Oil and Our Earth

Environmental Problems with Getting Oil

What is left behind when we have used up and left an oil dig?

          We have all heard about the adverse effects of oil on our planet but what is actually left behind? Even in an ideal scenario, we still leave behind deadly chemicals like PAH which is harmful or deadly to both animals and humans. Deadly chemicals as well as the disruption of animals environment are a given, but in the worst case scenarios, oil spills will companionate water supplies or environments and cause the mass execution of local populations of animals. The machinery that we currently use is large and loud, disrupting the natural systems that they are in and around. While they might not be directly killing the animals with their presence alone, they are negatively impacting the ecosystem that the animals live in.

Has there been improvement in the cleanliness of these drilling operations?

          Yes, currently it requires less drill sites to get the same amount of oil. This is partially because of a new technique called horizontal drilling. Horizontal drilling is a process that involves drilling straight down and then turning direction; this allows the drillers to get more oil while only drilling one whole. IN terms of safety and environmental consciousness, directional drilling s superior to conventional drilling, however it takes longer and in consequence in less cost efficient.

How can we reduce drillings effects on the environment more?

          No matter how much we improve our drilling techniques, there is only so much we can do. The effects of our drilling will leave scarse on our earth for generations to come. Long after the last of the oil is gone we will still be seeing the effects of our tampering on the planet. Research into alternative energy that is renewable is the only clean way. Oil can be made cleaner but only by so much.