Climate Change and Environmental Conservationism

Climate change has been in the forefront of environmental awareness and innovation for decades now. I'm sure many of you have already seen countless television commercials advertising the companies' desire to promote environmental protection by reducing carbon emissions, harnessing and using sustainable green energy, reduction of plastic materials and products and lobbying for government recognition to focus on future development with an emphasis on environmentalism. Thanks to increased education, scientific research and effective activism, more and more people are realizing the necessity to conserve energy, recycle, use less, and adopt new green energy applications to better their lives and their communities and future generations.

The human race has the technology, innovation and know-how to research, develop, and install groundbreaking new programs to conserve energy, use alternative sources of fuel, and reducing the carbon footprint. Due to immense pressure from proactive and demonstrative activism and scientific evidence to support the claims of greenhouse gases, rising global temperatures (which have caused more violent hurricanes, tornadoes, rainstorms, flooding and forest fires all over the world) and sea levels, and carbon emissions, I have seen great improvements. For instance, mainstream electric cars, more fuel efficient vehicles, hybrids (despite the fact that their battery cells are environmentally damaging in their production and recycling phase), gradual removal of plastic bags and other everyday products, hydrogen power and geothermal energy, and wind and solar energy are paramount variables of people trying to make a difference in their communities and attracting more people to adopt them as a part of their lifestyles. Also, these new industries can create brand new jobs and opportunities for workers who are interested in these areas. New communities and ideas develop that can have the potential to revolutionize our way of life. All these crucial areas are essential in preserving our planet. Earth is a unique world full of vibrant and incredible wildlife, ecosystems, biomes and nature on a grand scale. To protect these wonderful features, we must be forward-thinking in our quest to preserve the environment.

Of course, there will always be an opposition to contradict the narrative. Naturally, to every government, movement and idea there'll be an opposition to note. I find the most powerful and influential opponent to the cohesive cause is the oil and gas industry. This sector has been around for well over one-hundred years with the discovery of oil and its subsequent mass production to fuel the economy. I guess we could thank Rockefeller for that. At that time, nobody thought about the environmental damage it can cause. Many leading figures saw dollar signs and became extremely wealthy and impactful with their leaderships. In this case, the only things that can keep them afloat is capital, government support and manufacturing. Oil is used for almost everything. Since the majority of cars, trucks and ships are run by eternal-combustion engines, a significant quantity of oil will be designated to the automobile, trucking and shipping industry. Electricity production, machinery and the military are also important branches to oil consumption. In fact, the oil industry has been around for so long that it has its influence in massive corporations and many levels of government. Also, many political leaders receive incentives (bribery and corruption) to maintain these sectors for as long as possible. Of course, this industry requires a lot of employees to keep it running smoothly. That would be their argument to keep it intact. But, oil is a classic fossil fuel. It's extremely polluting, destructive and it isn't renewable. A lot of human-made disasters are linked to oil such as the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989, Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill, pipeline bursts, railroad derailments, and industrial accidents. In fact, many places that fall victim to these spills never really fully recover. Imagine the death to maritime creatures, wildlife and precious ecosystems these spills leave in their wake. It's a heart-wrenching and despicable thought. In the end, money rules and corrupts all. Proponents of oil will always see the massive figures behind the capital oil generates. They'd do anything to keep it going. To them, it's way too attractive just to let it go.

The oil industry has observed the intentions of their opponents and are deeply concerned. Companies, people and groups who are interested in pushing away the capacity of the oil and gas sector have been the target of attacks for decades. Oil companies have threatened to withdraw their funding for the government, to start legal action against them and businesses who allegedly threaten their way of life with their environmentally-friendly innovations. A good example of this is the electric car, known as the EV1 built by GM in the mid-1990s. It was successful at first. But due to the oil lobbyist group Western States Petroleum Association and their repetitive moves against the mandate to support this car, the wrecking ball was placed in the car's path. Furthermore, the federal government under George W. Bush joined a lawsuit to end California's zero-emissions vehicle mandate (ZEV) which happened. His cabinet was full of politicians that had worked for the automobile and oil industry such as Andrew Card, Dick Cheney and Condoleezza Rice. It is interesting to note that electric cars don't need as much maintenance and gasoline and diesel powered cars. For example, less braking due to regenerative braking, no oil changes and less parts. Auto dealerships and mechanic shops didn't like the idea of having electric cars around because of this. The best-known documentary to report on this was, Who Killed the Electric Car? I'm sure many people have watched the film or at least have heard about it. It does a great job in discussing the origins of the EV1 and its eventual sabotage. In the end, the opposition was to great for GM and the EV1 was quashed.

But it hasn't stopped innovative and courageous minds to make a stand against these oil tycoons and supporters. Opponents who want an indefinite end to environmental protectionism are sorely mistaken. Nothing can outmaneuver the spirit and ingenuity of the human mind. I'd like to personally thank Elon Musk, Greta Thunberg, David Suzuki, David Attenborough and either likeminded pioneers who want the human race to steer away from fossil fuels. These revolutionary people are responsible for taking the human race to the next level of progress. I find people have embraced the need to do something for the planet more than ever before, and they should. It's about the future of the youth and that of their children. They will inherit what we have left behind. Do them a favor and do your part to help the environment. I'm sure they'd be grateful and live comfortable lives.