Recent events led by President Donald J. Trump have sparked controversy across the nation. The military strikes in Venezuela, the ongoing war with Iran, and the potential plans to gain control of Greenland all raise concerns, as they particularly appear to be for the sake of oil.
The U.S. is not the only country guilty of this, as countries around the world compete for control over oil rich regions: investing in large sums of money, resources, and even military power to secure control. This begs the question, however, of whether or not these efforts made by President Trump and other nations are worth it. I believe that oil drilling is not worth it in the long run.
Oil drilling is an important aspect of a functioning society. Petroleum is used as fuel for transportation, used to generate heat and electricity, is utilized for machinery, has great importance in the medical field, etc. Oil has a significant role in our society and everyday lives, and although it is useful, is unsustainable and comes with many consequences.
To start off, the environmental harm oil drilling brings is a key reason why oil drilling must be limited. Extracting oil in the first place requires drilling and combustion into land or the ocean floor, which disrupts ecosystems and destroys natural habitats. Wildlife is harmed through the seismic testing and the clearing of land in order to build infrastructure and machinery for these oil sites.
As drilling and combustion from factories occur, it releases greenhouse gases like carbon and methane in the atmosphere. “These gases trap heat, which then contributes greatly to climate change,” said junior Kiran Goel, research manager of the Environmental club.
A risk of oil drilling that must be considered is the potentiality of an oil spill. When these accidents happen, the consequences are significant. Oil spills contaminate water, harm marine life, and leave ecosystems destroyed for years. The change in water quality not only affects the wildlife that live there, but our drinking water too.
Furthermore, economically, the reliance on oil is also a serious issue. Oil is a nonrenewable resource and its market is highly unstable as it fluctuates based on global security and demand. As we become more dependent on oil, the economic state of our nation becomes more fragile.
To continue, the pursuit of oil often causes conflict between nations. Governments often spend lots of money and resources in order to solve these issues and get their way. Instead of investing this money on renewable, alternative energy sources, they risk the chance of war.
Overall, while oil plays a major role in the functioning of our society, its long term effects outweigh these benefits. They cause environmental harm, economic instability, and diplomatic tensions. Instead of continuing to rely on oil, there should be a shift in focus on cleaner, renewable energy sources that can sustain our society.
