Tiana Sweat- Creative Write

Oil is a leading cause of war. One-half of wars since 1973 have been directly linked to oil.

Oil fuels these disputes through civil wars, insulating aggressive leaders such as Saddam Hussein, resource wars, and even clashes over oil transport routes. These are just a few of the many ways that oil contributes to international conflict.

Through fossil fuel subsidies, the government is picking winners and losers which creates an unhealthy relationship between commercial interests and the government.

Because there is collusion occuring in fossil fuel companies, the economic decisions are based more upon politics than what's best for the people.

These fossil fuel subsidies are also a violation of the free market economy because it has become a governmentally coerced market.

Not only that, but these subsidies attack the values of public and private lands.

Democracy is less likely in oil-rich countries, because the money received from the fossil fuel industry is used to buy weapons and suppress their citizens.

The US wastes over $20 billion each year towards fossil fuel subsidies.

Fracking is the process of injecting liquid at a high pressure into subterranean rocks so as to open existing fissures and extract oil or gas.

This process requires large amounts of water in order for their harvesting to work.

However, this disruption of the ground leads to water pollution and droughts. More than 15 million Americans live near these toxic sites.

Some of the chemical pollutants in the water include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. People near these sites have to endure frequent skin rashes, nosebleeds, headaches, respiratory problems, premature births and cancers.

RENEWABLE ENERGY!!

Renewable energy has been proven more efficient, cheaper, and healthier than fossil fuels. The green energy industry already has hundreds of thousands job opportunities and would have even more if the US switched over to renewables. These jobs are also much safer than any in the fossil fuel industry, who accounts for over 800,000 premature deaths and millions more serious and minor illnesses each year.

In order to create a better future for the coming generations, those living now need to make healthier choices for themselves, others, and the environment. In the status quo, fossil fuels are dominating the market mostly due to subsidies provided to them. These fossil fuels are causing disputes, death, sickness, and damage to the environment. To preserve our world and conceive a positive future for those after us, the switch to renewable energy is vital.

For a better tomorrow...