Opinion response exercise
Should there be larger controls on petroleum and coal use?
This opinion response survey will be due next Thursday (Oct 8) by classtime.
The "whale hunting" opinion was technically due by
classtime Thursday Oct 3, and all responses received
by
Please read through the directions first before starting to read the opinions (if you haven't already in past assignments).
Instead of reading all the responses, which I think might be overwhelming, I will divide it up as follows:
· If your name begins with the letters A to D, please read responses 1 to 19
· If your name begins with the letters E to K, please read responses 20 to 38
- If your name begins with the letters L to N, please read responses 39 to 57
· If your name begins with the letters O to Z, please read responses 58 to 75
The order of the opinions is according to the order in which they were received. Chances being what they are, the 4 sets will probably differ somewhat.
You are welcome, of course, to read responses outside your own set if you have time and interest.
If you do not see your response below, do not panic, but please do let me know.
1. Should there be larger controls on petroleum and coal use? I don't think there should be larger controls on any of these resources because either way they are being abused and manipulated by different countries. Such as the United States, whatever we need as a society we get through any means necessary regardless if people want to admit it or not. Our government feels that if we depend on something such as these natural resources we deserve it and that is not the case and regardless of what new laws and regulations are made we a country will get what we need. We bully every other country and bribe and manipulate every system we possibly can to get the upper hand in the world. Changing the laws only changes the rules to how the game is played and there is always loop holes and people of corrupt position in power who will pretend to look the other way if something illegal is occurring. Advancement can try to be made but in the end the countries with the resources that have little military power and government affiliation will be cheated for their goods and those with the power will take as much as they possibly can. Money is always a factor in this so whoever has the most money wins.
2. Fossil Fuels such as petroleum and coal are important natural resources and have been used for years, which are causing these fuels to become less abundant. So these fuels now need to be regulated more strictly in order to keep the amount of these fuels around for a longer period of time. We need to make sure that we can slow down the rate of using these resources and work on using more environmentally safe fuels in order to help nature and ourselves.
3. Fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal are becoming less and less available as the years go on. It takes millions of years for these resources to form in the earth and we have a habit of using them up at a very quick rate. Regulation of the use of these fossil fuels would most likely help to keep them around longer. But it is inevitable that we will at one point run out of them. We should be trying to prevent this for as long as possible. If it is necessary to have greater regulation in order for this to happen, then yes we should put larger controls on fossil fuel use.
4. There should absolutely be higher limits on our use of petroleum and coal. As a society we have become entirely dependent on these resources, and when they are finally depleted- a deadline which is not far off. We are at the mercy of Middle Eastern powers, which control a large portion of the petroleum we use, and, of course, the burning of these resources is detrimental to our ecosystem. We should slowly sever our dependency on coal and petroleum while finding new power sources to replace them.
5. I do think there should be more control on petroleum and coal use. Our resources are running out. In the future they will no longer exist and the only way to prolong their existence is to conserve. There should be a larger conservation of energy. As resources decrease the economy changes. The more we conserve the better we will be.
6. There is no question that there should be larger controls on fossil fuel use. It is time now to begin searching for alternative sources of fuel to power this planet. I do not think that at the present time science is doing enough research on this pressing matter. Alternative energy will eventually become a major concern to all of us on this planet, and hopefully we will not be too late when the time comes to end fossil fuel use.
7. It seems to me that the issues surrounding petroleum and coal use are double-edged swords. To say that more stringent controls should be placed to decrease the pollution due to fossil fuels, and consequently begin to reverse the effects of global warming, creates another problem. Society is highly dependent on the energy supplied by petroleum and coal, and to decrease their use would restrict the personal freedoms we so selfishly enjoy. However, to say that we should not worry about fossil fuels because our supply will be depleted anyway also has ramifications. What happens if we use up the coal and petroleum before finding an alternate source of energy? This situation too would place new limits on an already dependent society, it is just a matter of whether these limits are completely irreversible or not. Placing controls on fossil fuels is a reversible decision; completely depleting the world's supply is not.
8. In terms of benefiting the environment and preserving natural resources for more important uses in the future, it makes sense to cut back on the use of petroleum and coal, which are fossil fuels. But in reality, this will never happen. So many things depend on the use of these fuels that if they are taken away, or even limited, it can cause problems. The economy depends a lot upon the use of these fossil fuels and although they are dangerous and harmful to the environment, if take away it can have devastating affects on our economy. Unless we can find a more resources of an alternative fuel that offers the same power as these fossil fuels and less harmful to the environment, it is going to be tough to limit the use of these fuels, because so much of what goes on today depends upon them.
9. Coal and petroleum, also known as fossil fuels, are what help us everyday. The use of these materials goes way back to the time of when everyone relied on the men working in the coal mines to bring back coal for them to survive. However, these materials were formed at one point under a certain condition and therefore they cannot be brought out artificially in their pure form. Because of this fact, there should be somewhat of a control put on the amount of coal and petroleum being used everyday. We need to keep track of how much we are using up so that there will not be a shortage. Perhaps with the many advances in technology, a method might be discovered of making a material similar to coal and petroleum but for now, we should just watch our use of it.
10. There should not be larger controls on petroleum and coal use. Studies have shown that the supply of fuel that we have now can sustain us for at least another century. As technology advances, a substitute for fossil fuels can be discovered and maintained. The issue of economics also comes into play while discussing fossil fuels. The fuel industry is a great contributor to our nation and other nations economy. If we limit the use of petroleum and coal, the economy will be affected. Some might argue that if we continue to use the fuels, when they run out it will also affect the economy. However, if a substitute energy source can be produced that will take the place of the oil industry in the economy.
11. Fossil fuels are
slowly depleting and at the same time they are polluting our earth. These
fossil fuels, when burned, create high levels of carbon dioxide that raise
temperatures and contaminate clean, breathable air. The simple resolution to
this problem is to create an energy source that can be just as efficient and
much cleaner. With our current situation in the
12. The use of fossil fuels should not be controlled; it just needs to be phased out through re-education and new technology. If the government would help pay for the country to switch power sources the use of fossil fuels wouldn't be an issue, because newer energy sources available today (solar, geothermal, wind, water, natural gas) are allot cheap than fossil fuels anyway. The issue isn't controlling it, it's moving on, we are using old out dated technology and need to modernize. It is surprising that in the capitalist society we live in today, were money is the bottom line, that we are so wasteful with such expensive things such as oil, and haven't converted to something better or cheaper. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
13. Fossil fuels have that distinct name for a reason. They have been forming within the Earth’s crust for millions of years, untouched by humans. As technology developed over the years, man has tapped into the Earth’s wealth. He has been extracting a large portion of the petroleum and coal supply that some experts feel is in danger of running out. The fact of the dwindling supply and point that they are non-renewable is not the only downfall to using these fossil fuels. They also produce a lot of air pollution, such as CO2, which we in turn breathe. If there are not stricter restrictions placed on the use of coal and petroleum, the world will be in rough shape during the next century. We have to conserve what there is left of these precious fuels and at the same time search for alternative sources of energy.
14. I believe that there should be controls on the use of petroleum and coal until we find a new resource. We will eventually run out of these fuels, even if it is in another century. To say that we will find a new resource before these fuels run out is being optimistic, but the truth is that we can't predict the future. What will we do if we run out and we haven't yet found another resource? Essentially, we will be screwed and wish we could have gone back and limited the use of these fuels. I say, let's not be regretful. Limit the use of petroleum and coal now.
15. While we may have enough fossils fuels in storage to last another 50 years or so, and perhaps another 50 years worth, it would be economic suicide to ignore alternative fuel sources. Currently we spend excessive amounts of taxpayer money on refining techniques for consuming limited fuel sources, but such expectations are essentially myopic because we will still run out of fossil fuels, whether it is in the next 50 years, 100 years or so on. Thus, we should moderate consumption of fossil fuels in order to allow preservation of resources while we search for less deplorable sources of energy.
16. Should we have a larger control over fossil fuels? I would have to say "yes!" Anything that will reduce pollution in our ecosystem would be of great help. Fossil fuels are the largest source of ozone depletion on the Earth, and continue to be one of our largest sources of energy. Being part of the world as a whole we should realize that the use of these fossil fuels instead of alternative energy is just slowly strangling our environment. Eventually we will all run out of air. I strongly encourage laws limiting fossil fuels and development of new technologies such as, Hydrogen power. Hydrogen power is a great answer because the only by-product is water vapor, which as far as I know "a little water never hurt anyone."
17. There should be controls on petroleum and coal use. For starters it is damaging the environment. Less of it needs to be used so that we don’t damage the environment so much that it is beyond repair. Second we don’t know if there is another substitute out there to use as fuel if we run out of the petroleum and coal. If we restrict the use then we can ensure that it will last longer and hopefully give us time to find a replacement for it.
18. I do agree that there should be larger controls on petroleum and coal use. I think one of the major reasons as to why no one takes the matter seriously is because as of now and living in the present the idea of limited petroleum and coal seems highly unlikely. But in reality these two natural resources will someday run out. It would be selfish of us to not think of our children who will live in generations beyond our own. I think major efforts need to be made in finding alternatives to the uses of petroleum and coal to help limit the amount that is consumed. It would also be helpful if these alternatives were not natural resources as well.
19. I don't think we should use fossil fuels. We have the brains to figure out how to blow a million people up with atomic energy but we can’t figure out a different method of industrial fuel? I think the use of fossil fuels is a reflection of our priorities, and it seems that living in a healthy environment without pollution isn't very important. Reducing the resources of our planet is not a good idea. Once we reach the carrying capacity of the world then there are going to be terrible changes. We should invest time and as much money as it takes to find an alternative and renewable source of fuel.
20. This is a tough question to answer, simply because I don't know what the controls are, and what the benefits would be of having more lax or more strict controls. I do feel that a compromise should be met. People need fossil fuels for everyday life, and while they pollute the environment, they also help to produce vital materials for people. I think that all should be done to come up with alternate sources of power, but until these are made accessible to all countries I see no other option than to continue using fossil fuels. Until more sanitary methods are adapted, research could look into ways to filter emissions from factories that use these fossil fuels. This would help to minimalize the pollution.
21. It is not only necessary to put larger controls on petroleum and coal use, but essential for more resources to be invested in researching alternative sources of energy. The problems with fossil fuels as an energy source are countless — they create acid rain, add to already high levels of air pollution, are the cause of many respiratory illnesses, can contaminate water sources, and the list goes on. Add to this the current projection that the world’s sources for fossil fuels will be nearly depleted within a century, and it creates a compelling reason to restrict the use of such energy sources as much as is necessary. Legislation such as the Clean Air Act must not only be passed, but also followed stringently so that the problems associated with petroleum and coal use can be lessened. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion.)
22. I believe that there should be a limit to how much petroleum and coal we use. I think we should use as little as possible, and we should start finding possible replacements for them. If we can find an energy source that won’t pollute and is not limited, we should replace petroleum and coal altogether. Also if we can find an easier way to use solar power, I think we should use that, because it doesn’t pollute, and it wouldn’t cost a lot of money.
23. There should definitely be control over coal and petroleum use. We only have one earth, and yet people seem to think that we can exhaust it’s materials and more and more will come. They are wrong. It takes a while for petroleum and coal to be ready for use. But we take everything away so fast, so for granted. We should think about the future. We should take care of the earth and have more respect.
24.
I do think that there should be larger control on petroleum and coal use.
As humans, the majority of us tend to be wasteful, especially in the
25.
President Bush, what can I say, you lost a lot of my respect for you (in terms
of his environmental policy, or lack there of). President Bush is pushing
for an increase in emissions to boost the
26.
In my opinion until we discover another form of fuel we should place higher
restrictions on fossil fuel usage. As Americans we are far too dependent on
coal and oil. This is terrible for society as a whole. It contributes to
environmental damage, obesity, and political turmoil. No one wants to see a gas
crisis, and while restrictions would be difficult they would prolong a true
crisis.
27. I think that the use of petroleum and coal should be controlled to a certain point. One day or another, the fossil fuels we overuse today will eventually run out. So cutting back on them to a point until scientists come up with another form of fuel that we can use sounds like a good idea to me. Some people will have to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate with this, but in the long run I think we will be better off having these fossil fuels for a longer time period, or for as long as we can before they run out.
28. The excessive burning of fossil fuels is a big problem in the world today. These fossil fuels are destroying or environment. The excess carbon dioxide they produce and the problem of deforestation are the causes of global warming. There are many different sources of fuel that can be developed and used but our society is a fossil fuel society and our economy and the economy of many other countries are based on buying or selling petroleum or coal. Pollution is not the only reason that we should have larger controls on fossil fuels. There are other fuel sources, but many have not been worked on enough to show whether or not they will be able to take over the fossil fuels we have been using for such a long time. At the rate we are consuming fossil fuels we do not have much left and if future generations want to have a fuel source as reliable as ours is, we should cut down so that if a new fuel source can not be utilized, they have fossil fuels left, even if not that much. People in general do use less fossil fuel but we still have to do more than that.
29.
Our earth is, at this moment, being polluted by fossil fuels that we have
harvested from the earth. To date, these fuels have the most energy
packed per unit than any alternative that we have made or found. I think
that there should be a type of regulation where the
30. I believe that there should be larger controls on petroleum and coal use because they are limited resources and if we use them up, then what would we do? Even though scientists may be trying to find new alternates to these, we do not know exactly when they will discover them. Therefore, until these new methods are found, we need to plan as though petroleum and coal are the only resources that we have. If we were in a position that we did not have a new discovery and all of the petroleum and coal were gone, we would have nothing to do.
31. I believe there should be larger controls on petroleum and coal usage for our nation as well as the entire industrial world. One reason, that there should be stricter controls is that once inventors are not able to use coal or petroleum they will work rigorously to find another way to produce energy for everyone's daily activities. For example car manufactures would perfect automobiles that can run on alternative forms of energy. Also creating stricter controls will allow scientists to possibly find cleaner and more efficient ways to produce energy other than using valuable natural resources. Also by controlling petroleum and coal there will be a lot less pollution which benefits all in the long run. I believe people would rather not be able to use oil or coal as much rather than not living their life's extent.
32. I don’t really see what larger controls will do to help the fact that we are quickly approaching a point where we will no longer have any coal or petroleum. It will merely buy us more time to solve a problem that we should have already been working on long ago before it was nearing the impending doom that is now before us. I suppose that its never too late to try, but instead of spending time passing laws for larger controls we should spend our time directly addressing the issue of new fuels for us to use. (Frequently cited as a new insight.)
33. If there were a way to make cold fusion possible then our problems with using fossil fuels would be greatly relieved. They wouldn't be solved, but at least this way we could have more nuclear power plants (that are safer than the current day fission plants). I think that while SUV’s are nice cars, they are gas guzzling machines that waste an immense amount fossil fuels not to mention cause more greenhouse gases to be released in the air. We need to start conserving our fossil fuels and start really thinking about alternative types that are not only more efficient but also more environmentally safe.
34. While petroleum and coal use may not pose much of a problem now, it certainly could in the future. I believe that until we know that there is a safe alternative that we know is possible, we should definitely limit the use of petroleum and coal. This does not mean that a drastic cutback is necessary, but simply a more conscientious use of it. People tend not to look into the future as much as we should. Students procrastinate by not doing their homework; these people are in a sense procrastinating by not taking charge of the potentially harmful situation. If we run out of these resources, the world will get an F on its next test.
35. I strongly believe that there should be limits on the use of petroleum and coal. In fact, I feel that they should be banned from use forever. Did you know that hemp could substitute for both of these fossil fuels and also provide us with many other uses and a much lower cost? Well it is true and I think that this action must be taken.
36.
Petroleum and coal are limited resources, which pose a possible threat to the
environment. However, they are very efficient resources, and many
developing countries depend upon the profit, which they make from the sale of
petroleum and coal. 37. At this point I believe that more financially
sound countries, such as the
38.
Yes, I think there should be larger controls on petroleum and coal use. People
seem to have this idea that we will never run out of these natural resources.
Estimates say that we will run out of all petroleum within 80 years at the
current rate that we are using it. There are a lot of physical threats
involving these to natural resources. Especially with current situations
in
39. Well if I had my say, id say what I said about the whales that is that no thing should have control over any other thing that isn’t his own creation but, since that argument wont get me anywhere, my stance is that there should be regulation on petroleum and coal, because sooner or later we are going to run out. And until we find an alternative source, we need to conserve it.
40. The use of fossil fuels needs to be put under a strong regulation. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, and despite the fact that there are an adequate amount of them for the time being, continued use at the level we use them could leave future generation in jeopardy of having an energy source. Also the amount that we use them, leads to a large amount of pollution in the atmosphere, especially in the form of CO2, which is a green house gas, and then contributes to global warming. There are many simple ways to reduce the usage of fossil fuels, such as fuel-efficient automobiles, car-pooling, or walking.
41. I don't really know what should be done about oil and all the issues that revolve around it. I drive a car, and I need it to get to and fro, and frankly I am sick with gas prices. However I don't like hearing stories about injured animals because of oil rig accidents, or even injured humans because of it. Maybe if I was more informed, or if there were a better way to drive for me, than maybe I could say, "Get rid of oil!" Or something.
42. It is essential to have larger controls on the use of fossil fuels. If we don’t begin the transition now to alternate forms of energy, we will have major crises in the future. If we rely too heavily on petroleum and coal use for energy, they will be depleted and once that happens, we will be left with virtually no source of energy, and anarchy will ensue. 43. If we begin the conversion now, and limit fossil fuel consumption, we can eventually completely rely on forms of energy like wind, solar, and chemical and still have fossil fuels left on reserve in case of an emergency. Unless strong legislation is passed, people will not willingly do this on our own, yet it is essential for our survival.
44. I believe that there should be larger control on petroleum and coal use, that is if we don't want global warming and to cause serious damage to the environment in which we live. Eventually the fossil fuels will run out and then what is next? The government should have strict regulations and make people get special permits on how much they can burn and when they can burn them. With the constant updates of technology, there should be some alternative that will be just as useful as the fuels. The fossil fuels are non-renewable and thus should be used with care.
45. I think there should be stricter laws on petroleum and coal use. Eventually we will run out and if we haven’t discovered a better method we will be in trouble. We should also become more energy efficient in general, not just cut down on petroleum and coal use.
46. The use of petroleum and coal is significantly too much throughout the world. I would have to say their needs to be better ways to control the use of these two resources. With all of the cars and other machines that use these things, it is obvious why we are running into this problem. We as a global community have to come out with more conservative engines in cars and have our factories be more careful in how we use petroleum and coal. This problem is not so much effecting our generation or maybe even our children’s generations but it will most certainly be a problem after theirs. There is simply not enough coal or petroleum to last that long and eventually it will run out. When this happens and we still have not found other better resources for energy than we will run into serious problems.
47. Should there be larger controls on petroleum and coal use? Absolutely! Fossil fuels are nice but there are better alternatives, such as methanol, of which I am a strong advocate. There are also others like electricity, natural gas, and propane. Fossil fuels shouldn't be used any more first all because they aren't renewable. Once they're used up that’s it. Methanol on the other hand is renewable; it’s made from organic materials like wood, vegetables, or even garbage. Fossil fuels also aren't very clean burning. There are a lot of harmful waste products. Methanol has almost no harmful waste products. And for you motor heads, methanol is a higher octane than gasoline so you get more horsepower and acceleration. So, even if we restricted fossil fuel use to just major industries, we would really be helping cut down tremendously on "greenhouse gases". But basically there are plenty of alternatives and if we just take the time to develop the technology we can eliminate our need for fossil fuels and can tell Sadam to take a hike.
48.
Petroleum
and coal use should gradually be discontinued. The burning of these fossil
fuels adds to the pollution problem and hastens the effects of global warming.
Our search for more pockets of fossil fuels also threatens to ruin pristine
wilderness areas as we dig up the ground and disturb the habitat of animals
living in those areas. Bush’s proposal to search for oil in Alaskan
national parks shows just how far humans will go to serve themselves. There are
other available sources of energy that are cleaner and do less damage to the
environment like solar power or natural gas. Natural gas burners are already
being implemented in
49.
There are currently many proposed regulations domestically and internationally
attempting to curtail fossil fuel use. Regulation in the
50. There should be some controls on the use of petroleum and coal, but today’s society depends on these products, so it would be impossible to completely control their use. However, there need to be some limitations and restrictions. The quality of public transportation should be upgraded so that more people are tempted to employ it, instead of driving their cars every single day. In general, people just need to more efficient with the amount of fuel they use. There is no other way to control this problem.
51. The world today seems to be headed in a horrible direction. It seems that more and more people believe that we can do anything that we want, because we're not going to be the ones that have to face the consequences. Petroleum and Coal are used without care at this point in time, and even though we won't see the day that there isn't any left, doesn't mean that we should disregard the fact that they along with many other resources will soon be gone.
52. There is no better time than the present. This is true for many things, especially when it pertains to maintaining our natural resources such as coal and petroleum. Sure we will not probably witness their total depletion in our lifetime, but we should definitely start to maintain what we have left, and begin to find alternate substances. On way to do this, is to enforce stricter controls on petroleum and coal. Why wait until it is too late and all of our supplies of these materials are totally gone before we realize we need to do something? "No day but today" -RENT
53.
There has to be strict control of petroleum and coal use. Even
more today than ever before. If the
54.
The government should place stricter controls on fossil fuels. It is
responsible for looking out for our best interests, which include not running
out of fuel and not destroying the environment with pollution. We should
attempt to decrease the use of fossil fuels now, before we are faced with a
severe shortage. At the same time, we should work to develop new sources of
energy out of renewable or perpetual resources, which do not degrade the
environment or render the
55. I do not believe it is our job to conserve fossil fuels. Like all other animals we should allow nature to run it’s coarse. Eventually the fuels will be used up, this is obvious, but like in the past, we will adapt. We will evolve to live differently or find another fuel. Maybe conseavign fuel is just delaying evolution. Who knows maybe the human race could use a little evolution. Good may come out of it.
56. If anything I believe there should be less control on the uses of petroleum and coal. It is known and not very shocking that this supply will run out further down the road of the existence of the human race. We as a society uses these sources fanatically and I say go ahead and do it. Basically we are all screwed until there is a solution so why not push the date closer.
57. Countries depend on petroleum and coal to boost the economy, yet these fossil fuels are polluting the air we breathe. Perhaps the solution to this societal and environmental issue revolves around the combining of the two sides of the argument. Petroleum and coal don’t require greater control, but more supervision. If more environmentalists are hired by the government to overlook the fossil fuel usage (to make sure there is not an excessive amount used), then the economy can function while the environment is not put in jeopardy. Making money is fine, as long as we don’t get it by killing the world.
58. Personally I believe that there should be heavier control on petroleum and coal use. Their are two fundamental ideas behind this belief. First is that the united states in particular needs to cut down its reliance on the middle east and other oil producing countries as a matter of national safety and well being. The second reason is that it is a non-renewable resource and needs to be preserved before it is completely exhausted. Also we don’t know if there is an alternate more important use for coal and petroleum, it could be used for something we have never thought have before and could improve the standard of life for everyone.
59. If we are to have an energy system that serves our needs then it is obvious that drastic reforms are required. But who is responsible to formulate and direct a national energy policy, the petroleum industry or the government? The petroleum industry robs us of our money for more drilling and exploration yet we continually see a decline in our production and reserves of oil and gas. This forces the country to struggle with problems of runaway prices, shortages, and increases in pollution. That is why we need our government to control all oil imports and place energy resources under plans and policies that will guarantee adequate energy for future needs, protect the environment from destruction and protect consumers from exploitation. We need our energy destiny taken out of the hands of oil company executives and put in the hands of the people. Structural changes are needed, changes which will enable us to shape an energy economy, which serves the common good. We have had no national energy policy in the past because as long as petroleum was cheap and seemingly abundant, there did not seem to be a need for one. This policy is a disaster for consumers in a time of shortages. It jacks up all prices and enlarges the unrestrained power of those who control our petroleum. The real energy crisis we face today is not a short-term crisis of production: even if exceptional efforts are made, our lives in the next decade will be dominated by energy shortages. We need to focus on conservation, rapid development of sound alternate energy sources, and actions to break the iron grip a few large oil companies have had on our energy system. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion.)
60. I think that since petroleum and fossil is non-renewable resource that there should be stricter controls. Even with the new hybrid cars, people still by fossil fuel guzzling cars. They should make all new cars use some sort of hybrid system to cut down on gas use.
61. Fossil fuels are a limited and precious commodity. Society as we know it is completely dependant on oil and coal as the sole power source. Once again, fossil fuels are LIMITED. It is time to wake up and smell the petroleum. Fossil fuels are the root of all evil. Not only are they dirty, producing the main amount of smog and CO2 in the air, they are also hard to find and difficult to remove, destroying whatever environment they are being mined from. It is time to turn to renewable resources. Governments around the world need to cooperate and put strict laws into immediate use that would place more money into sun, wind and water power source research. By governments' role in controlling oil products, they do a great service to the world and give us all a brighter future. So yes, there should be greater controls on fossil fuel use.
62. I think that there should be high control on petroleum and coal use. So many of our natural resources are wasted everyday by unnecessary use. People don't all need to take their own car everywhere; people don’t need to drive their car down the street they can walk. I don’t know how simple everyday things like that can be controlled, but when it comes to big companies and industrial use that needs to be watched so that we don't use up all of what we are given, before we find other ways to make energy.
63. I think that there should be a limit on the usage of fossil fuels. Not only are using too many of them harmful to the environment, they are not an expendable source. We will in fact run out of them one day. We need to be careful in how much we use and try to limit it as much as possible. I think one of the most important things to remember is that they aren't something that will last. I think a lot of people just take advantage, assuming that there will be enough fuels to go around while they are living, not really thinking about the future. If everyone thinks like this, than we will most likely run out before the future.
64. There should be many more efforts to find more environmentally safe fuels. Not only are fossil fuels finite, but also they are detrimental to our environment. If we continue to use them at such the rate that we are, we could (if we haven't already) do irreversible damage to our planet. Fuels that do not burn CO2 must be developed and widely accepted.
65. Everyday technology advances with leaps and bounds all across the world. Certain advances are made and are well on their way of being made when it comes to petroleum and fossil fuels. These products are all natural and take millions of years to create, but quickly, science is catching up. Therefore, I do not believe that anything should be done to preserve fossil fuels. Right now solar cells, reusable batteries, and several other techniques are being developed and tested to replace these precious fuels. By the time fossil fuels are gone, we’ll have access to know and extremely efficient means of replacing petroleum and oil.
66. I do believe that there should be more of a control on petroleum and coal use throughout the world because of the quickness that humans are using up this natural resource. It seems that most people don't think twice about going to fill up their gas tank, just that as long as they live there will be gas to fill up their cars or boats or planes or whatever it is that needs the gas. I think that there should be a limit and restrictions, but then another question will arise, who sets the laws for this? In my mind there should be a larger control no matter what it takes.
67. I don't think that trying to put more control on the use of petroleum and other fossil fuels will work, because people probably would just keep using them at the level that they are now. What each of us can do to help is remind each other to conserve a little bit here and there (like carpooling, walking, etc). If everyone does just that little bit, we can conserve these fuels for future generations.
68. There should be stabilatory controls placed on fossil fuel use to maintain the amount burned now into the future. Cars and machines of the future will run more on electricity rather than combustion engines. So as long as we don't run out while they develop the electric cars of our future, we'll be fine. And then after that, the cars will transform into cool flying vehicles like in Back To The Future, so we won't even need any fossil fuels at all.
69. Fossil fuels are inherently limited, their quantities are finite. Considering this, we should become much more frugal with dispension and usage of fuels such as coal and oil. While our industries are powered by these fuels, and alternative sources are relatively new and in short supply, a definite effort needs to be made to conserve fossil fuels. At the same time, while fossil fuels will not be depleted during our lifetimes, in the future, they will disappear, and other energy sources will become the primary sources. We need to develop ways to easily harness solar power, as well as other sources. A large step can be made with the mass production of electric cars, which will significantly cut back on gas and oil usage. (Frequently cited as an especially well expressed opinion.)
70. I feel that they should regulate the use of petroleum and coal because they are not renewable resources and will not be around forever. They will not replenish and therefore we must start to consider now what to do if the supply of them runs low. We do not want to wait to the last minute, and then be stuck without an alternate material or way to get the same benefits that coal and petroleum provide now. The importance of these two materials is mind-boggling as they are required to operate a car and also in most case heat and light a home. So we must realize that we cannot avoid to waste these materials and be lavish with the way we buy and sell them to other countries too. If we conserve the use of these materials we may buy valuable time to come up with a solution to this ongoing problem in the near future.
71.
There are many factors that could go into how much petroleum and coal our
society should use. Some of these factors go outside the realm of
environmental conservation; one such factor is that much of our petroleum is
located in the politically hostile
72. The use of fossil fuels has been a part of our everyday life for the past century. Despite the environmental implications, we continue to consume massive amounts of petroleum products. I think to even attempt to limit the use of these fuels is ridiculous. We are a planet addicted to petroleum for a number of reasons. One main reason being the petroleum business is one of the most lucrative in the world producing billions of dollars a year. These sources are finite however, and eventually they will cease to exist. I believe that our energy should be directed toward finding alternative fuel sources for when the reserves of oil are depleted. The main problem with petroleum is that it has become too profitable for oil companies to restrict its distribution. However these companies should most definitely plan ahead for a day when there will be no oil left.
73.
I think there should be larger controls on oil use because there isn't enough
oil for everyone. This is why
74. There should not be any controls on how much petroleum and coal should be used. The two resources are eventually going to run out anyway, because, there is no way to reproduce either of them. Therefore, we should use it while we still can, instead of trying to hold on to something that has to go at some point. What we should do, however, is look for a clean effective alternative that would make everyone forget how great coal and petroleum are. When people start to realize that an alternative is the only solution that is when things will start to get done.
75. I believe hat the use of fossil fuels in our world to day is out of control. At the rate that humans are burning these precious natural resources, in a couple generations humans will have to search for other possibilities of doing daily chores. I believe we take these resources for granted and we should hold them to higher esteem. Conservation laws should be enforced throughout the world. This will not only help with the supply of petroleum and coal, it will also cut down on the problem of pollution in the air today. All in all, there should be larger controls on petroleum and coal use in the world today. Not only is the reduction of these fuels concerned about today’s issues it also deals with what is to come in the future