Hum 111 Wk2 to Drill or Not to Drill
I agree with the development of alternative sources of energy such as solar power and clean coal. Alternative energy source is defined as any energy source that will replace oil and coal. These sources include solar power, windmills, natural gas, and nuclear energy. These alternatives alone will not help save our planet. However, the potential behind these alternatives is exciting and hopeful. If there is a chance to save our planted from more damage, then the government needs to act now. The United States offshore drilling debate is still ongoing, and the argument is that the United States benefits because it becomes less dependent on imported oil. There is also the argument that offshore drilling would affect military training and weapon testing. However, my argument is that offshore drilling poses a much greater threat to all civilization. When waste is spilled into the ocean it spreads throughout the water harming marine life and their habitat. It can affect their hearing, changes in their behavior and can even cause physical injuring or death. Much of the marine life is threatened by extinction. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has threatens our planet with environmental damage. Oil spills like this fill the air with toxins that raise concern for many health problems. When oil is recovered from the ocean floor chemicals and toxins come to the surface, which are the released into the air. This is a growing concern and should not be dismissed. The Center for Biological Diversity (2010) says that six months after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico, spilled oil still fouls beaches and wetlands, birds and endangered sea turtles continue to suffer crippling effects, and the government has yet to deal with the significant risks that offshore drilling poses every day to wildlife and the environment. So far, more than 6,100 birds, 605 sea turtles and nearly 100 mammals, including dolphins, have died.
Cited: Snapes, B. (2010). Six Months after Disastrous Gulf Oil Spill, Wildlife Still Suffering, Dangers of Offshore Drilling Ignored. Retrieved December 11, 2010 from http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2010/offshore-drilling-10-19-2010.html