Fluid Connections: Gas Extraction and Marine Life, Elie Dib

Elie Dib
Sapienza University of Rome
Italy

Abstract: In recent years, Lebanon’s future has increasingly been tied to its potential as an oil- and gas-producing country, particularly with the signing of exploration deals in Block 9 and the commencement of drilling in Block 4. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in Lebanon’s contemporary history, especially as the country continues to grapple with a severe economic crisis and the ongoing failure to provide uninterrupted electricity to its citizens. However, even before this opportunity could fully materialize, it has already been put at risk - undermined unconsciously by decades of environmental neglect. For the past thirty years, pollution has been steadily damaging the very ecosystems that make natural gas extraction possible. Natural gas is deeply interconnected with marine biodiversity; one cannot exist without the other. Yet over the past few decades, Lebanon’s seas, shores, and rivers have been severely polluted, leading to the degradation of marine life and, consequently, the natural gas reserves themselves. This project seeks to bring attention to this urgent issue. Through detailed mapping, we aim to trace the sources of pollution from land to sea, examine their impact on marine ecosystems, and propose actionable solutions to mitigate further damage.