Offshore Oil Drilling Negative Environmental Effects

Not Worth the Negative Environmental Effects Offshore oil drilling should not be carried on because it is too much of an environmental risk based on its’ harmful effect on marine ecosystems, climate, and coastal communities. First, offshore oil drilling should be stopped because it is a hazard to marine ecosystems. For example, “As of August 31, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon spill had killed 81 marine mammals, 5, 401 birds, and 553 sea turtles” (Mooney, 46). Oil spills kill thousands of birds and fish. The integrity of the ocean water is depleted. Not only do oil spills affect marine ecosystems, but seismic testing is harmful to any marine mammal dependent on sound. Seismic testing shoots sound waves that can go through ocean depths and 500 …show more content…
For example, “when oil spills, every person who makes a living from the ocean feels the effects. Fishers, shrimpers, and dockworkers sit idle when ocean waters are too contaminated to catch edible seafood. Oil-marred beaches disrupt the tourism industry, slowing business for hotels, restaurants, and shops” (Mooney, 36). Not only are these rigs dangerous to the workers on them, but also to the homes, businesses and tourists living along United State’s coasts. In a survey conducted on December 4th, 2015 the 25 people surveyed knew a total of 54 people working either in a fishing industry or at a shop or business along an American coast. This averages to at least two people that would be affected by offshore oil drilling for each person surveyed, meaning the negative environmental impact offshore oil drilling has is personal. Everyone on the coast is affected by oil spills. Ending or continuing offshore oil drilling is a federal concern, but in reality it is the homes and families along the coast that are affected by the …show more content…
Offshore oil drilling in the U.S. is not worth the environmental impact on marine ecosystems, climate, and coastal communities. Many jobs could be created from using new sources of energy such as wind and solar. With the cost and time it takes to clean up oil spills, offshore oil drilling provides a resource America can afford to lose. Offshore oil drilling is not worth the seismic testing that harms sound dependent marine mammals, or the oil spills which harm entire marine ecosystems. Offshore oil drilling effects everyone working or living near the ocean. By comparing the costs of offshore oil drilling to its’ benefits, oil drilling is not worth the negative environmental impacts it creates. Ending offshore oil drilling and changing to renewable energy sources could help decrease global warming, conserving the environment for future