Understanding the Effects of the Gulf Oil Spill

The disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil spill has heightened the American public’s awareness concerning the effects—both immediate and delayed—of grand-scale pollution. But will this awareness lead to better energy choices for the future? The choice is ours.

More ways to learn about the effects of the Gulf oil spill:

IOM Workshop on Human Health Effects of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Many questions surround the oil spill’s potential effects on the short- and long-term health of individuals in affected regions. In response, the Institute of Medicine has planned a two-day workshop in New Orleans that draws on scientific, medical, and public health experts’ experience and knowledge to examine a range of health issues related to the Gulf of Mexico spill. The discussions will help officials anticipate potential problems and determine how best to proceed in detecting and monitoring health risks and outcomes. Watch the live video webcast from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT on Tuesday June 22nd.

TEDxOilSpill – new ideas for our energy future, and how we can mitigate the current crisis in the Gulf

TEDxOilSpill will tackle the tough questions raised by the recent and ongoing environmental catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. Topics will include mitigation of the spill and the impending cleanup efforts; energy alternatives; policy and economics; as well as new technology that can help us build a self-reliant culture.

TED is a small nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. TEDx is a new program that enables local communities such as schools, businesses, libraries, neighborhoods or just groups of friends to organize, design and host their own independent, TED-like events.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Washington, DC
June 28, 2010 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EDT

Oil and Pollution in the Ocean – Information and Resources from the Oceans Studies Board

The Ocean Studies Board of the National Research Council has summarized several past reports on the impact of oil and other pollutants in the ocean in their Ocean Science Series booklet, Pollution in the Ocean. Access the free PDF here.

Further Resources from NAP