Oil drilling

Scientists have discovered that there is a large fossil fuel reserve underneath the ice of the Arctic. This massive reserve may contain up a fifth of the world's oil- 90 billion barrels, and a third of the known reserves of gas.

Yes! We are SAVED from the energy crisis!

I don't think so.

Let's skip the part about oil drilling ruining the Arctic environment. It is important, it is relevant, but it is always the same argument back and forth. Wildlife...or human desire? Environmentalists pitted against the oil executives. Sadly, usually greed for fuel wins out, and another piece of nature is marred by development.

The main issue is, as long as we depend on oil, we will always be threatened by an impending energy crisis. Discovering new reserves only changes whether or not the "doomsday" will arrive in ten years or in twenty years. All the same, our focus should be on lessening our usage of fossil fuels and concentrating on renewable energy.

Two scenarios can occur. Countries can rush to the Arctic, dig up the treasure, and a glut of oil will appear on the market. Prices will drop, consumers will go mad, oil will be used like crazy. All of our old problems will come back. Pollution, global warming, endangered species, etc., possibly worse than before. Soon, the excess oil will run out, and we will be back to square one.

Another situation: we remain calm and allow the reserves to sit there. We keep on raising fuel efficiency and conserving current reserves. We develop alternative energy. We learn how to cut back on usage (hey, a century and a half ago our ancestors did fine, right?). Our world may not ever be as healthy as it was before humans arrived, but in time it should heal.

It is easier said than done. But it is something that must be done.

With the rising gas prices no where near slowing down, Americans are contemplating using their own resources to combat the problem. Oil reserves currently are located offshore and also in some regions of Alaska previously not opened to drilling. However, is this really the right thing to do? Is it worth the possible environmental consequences to lower prices?

I don't believe so. First of all, there are varied estimates on what amount of oil could be provided by these sources, especially the untouched Alaskan reserves. Predictions range from 6 months to 2 years. This amount of oil would hardly offset the foreign oil usage, and probably would not lower prices by noticeable amount.

Furthermore, obtaining oil causes numerous hazards to the environment, ranging from the actual drilling process to possible spills. Though there are precautions that are taken to prevent these disasters, the immense damage that they cause mean that we should not even take the slightest risk.

The amount of money that would need to be spent would cause another blow to national budget. Personally, I believe that there are many other aspects of our country that could use the spending, including education and investments into renewable energy.

The main problem is not that we need more oil, but that we rely too much on oil. One positive effect of high gas prices is that people and businesses trying to reduce their usage of the precious commodity. Really, reducing the amount of fossil fuels we use and exploring alternative sources are the best strategies for this energy crisis.

The image above is from www.treehugger.com.