Introduction
Petroleum has been described as a ‘tainted blessing’ for the global economy. On one hand, it is a vital source of energy that is needed for development. On the other hand, overdependence on its use has been detrimental to the environment and human health in numerous ways.
History
Oil has been used for centuries for lighting, lubrication and fuel in China, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. In the 19th century, oil began to be used to fuel commercial industries. Its scale of production and sale increased rapidly and its value as a major contributor to global industrial growth became clear.
Exploitation
The discovery of petroleum drove the need to create reliable techniques to extract and refine it. In the past few centuries, the activities surrounding the exploitation of this important resource has had massive ecological and economic impacts. Over exploitation has caused the depletion of finite reserves, negative environmental impacts caused by oil spills and environmental contamination, as well as a detrimental effect on local and global human health.
Rise of the Petrochemical Industry
The emergence of the petrochemical industry expands the ability for countries to exploit the numerous components of oil and refine them. The oil and gas industry produces a large variety of products ranging from fuels to plastics and synthetic materials. This has created an extensive industry which has seen an increased use of petroleum-based materials, resulting in the consumption of large quantities of this valuable resource. As a result, the production and use of such products are having a dramatic positive impact on the global economy, yet it is also drawing attention to the reality of the negative footprint created by the extensive exploitation of petroleum.
Environmental Concerns
The extensive use and abuse of petroleum in an increasingly industrializing world has resulted in significant environmental issues. Pollution levels have increased and air, soil, and water degradation are becoming more and more evident as a result of the extraction and burning of petroleum fuels. The consequences of these activities include global warming, ocean acidification, and increasing health risks.
Conclusion
It is clear that despite the benefits, petroleum extraction and use have a major detrimental effect on the environment and impacts human health, in addition to being a finite resource. Ideas and techniques to reduce the demands on the resource need to be implemented in order to care for the environment and the future generations who will have to deal with the health and environmental concerns of today’s actions.
