1.Oil Spills
Oil extraction and transportation comes with a risk of oil spills. As oil companies begin to exploit more difficult resources, such as off-shore oil reserves, and transport oil longer distances, the chance of a spill increases. For instance, 2010's Deepwater Horizon oil spill stemmed from a problem on an off-shore oil rig. According to Santa Clara University, only 5 to 15 percent of any oil spill can be recovered, leaving a large amount of oil in the environment. This oil can kill plants and animals, disrupt local ecosystems and cause serious damage to local businesses and tourism. Spilled oil is also considered a health hazard for humans.