Exploration has many effects not only on organisms, but also the atmosphere. . By exploring for natural resources such as oil and gas, we contribute to global warming. Burning fossil fuels depletes the ozone layer and encourages global warming. Findings show “Air pollution near ground level, and acid precipitation, are already causing widespread injury to humans, forests, and crops” (Grossman & Bryner). Another impact on the atmosphere and on the elements of life can be seen in the uranium New Mexico mines. Water and soil are important elements in the atmosphere that have been contaminated by the dust created during the mining process. Contaminating the natural elements causes a loss of carbon that ultimately can lead to changes in the atmosphere.
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However, proponents forget to mention the toxic chemicals used in hydraulic fracking and drilling. Proponents say the fracking fluid is mainly water, but this is questionable as congress has hidden many trace chemicals (Bergeron). The government wouldn’t have to hide these chemicals from public view if the chemicals were safe. Everyday millions will be exposed to harsh chemicals. From a humanitarian standpoint, chemical exposure extremely dangerous to anyone who works in the industry. Many workers will be around hazardous chemicals and emissions from operations. Even with chemical compounds, proponents still characterize fracking a clean energy source. In essence, fracking is a clear burning energy source compared to fuel. However, extraction comes with repercussions. Proponents forget that many wells that are used for extraction release methane which is a major contributor to global warming (Twomey et. al.). Methane seeps from cracks in rock formations, which is nearly impossible to plug as fracking has took its toll on the ground. Failing to address these hazards will jeopardize the health of our entire …show more content…
One solution is to disallow free for all resource extraction by changing laws. Just recently President Obama created a law which will block selling new drilling rights in U.S. Arctic (Dennis & Mufson). This is an important change as the arctic is especially fragile and very unique. Any oil spill in the area will create a major natural disaster which will be hard to clean due to the extreme conditions. Another solution is to tax any natural resource extracted from shale or tar-sand. This will increase the price of the product and lower overall usage. A higher price will also create incentive to look for alternative resources. Tax collection from these resources can be used to repair existing damage done to the environment. We can even invest in alternative resources such as wind and solar energy. The final solution is to educate the public on extraction. Environmental educators can share the adverse effects of extraction and help the public become less reliant on natural resources. This can happen in our school system where educators can encourage students to choose alternative modes of transportation. Implementing these solutions will help our country stop extractions negative
However, proponents forget to mention the toxic chemicals used in hydraulic fracking and drilling. Proponents say the fracking fluid is mainly water, but this is questionable as congress has hidden many trace chemicals (Bergeron). The government wouldn’t have to hide these chemicals from public view if the chemicals were safe. Everyday millions will be exposed to harsh chemicals. From a humanitarian standpoint, chemical exposure extremely dangerous to anyone who works in the industry. Many workers will be around hazardous chemicals and emissions from operations. Even with chemical compounds, proponents still characterize fracking a clean energy source. In essence, fracking is a clear burning energy source compared to fuel. However, extraction comes with repercussions. Proponents forget that many wells that are used for extraction release methane which is a major contributor to global warming (Twomey et. al.). Methane seeps from cracks in rock formations, which is nearly impossible to plug as fracking has took its toll on the ground. Failing to address these hazards will jeopardize the health of our entire …show more content…
One solution is to disallow free for all resource extraction by changing laws. Just recently President Obama created a law which will block selling new drilling rights in U.S. Arctic (Dennis & Mufson). This is an important change as the arctic is especially fragile and very unique. Any oil spill in the area will create a major natural disaster which will be hard to clean due to the extreme conditions. Another solution is to tax any natural resource extracted from shale or tar-sand. This will increase the price of the product and lower overall usage. A higher price will also create incentive to look for alternative resources. Tax collection from these resources can be used to repair existing damage done to the environment. We can even invest in alternative resources such as wind and solar energy. The final solution is to educate the public on extraction. Environmental educators can share the adverse effects of extraction and help the public become less reliant on natural resources. This can happen in our school system where educators can encourage students to choose alternative modes of transportation. Implementing these solutions will help our country stop extractions negative