Gas facility in Louisiana builds massive sea wall to protect against climate threats

A Louisiana gas facility has constructed a massive sea wall to shield itself from the climate impacts that fossil fuel emissions have exacerbated, raising questions about the lengths the industry will go to safeguard its interests.

Steven Mufson reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

• The $21 billion Plaquemines LNG plant, built by Venture Global, features a 26-foot-high steel sea wall to protect against rising sea levels and hurricanes.
• Environmental scientists argue that building such facilities in low-lying areas increases risks of flooding and pollution, particularly affecting nearby disadvantaged communities.
• Despite the potential dangers, the construction of LNG export terminals along the Gulf Coast is accelerating due to high global demand and significant profits.

Key quote:

"It highlights the irony that they’re having to armor these facilities at considerable expense to guard against extreme weather that is their own doing."

— Bradley Campbell, president of the Conservation Law Foundation

Why this matters:

This protective measure, while pragmatic from a business standpoint, underscores a glaring irony: the industry contributing to climate change is investing heavily in defenses against its impacts, rather than addressing the root causes. For local communities and environmental advocates, the sea wall is a powerful symbol of misplaced priorities, highlighting a need for greater investment in sustainable practices and renewable energy sources.