Alternative Energy Resources and Human Dependence on Oil - Thesis Example

Alternative Energy Sources and Human Dependence on Oil and Number Submitted Alternative Energy Resources and Human Dependence on Oil Introduction The modern world is fuelled by oil (Youngquest, 1998). This fact has brought tremendous changes and developments that are continuously transforming the current period, changing its lifestyles and economies in the last 200 years. However, these changes do not only paved for modernization and development, but it has also paved for the environmental crisis that the world is now facing (Bodley, 2008). Environmental crisis refers to the degradation of the environmental quality due to human intervention in natural processes. In other words, as human beings consume and expend the resources of the world, our industrial by-products are piling up (Bodley, 2008). As such, it is necessary to emphasize the fact that the environmental crisis is not only about environmental problems, but it is about the intertwined concerns regarding politics, economics, society and ideologies (Bodley 2008, p. 43). In this regard, this research will try to address one of the most urgent environmental issues that we are facing: are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence to oil? This is a crucial question because the reality of human dependence to oil is attested by the fact that countries all over the globe have to ensure energy security to sustain their economies and in case they fail, the threat of conflict becomes inevitable (Moran and Russell, 2008). Furthermore, as of 2009, 85 percent of total primary energy consumption involves the use of fossil fuels – oil, natural gas, and coal (Statistical Review of World Energy, 2009) and this is a critical issue because oil is finite. In addition, the peril of global warming coupled with the probability of the increase in consumption in the coming years creates urgency in addressing the question are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence to oil? In this condition, the researcher holds a cautious position – yes, there is a probability that alternative energy sources can provide means in which human dependence to oil may end. The Debate Everybody, in one way or another, is concern with global warming and in finding the answer on how consumption of fossil fuels may be reduced. Alternative sources such as oil sands, heavy oil, and wood/other biomass, coal hydropower, shale oil, solar energy, gas hydrates, wind energy, nuclear fission, wave energy, geothermal tidal power, fusion, ocean thermal energy and conversion are all considered as alternative sources of energy. However, can they end human dependence in oil? The Pros Those who support the notion that alternative energy sources can stop human dependence on oil claims that First, as mentioned, oil is finite. There is a need to come up with alternative sources of energy because the reality of diminishing fossil fuel supplies is a fact. The fossil fuel that the world is currently using is built on 500 million years of earth’s natural and physical processes (Youngquest, 1998). This source of energy will soon be depleted since almost 85% of the world’s oil consumption is based on fossil fuel. Others may argue that there will always be oil on earth. However, it is stipulated that the “eventually the cost to recover what remains will be beyond the value of the oil. Also, a time will be reached when the amount of energy needed to recover the oil is equals or exceeds the energy in the recovered oil, at which point oil production becomes no more than a break-even, or a net energy loss situation” (Youngquest, 1998). In order, to avoid the situation wherein energy insecurity is experienced, alternative energy sources should be used. A good example of this fact is the current economic policy of Saudi Arabia who is one of the leading country oil suppliers of the world. Currently, Saudi Arabia has started to diversify its economic policies and adopt other strategies of economic reforms that are not solely dependent in oil production (CIA World Factbook, 2011). This is a result of the notion that oil is finite (CIA World Factbook, 2011). Second, the idea of alternative energy sources connotes the notion that there are other sources of energy that can be used which leads to the supposition that humanity is not limited in using oil as the only source of energy. As such, alternative energy sources, per se, are options that can be utilized. However, more than that, alternative energy sources are renewable. This means that it has minimal CO2 emissions and other pollutants that can further damage the environment. In this way, alternative energy sources are sustainable. In addition, it helps in creating means wherein the environment may be protected while opening the possibility of having cleaner air, water and land. This is significant because healthier environment redounds to healthier population and healthier people and cleaner environment are better not only for the people of today, but also for the coming generation (Hamilton and Manne, 1998). Third, the use of fossil fuels has introduced political instability or an imbalance in the relationship between the seller and the buyer. This has been observed not only in the United States, but also in other European countries (Bronson, 2006; Denisov, 2008; Deutsch and Schlesinger, 2006; Medvedev, 2008). This fact creates tension as the sellers are given the rein to run their countries in the way they choose even if it counters the values, ideologies and beliefs of the buyer countries. In this regard, in order to rectify the imbalance and avoid the possibility of conflict between countries, alternative sources of energy must already be used and optimized (Deutsch and Schlesinger, 2006). This is a fundamental reason to use alternative energy resources and gradually lower the oil dependence of most countries to only few countries. It has already been observed that seller countries are often getting unfair upper hand in their economic transactions since the buyer countries cannot afford not to have a reliable supply of oil (Deutsch and Schlesinger, 2006; Medvedev, 2008). As such, it has been noted that oil producing countries influence the world price of oil and that currently the oil cartel involves not only Saudi Arabia, but includes Russia, Qatar and Iran (Dietsch, 2009). As such, some scholars are claiming that the hegemonic power of the United States is now being threatened not by another super power, but by countries that have control over oil production (Bronson, 2006; Medvedev, 2008). These claims supporting the notion of alternative sources of energy as viable means in which oil dependence can be ended rest on the supposition that oil is finite. Humankind has to wake up on the reality that the dependence in oil has to stop, at some time, to protect, secure and sustain the environment, the economy, foreign relations among nations, people’s health, people’s lifestyle and the world for the future generation. The Cons On the other hand, there are those who hold the position that it cannot end human dependence to oil. The reasons are First, existing technologies are not yet capable of fully harnessing alternative sources of energy. For example, take the case of solar energy. Although there is now existing cites wherein solar cells are being used, the debate on how to store a huge amount of solar energy so that even when there is no sun, the installations will still function is, until now, a huge problem (Youngquest, 1998). Second, coal, oil sands and heavy oil brings similar environmental concerns as oil. For instance, coal mining is dangerous for countries experiencing stronger typhoons due to global warming. It denudes the mountains causing flash floods and it adds to green house effect. In case of oil sands, even if it is already being processed in Alberta, Canada and Venezuela, it cannot replace oil. This is because it will require trillions of barrels of oil sands to be mined, which in turn, is environmentally hazardous. Aside from the fact, that it will strain existing technologies. As such, Youngquest (1998) claims that oil sands and heavy oil can contribute to a minimal degree in the oil supply, but it cannot replace oil. As such, it has been argued that oil is irreplaceable because it provides the most efficient source of energy with minimal technological requirements compared with other alternative sources of energy. Third, another reason why alternative energy sources of oil cannot end current oil dependence is the fact that costs of transporting oil to other countries compared with other sources of energy is cheaper. There are two crucial points being raised by this argument. First, what makes oil the leading source of energy in the world is the fact that oil can be transported from one country to another. By using pipelines, tanker ships and even railroads, oil is transported from one country to another. Although each form of transportation has concerns, still, the transport of oil is considered as the most economical way of acquiring source of energy compared with the other sources of energy (Victor, Jaffe and Hayes, 2006). The second key factor that is implicit in this position is the notion that most of the alternative sources of energy are not tradable. More often, alternative energy sources are commonly used locally. For instance, natural gas is traded locally, and as such, it does not have global price, which is different with, oil. This is important in the sense that it shows the fact that the reason behind why oil is the most popular source of energy not only because it is highly effective, but also because it can be traded globally. Thus, making oil fungible. The position of those who hold that the dependence on oil cannot be addressed because existing technology cannot fully tap the potential of alternative sources of energy and, benefits, advantages and efficiency in using fossil fuel is incomparable. A Third Option The third option stems from the reality that the issue of oil dependence is not just about the issue of oil per se. Rather, it is made up of intertwined issues that cannot be taken apart. Instead, the issue of oil dependence together with the other issues that are attributed to it should be understood within that context. Miller (2010) claims that there is an inherent international security risk if governments will cease getting oil from seller countries. He claims that the dependence on oil causes both international and internal risks to the seller country and the buyer country. International conflict may arise because if there is decreased interdependence among countries, in terms of trade, then, there will be fewer constraints for them not to engage in violence towards one another (Miller, 2010). In the same manner, internal conflict may also occur in the seller’s country if there is a drop in oil revenue. The lifestyle and advantages that citizens of oil producing countries are experiencing right now is the result of the gains in the oil trade. However, if there will be a reduction in the revenue, then the probability of internal conflict may escalate because of deepening lack of resources. This scenario is not implausible as it has been the experience of Sierra Leone and Indonesia (Miller, 2010). Finally, if buyer countries will no longer buy oil, then the probability of seller countries entering into criminal trades such as narcotics and arms increases (Miller, 2010). This situation is not imagined. Ukraine is one of the leading suppliers of legal and illegal small arms because there are not enough resources to cover the needs of the people. In the same way, in Afghanistan, before they were against the trafficking of narcotics due to religious beliefs, but when money from this illegal trade started pouring in the country, they just look the other way (Miller, 2010). In this regard, Miller (2010) is not saying that the humanity should just maintain its dependence on oil. Rather, he is presenting the fact that it is not easy for any country to refuse to buy oil anymore. The issue is not just a matter of sustaining the current economy of both the seller country and buyer country, but it also involves political issues, foreign relationship, security and other identified concerns. As such, it is recommended that the focus is not just in coming up with alternative sources of energy. Instead, seller countries should be encouraged to diversify their economy so when the time comes that oil becomes no longer a viable option, these countries are ready (Miller, 2010). Likewise, transparency in energy policies and education of the citizenry are highly recommended as buffers for the decline in the use of fossil fuel. In effect, the third option opens the viability of steady decline in the dependence on oil. It supports the position that countries cannot abruptly end the dependence. Removing the world’s dependence on oil is a slow process that requires identifying alternative sources of energy that is suitable for the country, political will, change in the mindset of the people, transparent energy policies, diversification of economies and similar undertakings that address the problem slowly but surely. Conclusion The researcher holds that yes there is likelihood that alternative energy sources can possibly end human dependence to oil. However, the researcher is also in agreement with Miller (2010) that human dependence on oil is not something that can be discarded at whim. The issue is not just are we going to buy oil or not. A straw man fallacy is committed if we adhere to the simple yes or no response. The issue of alternative energy sources ending human dependence to oil is a whole gamut of issues that have a tremendous impact as it encompasses environmental, social, economic, political, and ideological and values system of the global society. In this regard, the researcher believes that we have to act know not only in terms of coming up with alternative sources energy, but also in terms of creating a paradigm shift in the consciousness of people. The depleting fossil fuels, global warming, issues in security and international trade are global concerns. As such, everybody ought to start to find ways on how we can conserve energy. This is not only for us, but it is also for the future generation. In turn, what is feasible is that alternative sources of energy can help reduce our dependence on oil, which is liberating in itself. However, we have to bear in mind that the problem is not only our dependence on oil. References Bodley, J.H. (2008). Anthropology and Contemporary Human Problems 5th Edition, UK: Altamira Press. Bronson, R. (2006). Thicker Than Oil: America’s Uneasy Alliance with Saudi Arabia. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Denisov, A. (2008). “The Gains and Failures of the Energy Superpower.” Russia in Global Affairs, 6(2). Deutch, John& Schlesinger, J. (Eds). (2006). “The Consequences of U.S. Oil Dependency.” Council on Foreign Relations. Dietsch, M. (10 December 2009). “The Next Global Energy Cartel.” Forbes. Medvedev, A. (2008). “Gazprom and European Energy Security.” International Affairs, 54(3). Miller, G. (2010). “The Security Costs of Energy Independence.” The Washington Quarterly, 33(2), pp. 107 – 119. Moran, D & Russell, J. (eds.) (2008). Energy Security and Global Politics: The Militarization of Resource Management. New York: Routledge. Saudi Arabia. (2011). CIA World Fact Book. Retrieved at www.cia.gov.library/publications Accessed on 11 October 2011. Victor, D., Jaffe A, & Hayes M. (2006).Natural Gas and Geopolitics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Youngquest, W. (1998). “Alternative energy Resources- Myths and Realities”, Electronic Green Journal, 1(9), pp. 1 – 10. Read More