Oil is among the most commonly used sources of energy in the world today, yet its production, processing and consumption has multiple damaging impacts on our environment. In particular, oil consumption has been identified as a major contributor to global warming. This has serious consequences for the wellbeing of the planet, considering the destruction to the natural environment, the displacement of entire ecosystems, and the disruption of human life.
At the core of the issue is something called the ‘greenhouse effect’. This is when certain chemicals, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere effectively trap the Sun’s heat and prevent it from escaping, which has a warming effect. Oil is one of the main sources of the greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide, which are released into the atmosphere when burned. For instance, when petroleum fuels are burnt, they release carbon dioxide, as well as other ‘air pollutants’ such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and sulphur, all of which contribute to global warming.
The amount of greenhouse gases is ever-increasing as the demand for oil continues to rise. In the US alone, oil consumption increased by 5 million barrels a day since 2000, which has a correspondingly high percentage of carbon dioxide emissions – roughly 1.2 gigatons of CO2 have been released annually in the US since 2000. On a global scale, about 82 per cent of all energy-related emissions stem from the burning of oil, making it the single most important factor for climate change.
Still, there is hope. Advances in technology, such as the increased production of renewable energies, can help to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from oil. This can be done both through improving efficiency, such as finding more effective ways of utilizing the fossil fuels, as well as replacing large amounts of oil with renewable sources. Furthermore, there is a growing movement towards electric vehicles, which is projected to reduce global oil demand by up to 8 million barrels per day.
In conclusion, the negative effects of oil extraction, processing and consumption on global warming are significant and cannot be overlooked. It is now more important than ever to reduce the carbon emissions from these activities and move towards a more sustainable future. This can be achieved through improving the efficiency of oil production and transitioning to renewable sources of energy. Every effort, no matter how small, can help to reduce the negative impacts of oil on global warming and create a healthier, more sustainable planet for generations to come.
