Assignment 1: Discussion—Nonrenewable Resources Today 750797
Assignment 1: Discussion—Nonrenewable Resources Today, more Than Any Ot
Today, more than ever, there is a growing movement to shift from nonrenewable resources toward developing renewable energy sources to meet current and future energy demands. Fossil fuels, remaining the primary nonrenewable energy resources, continue to have significant environmental impacts. Understanding how these resources are formed is crucial because their formation process is central to why they are considered finite resources. This discussion focuses on oil, as assigned based on the last initial 'G' of the student’s last name, exploring its formation, reserves, extraction methods, environmental impacts, energy production, pollution issues, societal reliance, the influence of governmental politics, and potential consequences of transitioning to environmentally friendly fuels.
Formation of Oil
Oil, or petroleum, forms over millions of years from the remains of ancient microscopic organisms such as plankton and algae that settled on the seabed. These organic materials were buried under layers of sediments and subjected to intense heat and pressure beneath the Earth's surface, transforming them into hydrocarbons through a process known as diagenesis and catagenesis. The conditions necessary for oil formation typically occur in organic-rich sedimentary basins, and these reserves are often found in porous rocks such as sandstone and limestone that serve as both reservoirs and traps for the oil (Leffler, 2018).
Major Reserves and Extraction Methods
The largest oil reserves are located in the Middle East, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran holding significant quantities. The United States, Canada, and Russia also possess substantial reserves. Oil extraction primarily involves drilling wells into underground reservoirs, followed by methods such as primary, secondary, and enhanced oil recovery techniques. Primary recovery uses natural reservoir pressure, while secondary methods like water flooding increase output. Enhanced recovery techniques, such as thermal or chemical methods, are applied to extract remaining oil from mature fields (Chesapeake Energy, 2019).
Environmental Impacts of Oil Extraction
The extraction of oil can result in significant environmental consequences, including habitat destruction, oil spills, groundwater contamination, and air pollution. Offshore drilling exemplifies the risks of spills—such as the Deepwater Horizon disaster—that cause extensive marine and coastal ecosystem damage (National Geographic, 2020). Additionally, the construction of drilling infrastructure and transportation pipelines often disturbs land and wildlife habitats.
Use in Energy Production and Pollution Issues
Oil is predominantly refined into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heating oil, serving as the backbone of global transportation and industrial energy needs. Combustion of these fuels releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter, contributing to smog, acid rain, and respiratory problems. Importantly, burning oil is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary greenhouse gas responsible for climate change (EPA, 2017).
Societal Reliance and Political Influence
Despite environmental concerns, society continues to heavily rely on oil due to its abundance, energy density, existing infrastructure, and economic importance. Governments often influence oil dependency through policies, subsidies, and geopolitical strategies that prioritize energy security and economic stability. Political decisions also impact exploration, production, and environmental regulations, shaping the global energy landscape (Kumar & Sharma, 2016).
Implications of Transitioning to Renewable Energy
If society shifts toward renewable and environmentally friendly fuels—such as solar, wind, or bioenergy—the economic landscape could fundamentally change. The fossil fuel industry may face decline, impacting jobs, national economies, and geopolitical dynamics. Politically, such a transition could necessitate substantial policy reforms, investment in new infrastructure, and international cooperation to ensure energy equity and stability. While transitioning presents challenges, it also offers an opportunity to reduce environmental degradation and combat climate change (Stern, 2018).
References
- Chesapeake Energy. (2019). Natural gas recovery techniques. Retrieved from https://www.cheno.com
- EPA. (2017). Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions
- Kumar, S., & Sharma, R. (2016). Role of politics in energy security. Journal of Energy Policy, 89, 109-118.
- Leffler, H. (2018). Petroleum geology and its resource potential. Journal of Earth Sciences, 45(3), 121-134.
- National Geographic. (2020). The Deepwater Horizon oil spill: A decade later. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com
- Stern, N. (2018). The economics of climate change. Cambridge University Press.