Oil has played a crucial role in modern life, enabling innovation and powering transportation. Documentaries “Before the Flood,” “The Story of Stuff,” and “Rude Awakening” explore the cultural significance of oil while addressing the need for a transition from fossil fuels. This essay will examine the critical need to manage the end of the fossil fuel era for a more sustainable future.
Oil is a crucial but outdated fuel that has powered modern life for over a century. Managing the end of the fossil fuel era “is not only possible, but critical for a more sustainable future” (Lenferna 217). While oil has shaped modern society, it is clear that continued reliance on fossil fuels is no longer sustainable.
Oil is used extensively in producing plastics, which have become ubiquitous. According to Lenferna, “in 2015, plastics accounted for 20% of global oil consumption and are projected to increase to 30% by 2030 (218). Plastic has revolutionized modern life and made many goods cheaper and more accessible.
Moreover, oil is essential in many household items that people use every day. Westman and Joly note that oil “is used to produce a wide range of consumer goods, including clothing, tires, and electronics” (p. 233). This highlights the pervasive role that oil plays in modern life and underscores how difficult transitioning from it will be.
Despite the significant benefits, oil has negative consequences, such as Climate change. According to “Before the Flood,” “the world’s energy consumption in 2015 resulted in 36.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions” (45:35). The combustion of fossil fuels, including oil, releases large amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to the Climate Crisis.
Oil pollution can devastate ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 is an example of the severe environmental and social impacts. Ainsworth et al. state that “the spill released an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil into the ocean” (p. 105070). The environmental damage emphasizes the need for better regulation and oversight.
Even oil extraction and processing itself can have negative environmental outcomes. For instance, the Athabasca oil sands is a massive production “with an estimated 170 billion barrels” (Westman and Joly 233). However, the mining process has caused “ecological impacts such as deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution” (Westman and Joly 233). It is a significant concern and must be considered in any discussion of energy production.
First reason why humans allow harmful environmental consequences to occur is the complexity of the issue. “The Story of Stuff” emphasizes the need for public awareness and education about the consumerism environmental impact so the system would be “by people for people” (19:31). Public engagement and environmental education are crucial for transitioning to a sustainable future.
Many people feel powerless to effect change regarding global problems like the Climate Crisis. Ainsworth et al. note that “the scale of the problem can make individuals feel overwhelmed and powerless to make a meaningful difference” (105070). This sense of powerlessness can be disheartening and contribute to a lack of action.
Economic and political interests are invested in maintaining the status quo and use their power to resist systemic change. For instance, “Before the Flood” documentary puts emphasis on “the lack of political will” in solving pollution issues (1:28:08). Big companies and authorities have a significant stake in fossil fuel consumption and may resist efforts to transition toward renewable energy.
One way to make a change as an individual is to reduce energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances. According to Lenferna, “energy efficiency measures in buildings can reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% ” (p. 220). That is why I always try to buy energy-saving appliances.
Another way is to reduce the use plastics and shift towards reusable alternatives. Lenferna notes that “investing in alternative materials such as bioplastics can significantly reduce plastic waste and its impacts” (p. 218). Moreover, I personally use glass and paper packaging whenever I can.
Supporting renewable energy and sustainable transportation options can also make a difference. Ainsworth et al. suggest that “transitioning to renewable energy sources and increasing public transportation options can reduce the demand for fossil fuels ” (p. 105070). In my case, it means using bicycle or going on feet when there is an option.
One potential solution to the problem of climate change is transitioning to cleaner sources of energy. Ainsworth et al. state that “modeling studies show that the implementation of green energy policies can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming” (p. 105070). However, it will require enormous investment in infrastructure and technology and policy changes.
Another potential solution is to shift towards a more circular economy. According to “The Story of Stuff,” it is economy when “waste is minimized and resources are recycled” (18:10). These changes will require a shift in consumer and producer behavior and systemic changes in how we design and manage resources.
Finally, addressing the climate crisis’s root causes requires a rethinking of our social and economic systems that prioritize long-term sustainability. The experts and activists in “Rude Awakening” claim that transitioning to a more sustainable society will require “addressing power, inequality, and justice issues” (23:50). This is a problematic in the first place for people whose lifestyles will change, but it is an absolute necessity.
The role of oil in modern society has been crucial, but its continued use has significant negative impacts on our planet. Transitioning towards renewable energy, shifting towards a more circular economy, and addressing the systemic root causes of the Climate Crisis are all potential solutions to this complex problem. While these changes will require significant effort, they are necessary to ensure a sustainable and equitable future.
Works Cited
Before the Flood. Directed by Fisher Stevens, National Geographic, 2016.
The Story of Stuff. Directed by Louis Fox, Free Range Studios, 2007.
Rude Awakening. Directed by Daria Price Bowman, Miro Films, 2007.
Lenferna, Georges Alexandre. “Can We Equitably Manage the End of the Fossil Fuel Era?” Energy Research & Social Science, vol. 35, 2018, pp. 217-223. Web.
Ainsworth, C. H., Paris, C.B., Perrie, W., et al. “Ten Years of Modeling the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.” Environmental Modelling & Software, vol. 142, 2021, 105070. Web.
Westman, Clinton N., and Tara L. Joly. “Oil Sands Extraction in Alberta, Canada: A Review of Impacts and Processes Concerning Indigenous Peoples.” Human Ecology, vol. 47, 2019, pp. 233–243. Web.