The Red Sea crisis, primarily known for disrupting global trade, poses severe environmental threats. The conflict in this region significantly endangers the marine ecosystem, amplifying existing environmental stressors. The potential fallout demands urgent attention and proactive measures to mitigate the crisis.
In late January, the Houthis targeted the Marlin Luanda British-linked oil tanker in response to US and UK airstrikes, causing extensive damage to the vessel. This incident is part of a series of attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea since mid-December 2023.
The conflict exacerbates environmental concerns, given the region’s population growth, climate change, and coastal development. The Red Sea’s reef ecosystem sustains 28 million coastal inhabitants, offering food security and livelihoods. Oil spills would wreak havoc, contaminating marine ecosystems, devastating coral reefs, and further depleting fish populations. The cleanup efforts in this region, lacking maritime safety capabilities, would be both costly and time-consuming.
Complex geopolitical dynamics hinder climate action cooperation in the region. For example, a UN mission conducted a risky ship-to-ship transfer of crude oil from the FSO Safer supertanker in Yemen, averting an immediate spillage threat. However, challenges persist in removing the remaining oil, as the conflict complicates efforts due to the involvement of various nations in the Red Sea crisis.
The crisis also has long-term implications for the Western Indian Ocean region, as the threat to shipping prompts the redirection of significant oil transportation around the Cape of Good Hope, leading to potential environmental disasters and increased greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
The heightened risk of maritime accidents and environmental disasters necessitates immediate upgrades to maritime safety awareness and oil spill response capabilities in the Western Indian Ocean, as spills would result in substantial economic losses and irreversible damage to the marine ecosystem. Furthermore, the increased shipping traffic around Africa elevates the potential for mass displacement, amplifying the region’s political tensions.
Addressing these challenges demands Africa’s proactive leadership, emphasizing the implementation of international maritime regulations to reduce oil spills. Moreover, establishing African-led international maritime security accords and advocating for multilateral climate risk efforts are imperative. The continent’s influential bodies, such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union, must spearhead diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and prioritize environmental threats in their messaging.
The urgency of the Red Sea crisis presents Africa with an opportunity to set a global standard for environmental stewardship, advocate for sustainable maritime practices, and demonstrate vision and determination in navigating the conflict.
By David Willima, Research Officer, Maritime, ISS Pretoria