Title: Yemen's ticking ecological time bomb and the plan to avert disaster finally moves ahead A decaying tanker off the coast of Yemen has been described as a ticking ecological time bomb. Holding four times the amount of oil leaked in the Exxon Valdez disaster, experts have warned that it could explode or disintegrate at any moment, causing a vast oil spill that would devastate the ecosystem and local communities. But finally, a plan to avert such a disaster is moving ahead. Thanks to the efforts of local authorities and international agencies, the decaying tanker is being stabilized and the oil is being removed. This is a crucial moment in the fight to protect our planet from the devastating effects of oil spills. In Yemen and elsewhere, we must recognize the dangers posed by decaying tankers and take action to prevent disaster. At the same time, we must also recognize the broader threats posed by our over-reliance on fossil fuels. Climate change is already causing widespread damage, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events. We must transition to a more sustainable energy system that protects the planet and promotes justice and equity for all. The plan to avert the looming catastrophe off Yemen's coast is a step in the right direction. But there is still much work to be done. Let us make sure that we continue to fight for a better future for all. A decaying tanker holds about four times the amount of oil leaked in the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster. Experts have warned that it is an ecological time bomb that could explode or disintegrate at any moment.
![]()
