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#Polluting #Shipwrecks Are the Ticking #TimeBomb at the Bottom of Our #Oceans
As their structures break down, the wrecks could release toxic substances into the #environment.
December 11, 2024
"At the bottom of the oceans and seas lie more than 8,500 shipwrecks from two world wars. These wrecks have been estimated to contain as much as 6 billion gallons of oil, as well as munitions, toxic heavy metals and even chemical weapons [and NUCLEAR weapons and materials!].
"For decades, these wrecks have largely lain out of sight and out of mind. But all this time, their structures have been degrading, inexorably increasing the chances of sudden releases of toxic substances into the marine environment.
"In parts of the globe, climate change is exacerbating this risk. Rising ocean temperatures, #acidification and increasing #storminess accelerate the breakdown of these wrecks.
"Of course, wrecks from the world wars are far from the only ones to be found at the bottom of the sea, with many others adding to the problem. The cost of addressing this global issue has been estimated at US$340 billion (£261 billion).
"How many of these wrecks pose a threat to people’s safety, to coastal communities and to the environment? What can be done – and why haven’t we done it sooner?"