Story by Anneka Stone
The Internet went up in flames when news broke of a steaming “eye of fire” in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. The cause? A gas leak broke out of an underwater pipeline, causing the sea to “catch fire”.
This was something that I never imagined I would see in my life. It seemed like something out of a fictional film. Yet, here I was, watching this apocalyptic-sized event happening in real-time.
I felt hopeless. It made me think of the irreversible environmental damage that we have been causing. However, the truth is that we, as normal individuals, are not the sole cause for this.
According to an article written in 2019 by The Guardian, 20 fossil fuel companies were directly linked to more than one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions.
On a graph showing the environmental damage each company caused, Pemex — the Mexican oil company responsible for the underwater fire — falls at number nine on the list. They are responsible for emissions estimated to be equivalent to 22.65 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.
I personally don’t think we need fossil fuels anymore. There are already many forms of sustainable energy: solar panels, wind turbines, and even wave energy generators. However, these options have not been made an easy choice for many, making us believe that it is costly and troublesome.
Meanwhile, corporations have been pushing the same message for years: oil, being cheap and easy, is the way to go.
But, not only is this message harmful to our environment, but we’re also burning up a valuable, non-renewable resource, at an unsustainable rate.
I believe, though, that one day we will no longer rely on fossil fuels, or any unsustainable resources and materials for that matter.
Though the owners of multi-billion dollar conglomerates make their pockets heavier and guilt-shame us for using plastic straws from their ivory towers, I have hope.
We can still reverse the damage and start to heal — not just the earth, but as individuals. The best way to do so? By starting conversations.
We already know what small changes to make in our lives when it comes to sustainability: use reusable items, cut plastic out, and reduce your intake of meat and seafood. The real issue is having open discussions about the problem.
As a child, I was heavily influenced by my dad who had a heavy interest in sustainable energy. I felt embarrassed at times when I was labelled that one person who wouldn’t shut up about the environment, but I tried not to let that stop me.
Once, I was shut down by my teacher when I told her that we could use solar panels as a source of electricity; that didn’t stop me either. Regardless of how bitter the truth was, I knew that in order to help our earth, I had to talk about it. Only then, we can begin to heal.
The Internet is chock-full of information, so do your own research. Educate yourself on what’s going on, and educate others around you. Talk to your friends and family, your community — even the government, and tell them what changes you would like to see.
By having open conversations, more people will care about these important issues, so let your voice be heard!