Karma and BP

Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

News that BP posted a net loss of $4.4 billion in the fourth quarter seems to be a case of what goes around comes around. 

The 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was one of the worst environmental catastrophes in U.S. history. The pain and suffering endured by people and wildlife was profound, continues to have an impact and can never be undone.

BP waged an effective pr campaign, promising to make amends, and spent millions in advertising dollars to convey themselves as concerned and committed to the cleanup. The reality is that BP cut corners wherever possible and many will never be properly compensated.

A loss of $4.4 billion is no big deal for BP. But the loss of pristine habitat, marine life and family businesses that were built over generations is a very big deal.