E. The Impact of Oil


 
    Oil, like water is now a resource that humans, without a doubt, just couldn't live without. We use oil for a diverse and numerous amount of much needed items such as gasoline, many types of fuel, plastic, rubber, fertilizers/pesticides, paint, detergent, photographic film, vasaline (cosmetic) products, etc. In 2009, the U.S. was the #1 oil consumer in the world with 18,690,000 barrels consumed per day. In comparison, the entire world goes through about 85 million barrels per day. In 2010, the world had approximately 1,333 billion barrels of oil left in the earth, enough oil to keep us going for about 40 years. However, at the rapid rate we are consuming oil (which will probably increase) it will be depleted sooner than expected.
 
    Oil has an immense impact on the Middle East. Before the discovery of oil the Middle East was in some eyes viewed as worthless. However, after the discovery of oil in the late 1800s, the middle-east not only shifted into one of the most acknowledged country, but it became greatly depended upon. Many gasoline companies in the U.S. depend on oil from the Middle East including Shell, Chevron, Amoco, Exxon-Mobile, Marathon, etc. The list goes on. This shows that without Middle Eastern oil, the U.S. would have numerous problems. In addition, without oil the Middle East would be substantially poorer. Many problems came about from oil, like in the country Iran. The royal families become fabulously rich and the condition of the everyday citizen unemployment rate greatly increases because of it.

This coveted substance also causes political problems In recent times the overthrow of governments in countries, like Libya, can throw off the balance of the oil and natural gas supply. Usually when a government leader in the Middle East is overthrown, it's very common that the cause of the conflict is oil, or the wanting of power. Many violent riots start because of the unequal distribution of oil and how irate the citizens feel
about it. One can assume after riots, citizens will call for the leader or leaders of the government to be overthrown. In all of this, the distribution and production of oil can be interrupted. 
   







    
    Oil has been many of the solutions to our problems in more ways than you think, however it has also been many of the sparks that lead to conflicts and disputes. Though no one really knows how to solve the problems caused by oil, it is constantly being put into the news as a main subject. People have ideas on how to make the consequences of using oil better, but know one really knows how to solve its abundant problems. Do you? . . . . . . 
 
 
To see the oil consumption of other countries click here.
 
This is a video about the amount of OPEC oil in the world. Check it out!
Quick Summary:
  • We're consuming oil at a very rapid rate that needs to quickly slow down.
  • The impact of oil on the middle-east has caused some bad and some good. Oil has made the rich, richer and the poor, poorer. However, it has raised the standard of living in many countries. 
  • Middle-Eastern OPEC countries can basically change the price of oil. This can affect many nations (In sometimes a bad way).
  • Oil has been many of the solutions to our problems, but also many of our problems.







Written by
Team E
Michael D.
Bennett B.
Hannah H.
Dylan B.
Sydney W.








Sources: 
New York Times




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