http://www.emagazine.com/blog/shells-slick-track-record?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EMagazine Blog Feed+%28+Magazine+blogs+feed%29&utm_content=googe+readerPicture: This picture is of the endangered species the bowhead whale, whose low population could be affected by the drilling
Summary: Basically this article is about the U.S. federal officials giving Shell the chance to keep drilling for oil, but now in the Arctic. Not long ago the United Nations released a report saying that Shell has contributed to 50 years of pollution in the Niger Delta. As of now Shell is beginning a ver expensive and extensive cleanup in one country, and with the start drilling is racing to put one of the most pristine and remote places on earth at risk. A lot of major energy companies have been coveting the Arctic for years, but conservation groups have been arguing that we need a better understanding of the Arctic ecosystem. Where should be drilling there are endangered species and many other species that could be affected from irresponsible drilling. Shell also does not have an adequate oil spill cleanup plan fo the Arctic, and the Arctic;s ice waters would be much more difficult to clean up than those in warmer climates. Canadian researchers have found that "conditions in the Arctic can be so bad that clean up measures in the Arctic are not even possible about 20% if the time in June;40% of the time in August and 65% of the time in October. The company says it will take full responsibility for any cleanup necessary, but in the previous Nigerian oil spill Shell said that 15 site were remediated, but 10 of the had pollution levels exceeding government standards. Although Shell got the green light from the Interior Department they still have much to do before they can begin drilling
Reflection: I think that although it may be good for the economy in the beginning of this drilling, if anything goes wrong the costs of the cleanup would overcome the amount made from the drilling. Also, there is alot more we need to know about the ecosystem, there are many species that could be affected just from one oil spill. Also there is alot of talk about Shell's past and not alot of it is positive. I do not think it would be a good idea to let Shell drill in the Arctic.
Question 1: Do you think that drilling in this area has been brought up enough as it should be?
Question2: Do you think enough precautions are being taken for drilling in the Arctic?
Question 3: If you were an official would you let Shell drill in such a prestine place?
I think the drilling should be discontinued. Even though they are making a lot of money off of it, the cleanup will cost even more. Not to mention the unknown or endangered wildlife being effected by drilling in the arctic. I agree we should learn more about the enviorment in the arctic before we go drilling and ruining what could be a very well run ecosystem
ReplyDeleteA lot of people feel the same way, here are a couple
http://arctic.fws.gov/issues1.htm
I disagree with the decision that the U.S Federal Officials decided. I don't think that there should be allowed drilling in the Arctic ocean. With the overbearing amount of oil spills that have happened in the last couple of years, i think that all drilling should be limited, and have those efforts be put into research for preventing things like oil spills. Also, this could potentially be extremely disruptive to the wildlife whose home is in the Arctic ocean. In conclusion, I don't think that the financial benefits take precedence over the possibility of destructing ecosystems.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: NO! I think that much more effort needs to be put into taking more precautionary steps towards it. There is a great risk involved with oil drilling, especially in the sacred arctic oceans. They need to be much more cautious about it, rather than focusing on the money that they could make.
I agree with Brenna. I think that all this drilling in the Arctic comes more and more pollution. I think that the drilling should be limited as well, but we need to find an alternative before the drilling comes to a complete stop. The money and energy isn't worth losing the lives of millions of loved creatures.
ReplyDeleteThis website is all about the projects used for helping preserve wildlife
http://www.defenders.org/programs_and_policy/habitat_conservation/federal_lands/national_wildlife_refuges/threats/arctic/index.php
I agree with everyone. All of this drilling is going to kill our Earth. I understand it is great for the economy, but money is made everyday. the Earth is made once, and we have to keep it clean and preserve what we have left of it. Without our Earth... there is no life! If the Earth is so polluted, I doubt that the government around the world will be happy.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3: ABSOLUTELY NO!!!! this is all we have left our our polar ice caps. If we ruin them, we won't have anything left of them. think of all the animals that well loose their homes just so we can have more money. What would u do if someone wanted to destroy your house for money? I think everyone would be very upset. so don't let Shell do it to animals homes!