The global population rate increasing at an unprecedented rate, and so is the demand for finite sources of energy like oil and gas. It is therefore suggested by some people that remote corners of the world should be cleared for human use to locate and extract these natural resources. While this proposal might have some positives, I would argue that these are far outweighed by the drawbacks it brings about.
Admittedly, exploiting pristine areas of the world for obtaining oil and gas does have two main benefits. One benefit is that it potentially saturates the oil and gas supply market, as a result of many new origins of these resources. This results in lower prices for these fossil fuels, thereby benefitting governments and their population as it improves their purchasing power. The second advantage would be that governments could enhance their supply of oil and gas for future generations. In fact, these resources are limited, meaning that our children and grandchildren might not have the privilege of using them. Only when new sources of supply are discovered, then can we be sure of meeting the oil and gas needs of our future generations.
The arguments above notwithstanding, I am of the view that the negatives of this trend take precedence over the benefits. Firstly, we will disturb the environment severely if we intend to find oil and gas in untouched places of the globe. That is, in order to set up and operate extraction stations or facilities, animal habitats are likely to be destroyed, hence putting lives of many species at risk. Even more alarming is the fact of building these structures in places serving as habitats to endangered species, such as polar bears, threatening their survival. Another, albeit no less significant, issue with this trend is an increased likelihood of international disagreements. New origins, such as those in Antarctica – a pristine location, can be a cause of dispute over the ownership. Because such areas are a source of generating revenue for countries, disputes over ownership might might risk human lives due to wars.
In conclusion, while searching for new locations to obtain gas and oil can enrich supply and ensure better life for future generations, it can lead to such serious consequences as habitat destruction and international conflicts. Therefore, I believe that the negative effects of this suggestion outweigh the possible benefits.