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Many millions of tons of oil are carried in huge oil tanker ships or flow through pipelines crossing land and sea without us being aware of it. Without this oil and the cheap and convenient energy it provides, our standard of living would plummet.
Oil can affect our environment in ways that we would not choose. Here are some of the problems and how they are being tackled.
Oil spills
An oil spill can have a devastating effect on wild life and its habitats.
It can seriously affect the livelihood of many people. No two oil spills
are the same. The composition of the oil, the location of the spill (far
out at sea or near land), and the weather conditions are all relevant.
Oil Spills The oil industry has funded the Oil Spill Service Centre - a trouble-shooting organisation equipped to deal with major spills anywhere in the world. Modern tankers are also built with double-skinned hulls and carry specialised radar to alert them to potential collisions. The government provides aircraft to spray chemical dispersants on oil spills at sea. The harbour authorities make sure that harbour masters are trained to act quickly in the case of coastal spills. Over long periods of time nature itself and the weather will clear up the remaining traces of pollution. |
Burning fuels
Burning any fossil fuel releases carbon dioxide gas. This is one of
the greenhouse gases, which trap heat from the Earth. As we burn more fuel
we are contributing to a potentially harmful increase in global warming.
Incomplete combustion means that smoke particles and poisonous carbon monoxide gas are part of the output of exhaust gases. Unburnt hydrocarbons are also emitted and contribute to photochemical smogs in areas of high traffic density.
Finally, sulphur impurities in our fossil fuels burn to sulphur dioxide, a major cause of acid rain. This damages buildings, plants and even, in some Scandinavian countries, is leading to 'acid' rivers and lakes which are killing the fish which live in them.
Burning Fuels Some progress is being made with more efficient vehicle engines and the prevention of heat loss in new housing, so that the same energy output is obtained using less fuel. Catalytic converters on exhaust pipes and the newer, cleaner fuels such as 'city diesel' developed by the oil industry solve some pollution problems. In some of these new products the sulphur content has been reduced by 75%. Modern technology means that power stations are reducing the amount of sulphur dioxide they emit. |
Plastic waste
We do not normally want the plastic containers and other items that
we use to biodegrade easily. However, if they do not biodegrade and are
not disposed of safely they can litter the landscape for years.
Plastic Waste Plastics are increasingly recycled, or otherwise burnt as fuel |
In general
The oil and gas industry is increasingly sensitive to its responsibilities
towards the environment. When an investment in a new installation is considered,
a study is made to predict its impact on the environment. The Institute
of Petroleum has produced
environmental guidelines for refineries, distribution terminals and service
stations. Environmental responsibility also makes good business sense.
For example, over 70% of all petroleum products in the UK are moved by
underground pipeline. This minimises damage to the landscape and wildlife
and reduces the risk of accidents involving people. It is also very efficient
and comparatively cheap.
| The above-ground Trans-Alaska pipeline is 1,300 km long and 122 cm in diameter. It passes over three mountain ranges and across at least 800 rivers and streams. Temperatures range from -57°C to 32°C. Some of the pipeline stands on insulated stilts to prevent the warmth of the oil melting the permafrost and causing the pipeline to sink. The stilts also allow animals to migrate without hindrance. |