The implications of oil spills on the environment are already atrocious, but the implications arising from ignorance are worse; issues are more likely to be resolved if people are consciously aware of them and are trying to create ways to rectify them. Thus it's only logical that since everyone uses refined crude in one way or the other and is affected by its consequences, whether directly or indirectly, then more people should be proactive about its effects around the globe. I'm conjuring that the only reason the CEO's of the top 5 oil companies in the USA admitted that they were not, and for the foreseeable future won't be, adequately equipped to handle huge oil spills was because people realised the extent to which BP wasn't able to handle the spill in the Gulf. Only 10% of the oil has been able to be cleaned according to the Baltimore Sun, and this 10% is actually in par with the 10-20% of oil that's usually removed from the sea.
If we do not bring to light the numerous ramifications of oil occurring everywhere, then the implications would still just be what the status quo is now: unresolved oil spills in less economically powered countries like Ecuador; ancient oil clean-up strategies which are of a deplorable quality and efficiency when compared to the sophistication of oil rigs; oil companies using savvy lawyers to reduce their liabilities in the event that something goes wrong- and as we have seen, the probability of things going wrong is high. Ultimately, the oil companies would continue to get away with inefficiency-related disasters that could be otherwise avoided if there's an increase in global attention, (which can be generated through equal media coverage of similar oil related disasters everywhere). Therefore, if the status quo persists, oil will continue to be more of a foe than a friend to many.
I support and agree with your reasoning of what could happen if these issues are not resolved. When reading this, I was looking for a logical and unbiased insight as to what may occur if the problems continue that was constructed using concise words and language in order to clearly communicate your reasoning to readers.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your rationale when you explain that status quo will continue if the processes are not altered. By not rethinking and changing the methods in which we approach and manage the tragic situations, there is no way we are going to be able to correct and implement new techniques to cope with these types of occurrences. I like how you include not only the effects of oil in the United States, but also apply these concerns that affect other countries and areas of the world. Additionally, your conclusion of your implication of this issue is simple, yet makes a great point that is definitive and effectively summarized your stance on the topic. Overall, you make a clear and well-structured case using facts and data from reliable sources increasing your ethical appeal. I think you did a great job with this post and hope this status quo will soon change!
This is a pretty gloomy reality that we have for the future of our environment. It is sad that people in such a high position of power admit that they would be powerless if faced with a disaster like the oil spill. It makes you wonder who could handle and protect the situation more effectively. It also makes you wonder if an honest effort is going into disaster prevention. I mean you would assume with a nearly limitless amount of money things could happen, and fast. But if this is not the case then what would expedite the recovery process. If our environment were to experience another oil spill that was on the magnitude of the gulf oil spill, how would the marine life be protected? How could the livelihoods of the people in the area be protected? If we broaden the horizon, how can anyone or anything be protected? Countries in which oil spills are common may not receive the option to protect their environment since we already overlook their nation. I guess if the people in power do nothing, how can we change anything?
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