Is Oil Evil?

Question 1: Is your personal consumption of oil part of the problem?

 Yes, our personal consumption of oil is part of the problem. Most Americans use so much more oil than the rest of the world that even if we use less oil than others here, we are using a huge amount.  One part of the problem is our very large luxery cars that use so much more fuel than those in the rest of the world.  Everyday, I drive to and from school. Living about 30 minutes away, it takes a lot of oil. Going to a store or friend's store also requires oil. Most Americans drive everyday, and this contributes to oil problem. Americans use to the most oil by far. The United States alone uses 20,730,000 bbl of oil a day. China is the 2nd biggest consumer of oil, using 6,534,000 bbl every day. Though China has a much higher population than the United States, the United States uses 4 to 5 times more oil than the 2nd biggest consumer of oil.

Diana and Monica 12/06/07

Question 2: What impact does oil have on our environment?

 The oil has a horrible impact on the environment. It hurts the environment when we mine for it and it also causes tons of air pollution (see picture above).  When factories use oil, it causes air pollution too. Oil and pollution is also connected to global warming and causes a hole in the ozone layer. It also melts the ice caps. Also, oil spills can also occur when transporting oil. Oil spills can cause devasting damages. Oil coats the fur of animals such as sea otters. Many fish and other animals that live by the oil spill will die or become poisoned because of the oil. When other people or animals eat these polluted fish or seafood, they will get sick. Also, birds can be affect by oil spills. Oiled feathers can make flying more difficult and makes birds more vunlerable.

 Diana and Monica 12/13/07

Question 3: Are there any viable energy alternatives?

 http://www.awea.org/

Yes there other viable energy alternatives. Because oil will not last forever, other energy sources are needed. An energy alternative is wind energy. American Wind Association promots wind energy in the United States. Wind energy does not cost pollution and will last forever because wind will last forever. It is also not very expensive. The cost has dropped 80% in 20 years. It's price competes with coal or gas-fried plants with its cost of 5 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Also, more and more hybrid cars are coming out every year.  It is true that hybrids use oil and gas, but they use significantly less gas than other cars.  Hybrids are more expensive than other cars, so they have been known to not be a worthwhile investment, since people would need to own the car for quite a long time before saving any money.  However, it is now possible to buy a hybrid that gets 125 miles per gallon or more, and they are coming out with better ones every year, as our need for these alternate sources are always increasing. 

 Diana and Monica 12/13/07

Question 4: Is there a connection between oil and violence in the Middle East?

Yes there is definitely a connection between oil and violence in the Middle East. Although there are obviously other causes of violence such as religion and the holy land, as well as political conflicts, oil is a major source of conflict.  Oil is a very valuable resource and its price is constantly rising. Most of the world's supply of oil is in the Middle East. War and violence erupts in the Middle East because of desire to control the oil, and therefore the wealth, of the region.

 Diana and Monica 12/06/07

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Diana and Monica

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