You are here: > About The Delta > Conflict Drivers > Environmental

Environmental

The oil industry has had a significant impact on the environment and lives of the people of the Niger Delta and on the escalation of conflict. Gas flares burn 24 hours a day in many communities as a constant reminder to the people that the oil industries are working with the government and not with the people. The activities of oil industry significantly damaged the environment of one of the most fertile regions on the world. The impact of significant oil spills across the region since the mid 1960's has been only that of destroying people’s traditional means of livelihood - fishing and farming. The reduction in subsistence living is creating more idle youth - the army of dispossessed who own nothing and therefore have nothing to loose: they can easily be manipulated and used for committing acts of violence.