Jennifer Judd-7th Grade-Alexander Graham Middle-Renee Troccoli Becker
2014 Young Explorers Global Essay: Petroleum Sustainability
By: Jennifer Judd
Petroleum is one of the world’s most used, non-renewable resources in the modern world,
is it not? Petroleum is in everything from lipstick to the upholstery we sit on, as well as the
gasoline we put in our cars. How much do we have left? One thing is clear, there needs to be
international changes to the way we retrieve and use petroleum. However, change on a global
level comes with seemingly insurmountable challenges. For example, since petroleum is in an
infinite amount of items used so frequently today, it would be excruciatingly hard to get the
entire world to get accustomed to life without it. Most certainly, many laws would need to be
made in all countries of the world for a petroleum-free world to become a reality.
One country, Cuba, has already begun to feel the effects of no petroleum when, because
of the collapse of communism, Russia was forced to cut off cheap oil exports. In Cuba bicycles
are now cars, horse and buggy have replaced delivery trucks and oxen are the new plows.
Humans, especially in wealthier countries, are not prepared to go back to that kind of lifestyle, so
some have started petroleum sustainability efforts. Germany is one of the best examples; the
people of Germany use bikes and trams more often than cars. Also, the German government has
set up countless organizations for everyone to get involved or to better understand sustainability.
A poll taken in Germany in 1982 conveyed 38% of the people were using gasoline transportation
and 62% of the people were using green transportation (tram, bike, or walking). This year the
same poll shows only 29% of the German population uses gasoline transportation and the other
71% use green methods of travel. Germany clearly understands the importance of sustainability.
There are multiple reasons as to why I believe sustainability efforts are extremely
important. The main reason being petroleum is a non-renewable resource, when we run out, we
Jennifer Judd-7th Grade-Alexander Graham Middle-Renee Troccoli Becker
are out, there is no more left. That is why it is imperative we start sustaining now. Also,
sustaining little by little is important, so when the time comes and we need to fast from
petroleum, the world will not be completely stunned. Petroleum is one of the most important
fossil fuels on our planet today. Even so, we, as a species, need to turn away from fossil fuels
that harm our air and make our way towards greener ways of producing electricity,
manufacturing products, and providing transportation.
Jennifer Judd-7th Grade-Alexander Graham Middle-Renee Troccoli Becker
Bibliography
www.fwtm.freiburg.de/servlet/PBmenu/117545_12/index.html
www.academia.edu
www.theogm.com
www.armstronginternational.com/petroleum-sustainability
www.epa.gov
www.ipieca.org