Ecology Issues and Analysis, Research Paper Example

Issue 1: Drilling for oil in the ocean

Drilling in the ocean is a controversial issue, which is opposed by environmental groups, animal and marine protection groups, and people in general that feel that the risks are generally too high. Since the Valdez Oil leak in Alaska, and the BP Oil Spill in the ocean had dire consequences. Not only were lives lost, but also it set the states and communities back years in tourism, revenue, marine life, and environmental infrastructures. The new action that the government is proposing is to approve for more deep water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. This is bad ideal, which could potentially cause more harm than good. Although it is resourceful to drill within the United States instead of depending on foreign entities to provide oil, there are too many risks, which have to be taken into account.

First, as mentioned there have been other cases where the impact of oil drilling has gone wrong and the marine life, and citizens living on the coasts are significantly impacted. Secondly, after three years since the BP spill, there is still clean being done, and damage has already been done to parts of the coasts’ ecosystem. Many in those states depend on revenue from tourism, seafood, and their businesses to stay afloat. More oil drilling could cause of chain reaction in the ecosystem that could be detrimental to marine and aquatic life that could have serious consequences.

Issue 2: Alternative energy – funding for alternative energy sources will be increased

Alternative energy is an interest that is gaining traction in the government. As the demand for energy continues to increases, more resources are being placed on alternatives to energy including, green and renewable energy which encompasses, biofuel, corn, turbine (wind), hydro, solar, and tidal energy. Funding that used in further researching alternatives should be directed towards green alternatives but specifically on harnessing solar energy that can be split into thermal and electric energy. Solar energy is a renewable source due that it is from the Sun. Solar energy can be harnesses and stored for future use in heating up office and building, fueling cars, and used as electric energy in homes and buildings. Solar energy is the best investment as it is one of the more reliable sources. People have already begun to develop products that used solar energy, it is just a matter of time before people began to latch on to the ideal of cheaper, cleaner, and renewable sources or energy.

Issue 3: Energy and the economy

Alternative energies are thought of because there is a dire need to offset the costs and demands for oil, and electricity. The economy eventually suffers when energy is increased, and oil prices go through the roof. The consensus of the public is for the government to do something about it. When supporting energy alternatives it is peril that the consequences of choosing the energy alternative be taken into consideration. If the energy alternative were to have a negative impact on the economy than that it is ultimately not the best choice, because if the economy goes down, unemployment, debt, and other social impacts increases. In choosing an alternative that helps meet the demands, helps the environment, and helps the economy than it is the best to use this alternative. A better economy creates more jobs, decreases unemployment, and social impact. A sustainable choice is the best option to use for the securement of future generations.

Issue 4: Nonrenewable resources and their use

Fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum, and nuclear power such as uranium are considered non-renewable resources. These non-renewable sources have shown to crease a significantly negative impact on the environment in several ways. Fossil fuels are of considerable importance to the environment and the economy. United States fossil fuels such as oil creates a dependency on unreliable foreign countries that dictate prices and consumption. The impacts on the environment are detrimental such as mining for oil that threatens the oceans, waterways, impacts the marine and plant life, and disrupts the infrastructures of natural environments. The indirect causes of fossil fuels that lead to oil combustion create smog, pollution, and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. These effects lead to serious negative impacts on the environment, the ecosystem, health of individuals, and the ozone layer. Coal and other non-renewable mining lead to a disruption and disappearance of many marine and animal habitats, a byproduct of global climate change, and erosion of natural infrastructures.

Issue 5: Renewable resources and their use

As mentioned non-renewable resources create irreversible effects on the environment in the forms of water contamination, erosion, disappearances in animal and plants natural habitats, global climate change, and other effects. In contrast, renewable resources are less harmful to the environment and to people. Unlike non-renewable, they can be replenish. Renewable resources are natural, trees, plants, water, solar energy, and geothermal resources. Renewable resources cut down on air pollution and smog, greenhouse emissions, and the U.S dependency on oil. Water and Solar energy can be used to heat homes, buildings, and other structures without the costs of using traditional electricity, or coal. Unlike fossil fuels, and nuclear energy it is not hazardous to plant life, individual health, or in the environment.