How Healthy Is The Gulf Of Mexico Really?
More than two years after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil well, the Gulf Of Mexico is still feeling its impact. Despite the use of new technologies meant to degrade and disperse the spilled oil, scientists have had to admit that the bottom of the Gulf is still covered with oil and organisms that have died because of it.
At the time of the original spill clean up, oil eating microbes were introduced to the spill area, which were supposed to consume the spilled oil, leaving the area clean again. Marine scientist Samantha Joye of the University Of Georgia, who has recently visited the area, says that the plan does not seem to have been as effective as was hoped. She estimates that the microbes may have consumed about 10% of the total oil discharged during the disaster – a far cry from the result that had been predicted.
Meanwhile, reports continue to come in about the increased occurrence of deformities amongst the wildlife that inhabit the area – shrimp with no eyes, for example – and fish with open sores and other damage.
While the pundits originally predicted that everything would be back to normal by 2012, it is becoming obvious just how wrong they were. It will take many years before the area returns to its former glory – if ever!
The whole situation brings into sharp focus just how serious the consequences of our reliance on fossil fuels can be. Whether the petroleum is imported from the Middle East, or domestically produced, the ecological impact it has on all living things is unacceptable. We must find ways to minimize or eliminate the threat that petroleum poses to our environment if our Earth is to survive.
As Dr. Seuss said in The Lorax, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” So, instead of being part of the problem, we invite you to purchase one of our electric vehicles and become part of the solution. Not only will you save money but every living thing will appreciate it!
To read more about the current state of the Gulf Of Mexico, read the full article athttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/20/gulf-oil-spill-update-ci_n_825634.html.
