Oil Spills and Ecosystem Threats: Environmental Consequences of the Houthi Operations in the Red Sea

Abstract

Attacks by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea have environmental, economic and political impacts. Even though most of the attacks have been ineffective so far, those that have made an impact have resulted in the sinking of ships loaded with cargo such as fertilizers and bunker oil, which are considered dangerous for the fragile ecosystem of the Red Sea. The paper focuses on the environmental impacts. The necessary rerouting of commercial ships has caused increased carbon emissions. The sunken ships are a concern for the ecosystem of the Red Sea. If the Red Sea continues to be an area of conflict, it is probable that risky development of the Northern Sea Route will become a serious option.