Studying the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster triggered far-reaching and interconnected health, environmental, and economic crises across the Gulf region. This session will examine key lessons learned from more than a decade of research on the only Spill of National Significance declared in U.S. history. The panel examined the short- and long-term health impacts of the spill on people of the Gulf, explored how the disaster reshaped the region’s natural and built environments, and highlighted the economic consequences for fisheries, tourism, transportation, and other Gulf industries. Together, the speakers discussed how these overlapping impacts compounded vulnerabilities across Gulf communities and continue to influence the region’s recovery and resilience efforts. The session concluded audience Q&A and discussion.