The Real Cost of Oil
| May 6, 2010 | Posted by Lisa Sharp under Uncategorized |
With the oil currently spilling in to the gulf at an alarming rate, it’s hard not to see there is a high cost for oil. Over 400 species are threatened by this spill, including some endangered ones, like sea turtles. We could even lose whole species before this is done.
“Oil affects wildlife by coating their bodies with a thick layer. Many oils also become stickier over time (this is called weathering) and so adheres to wildlife even more. Since most oil floats o nthe surface of the water it can effect many marine animals and sea birds. Unfortunately, birds and marine mammals will not necessarily avoid an oil spill. Some marine mammals, such as seals and dolphins, have been seen swimming and feeding in or near an oil spill. Some fish are attracted to oil because it looks like floating food. This endangers sea birds, which are attracted to schools of fish and may dive through oil slicks to get to the fish. ” -Australian Maritime Safety Authority
The cost will also be high for the people of New Orleans. A city still not recovered from the last disaster, now facing another. They depend on the gulf for seafood which fuels a lot of their economy.
The oil spill could have another lasting impact of the people for New Orleans, the wetlands help protect them from hurricanes but the spill could destroy a lot of that protection leaving them open for more hurricanes.
Even the people who stuck it out for Katrina aren’t sure the fishing/shrimping business will make it through this spill. Shrimper De La Cruz talks about leaving.
“He may take his boat to Virginia. Or Mexico. “You ain’t gonna see nothing around here for a long time,” he says, adding, “This is gonna’ be worse than a hurricane. It just feels like the end.”
We all know the gulf spill isn’t the first time oil has cause major damage to the environment, animals and even people.
The Exxon Valdez spill is one of the better known oil distastes. It’s been over 20 years since the spill and oil is still plagues the area.
Oil also causes great conflict, like what is going on in the Niger Delta. Oil giant Shell gets 10% of their oil from the Niger Delta. When oil was found in the Niger Delta the people thought the country would gain wealth but the country has just gained environmental issues and a corrupt government.
“Nigeria earns some $10bn every year from oil but Niger Delta residents remain mired in poverty. Less than 20% of the region is accessible by good roads, even in the dry season, and hospitals and schools are seriously under-funded. Poor sanitation and pollution means that access to safe drinking water is a major problem facing local communities.”- BBC
We must start making the switch to clean energy and while the switch is being made we must conserve what we have!
You don’t have to go out and buy a hybrid to conserve the amount of oil and gas you use. Last year I posted some tips and links for driving greener, go check those out. Other ideas to reduce your impact:
- Drive less, plan out trips so you aren’t driving back and forth.
- Use public transportation when you can.
- Carpool
- Ride a bike, all of us can use some vitamin d and exercise!
- Walk, many towns are set up well for walking.
- Avoid flying
- Take vacations closer to home, do some research I bet there are great places to visit very close to your home.
What are your tips for conserving gas and oil?
This is my post for the Green Mom’s Carnival. This months topic is Transportation and is being hosted by Diane at the Big Green Purse. (For photo credits please click on the photos)
