The global demand for oil and gas is increasing. Some believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Many today believe that

growing

Correct article usage

the growing

show examples

demand for fossil fuels justifies the continued exploitation of remote natural landscapes. In my opinion, the advantages of

this

are enough to warrant its expansion. The disadvantages all relate to environmental conservation.

Firstly

, there have been cases of disastrous

oil

spills spoiling untouched natural preserves.

This

occurred more than a

decage

Correct your spelling

decade

ago in an isolated part of Alaska and resulted in the deaths of thousands of rare species and long-lasting damage to the ecosystem.

Secondly

, fossil fuel exploitation in general should not be encouraged at a time when the Earth is facing a potentially cataclysmic reckoning with the effects of climate change. The

last

untouched areas of the planet should be left in peace and not greedily consumed to feed a problem

that is

growing more dangerous daily.

On the other hand

, the advantages of drilling for

oil

and

gas

in less populated regions relate to economics and safety. Many countries, particularly developing ones, are reliant on

oil

and

gas

to prop up their economies. Losing the revenue from these industries would not only affect the companies themselves but they would pay fewer taxes and employ fewer people, who would

then

contribute less to the consumer economy. The second justification is safety. Companies will continue to drill for

oil

and

gas

but if they do it in residential areas there is the potential for human contamination, especially when it comes to more dangerous practices

such

as fracking. By limiting drilling to remote regions, the human population is safely protected from the risk of spills and increased air pollution. In conclusion, the environmental risks do not outweigh the benefits to the economy and the citizenry that accrue from remote

oil

and

gas

exploitation. There should be protocols to protect the environment but these must be balanced against humanity’s precedence over nature.