Hi everyone! Today, I’ll be explaining about oil with lots of energy!
1. Burning Oil Produces CO2! Be Careful of Global Warming!
When we use oil, it generates energy, but at the same time, a lot of CO2 (carbon dioxide) is released into the sky!
CO2 is called a greenhouse gas, which raises the Earth’s temperature and causes “global warming.”
(There are various opinions. Some say the main cause of global warming is CO2 in the oceans, and as global warming progresses, CO2 from the oceans is released into the atmosphere. Global warming is caused by solar activity, with global warming (ocean temperature rise) happening first, followed by the increase in CO2 concentration. This accounts for 90% of CO2 emissions. Human CO2 emissions are around 5% of the global total. That’s my opinion, but let’s leave that aside for now.)
For example, car emissions.
Most cars, buses, and trucks run on gasoline or diesel fuel made from oil.
This causes a lot of CO2 to be released!
In cities where many cars are running, the impact is especially huge.
If global warming progresses, these things could happen:
1-1. More Extreme Weather!
Typhoons and heavy rain might get more intense!
Landslides and floods will also become more worrying.
1-2. Rising Sea Levels!
The ice will melt, and the ocean water will expand, possibly flooding islands and coastal cities!
1-3. Trouble for Animals!
Especially for animals in the Arctic and Antarctic, who may lose their habitats!
They could face extinction!
2. Air Pollution! Burning Oil Pollutes the Air Too!
When oil is burned, not only CO2 is released, but also nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and PM2.5 (tiny particles like dust) are emitted!
This causes air pollution.
2-1. Breathing Becomes Difficult!
When air pollution worsens, more people suffer from bronchitis, asthma, and lung diseases!
This is mainly due to car emissions and factory smoke in big cities.
2-2. Acid Rain Falls!
Nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides mix with moisture in the air, turning into acidic rain.
This is called “acid rain”!
Acid rain damages forests and lakes, and can also erode buildings!
If it’s severe, it can affect crop growth and ruin famous tourist spots.
3. Oil Spills Are Dangerous for the Ocean!
Oil is transported across the ocean using big tankers and pipelines, but when accidents happen, crude oil can spill into the sea!
This is called an “oil spill”!
And it causes significant damage to marine life.
3-1. Marine Life in Danger!
When oil floats on the ocean surface, it harms fish, plankton, seabirds, dolphins, and whales!
For instance, seabirds with oil on their feathers can’t fly, and fish that swallow the contaminated water may absorb harmful substances into their bodies.
3-2. A Huge Blow to Fisheries!
If the sea becomes polluted, it’s harder to catch fish, and people in the fishing industry will suffer. It also raises concerns about the safety of seafood.
In 2010, the “Deepwater Horizon” disaster in the Gulf of Mexico caused millions of barrels of oil to spill into the sea, severely impacting marine ecosystems and coastal regions.
4. Oil Is Finite! If We Use Too Much, It’ll Run Out!
Oil is a “fossil fuel” created over millions of years underground, so once it’s used up, it’s gone for good.
This is the “oil depletion problem”!
4-1. The Risk of an Energy Crisis!
If oil runs out, cars and planes will stop running, and daily life and logistics will be in trouble.
4-2. Oil Prices May Go Up!
As oil supplies dwindle, prices will rise, making gasoline more expensive, and products made from oil like plastics and chemicals will also become pricier.
That’s why it’s important to increasingly use alternative energy sources like solar and wind power, which are renewable!
5. The Energy of the Future! Focus on Renewable Energy!
Because there are so many issues with oil, we need to shift to environmentally friendly energy sources!
Recently, there’s been growing attention on new energy sources that don’t rely on oil!
5-1. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
These are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline!
They don’t emit CO2 or pollute the air, so they’re eco-friendly!
(Actually, electric vehicles only avoid CO2 emissions while driving. They emit CO2 in other ways—like during traffic jams, battery explosions, reduced driving range in cold climates, power generation processes, heavier vehicles causing road damage, dust pollution, and the environmental impact of battery disposal. But let’s set that aside for now.)
5-2. Renewable Energy:
Solar power, wind power, and other natural forces are increasingly being used to generate electricity!
This is the energy of the future!
(Actually, renewable energy only avoids CO2 emissions during electricity generation. It still causes CO2 emissions during production, and environmental problems can arise during installation, operation, and disposal. That’s my opinion, but let’s leave that aside for now.)
Oil is an incredibly important energy source, but it also comes with big risks like environmental issues and resource depletion.
So let’s all work together to use new energy sources to protect the Earth!
(Note)
Everyone, the above content is based on answers from AI!
But remember, AI responses aren’t always correct, so please make sure to double-check important information!
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Thank you for reading today!
