spilled is considered a spill and calls for major clean up efforts so they are tremendously careful due to new regulations.

Some people consider their sight a eyesore however they provide many well paying jobs and most are far enough offshore that they are hardly visible.

Answer 3

good examples of what can happen are oil spills in the oceans and destruction of habitats therefore killing animal and plant life.