Offshore oil drilling harms My position about offshore oil drilling is anti. When you speak of offshore oil drilling, the first thing that comes to mind is that is the marine life and disasters. As I watched the animation process of offshore oil drilling and I saw clearly that it drills through the sea bed and goes deep down through many layers of solid ground before it reaches the oil and that is if they find any at that location.these pomoters of offshore oil drilling fail to realize that these solid grounds in our sea protect us from chaos like earthquake and it provides a firm foundation of the marine life, especially to the barrier reef. I realized what had happened that many countries have done and are currently maintaining this process have supportive evidence of occurances taht are not pleasant and they have been in this fieldbefore Belize.furthemore if we asked them if it has been an easy road to maintain the offshore drilling from being hazardous? All will say they try there out most best but on the hand, we still have mishaps. For example I remember the worst oil spill in the U.S took place in the Gulf of Mexico, many Belizeans believed that it would flow down the coastal areas and damage our marine life and especially again the barrier reef since th gulf of Mexio is so near to us but thanks to the grace of God our beautiful possession was and is protected. As there is a possibility of erecting those horrible looking oil spills and rigs along our coastal… we plead to our government to try its best to get out of these offshore oil drilling/exploration contracts. Negative effects totally outweigh any positive effects that can come from offshore drilling. (Brooks, The effects of offshore drilling, 2010) Most individuals in the world knows that tourism is the largest source of income for us there are several major reasons why people come to our country and one of our major attraction is our marine life and the barrier reefs if we lose thesse two thing only God and time will tell if we will ever be restored back to that point of such beauty.so i leave to ask will you damage your beauty for the sake of money? cause if you give you beauty for money then it would be same of giving our beautiful marine just for money. Reference Brooks, A. (2010). The effects of offshore drilling. Belize.
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Kishana, Great start! Kishana, you have couple things missing: 1: your in text citation should be- (Brooks,2010) 2: your reference does not state where Brooks 2010 published his work- u just have the place of publication (Belize). Is it from an internet source?
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Offshore drilling is unethical Offshore drilling provides one of the most cleanly burning fuels which provide valuable commerce to a country’s economy. However, it is detrimental to both the environment and human’s health. Offshore drilling is not only beneficial; nevertheless it is intensely harmful and should not be allowed by the government, for the betterment of our planet in a whole. Negligence and lack of supervision have caused many damages. It has been concluded that because of the Transocean, BP, and Federal Government’s carelessness and lack of oversight 11 human lives, thousands of animal deaths and ecological catastrophes have occurred due to an oil spill (para.1). This oil spill was five times greater than the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska. These oil spills both major and minor harm the ecosystem and wildlife, and tourism based economies suffer great declines. Despite the improved technologies installed in offshore drilling, oil spills are still common and predicted occurrences. There is always the risk of frequent pipeline leaks in addition, oil refineries release toxic chemicals which contributes to the increased air pollution and to warmer global temperatures. According to the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center (2008) chemicals released can lead to respiratory, reproductive and development effects, as well as severe skin burns and even death (para.2). Not only it could be detrimental to humans’ health but it can literally change the face of our coastal communities and surrounding environment permanently. As we all may have heard previously offshore drilling damage nature massively and cleanup efforts are never 100% complete when millions of barrels of crude oil are spilled into water. We most avoid the destruction of our planet by forbidding offshore drilling. Therefore, Governments should not encourage offshore drilling!
Kishana we are now two individuals against offshore drilling and I am truly happy that we share similar perspectives. You are absolutely right when you say that off shore drilling can leads to horrible oil spills which in exchange cause terrible marine damages. We are indeed lucky that the oil spill which occurred in the Gulf of Mexico did not flow down the coastal areas and damage our marine life and thanks to God our beautiful marine resources were not harmed. Goods points Kishana!!!
My position about offshore is pros. After watching i knew that offshore drilling is typically refers to the discovering and development of oil and gas resources which lie under water it obvious that drills required going deep down through layers of the ground before it reaches the oil. And if government choose to go for the off shore exploration they can be in danger as the reef destroyed, then the country will be in danger with attack by natural disaster such as hurricane, flood e.t.c. which could lead to financial or human losses and affect the environment. And can cause destruction of everything even people, flash floods and dirty waters which bring a handful sickness. According to Cause (2011, Feb.15). Advocate to stop the propose of offshore Drilling for oil in Belize water. “We have to protect our reef and the creatures that lives in our beautiful Caribbean sea, remember what happen in the Gulf of Mexico how much oil ran miles and how much damage it made am sure no Belizean want this to happen so let hold hand in unity and say No”. eHow.com (n.d.). Stated in 1969 accident that spilled millions of gallons of oil off the California coast lead to restriction on offshore drilling. Increase drilling make such accident more likely to occur.
No offshore drilling in Belize’s waters period! Retrieved from www.causes.com/.../489975-no- Offshore-drilling-in-belize-s-waters-period
Pro and cons of offshore oil drilling/eHow.com Retrieved from www.ehow.com>... Oil Drilling
When the topic “offshore oil drilling in Belize” is brought up, the only things I can think of are marine life endangerment, declination of tourist attraction, unemployment, pollution, destruction of ecosystem and the massive cost for oil drilling. When considering all these factors, it’s just not worth the risk just for oil drilling because it’s not even guaranteed a 100% success that each oil drilling will have oil. Also, marine life is at stake because statistics have shown that the routine operations and maintenance of just one oil rig dumps 25,000 pounds of toxic metals per well, including lead, chromium and mercury, and potent carcinogens into the sea, as well as 90,000 metric tons of drilling fluid and metal cuttings over the life of a rig. Knowing this, the marine life which provides great income for the country of Belize will be affect drastically. Not only does this affect the fishes, but also the reefs and mangroves. Song (2010) explained that the fishing industry and the tourism association bring about most of Belize’s income. Therefore, if we risk these precious assets of Belize, not only will we endanger the marine life but also we ourselves. Why? Because the reefs serve as a border because it absorbs about 90% of the energy of wind-generated waves thus protecting coastal areas and the mangroves serves as a filter for water and also it prevents coastal erosion and houses many species including bats, lobsters, manatees and birds. Nevertheless, by endangering marine life we ourselves face an economic lost due to unemployment plus Belize is in debt and the cost of oil drilling is just not worth the risk. Moreover, the interconnection or linkages between ecosystems affects everyone so it’s safe to say that oil drilling will cause more harm than good in Belize.
Michael, S. (2010, June). Offshore drilling, digging deeper. Retrieved from http://ambergrisdaily.com/belize-news/offshore-oil-drilling-in-belize-digging-deeper/
Esther, you said you're pro meaning with offshore oil drilling, why are you stating and contradicting yourself? I'm confused as to why you're using evidence against offshore oil drilling. I agree however, that Belize is in no condition to oil drill due to dependency on our marine life and tourism association for our income. We are economically unable to.
I like how Kishana says it but I have to disagree about beauty over money because it's not beauty over money. My NRMP teacher says that for every 90 holes dug, 2 are found with oil. This shows a ratio of 40:1 which is a low probability so we're making more losses than gain or just a break even, speaking economically. Now scientifically, it threatens our ecosystem which results in a consequence of backfiring on ourselves.
As Kishana stated above which I might add I strongly agree with, the entire scenario is very hazardous to our marine life organisms. The thought of drilling for oil and putting the life of these organisms at risk to fulfill the mere greed of our leaders is too great. There is more that our marine l\organisms contribute than what the possibility of oil can contribute to us. Imagine a disastrous oil spill, what can we salvage from such disaster? Even more how can we salvage from such disaster? It will be costly to clean up such oil spill, not to mention the days, weeks and even years for our water to become clean. We do not need to submit to more problems than solutions! Oil drilling should not be an option!
Drill Baby Drill! Personally, I had not made up my mind on the offshore drilling issue. Last week and yesterday I took it as a task to do some research on the issue and I would have to say that I support off-shore drilling. According to different articles published on the Internet some of the benefits include jobs, domestic fuel and the environment. How does it benefit the environment? Surprisingly the environment can benefit from offshore drilling, if there are no accidents. This it is referred to as protective drilling. According to Kristian (2010), “Offshore rigs are massive structures in the ocean that attract a wide variety of marine life. Fish, birds and other sea creatures come to the rig and make it their home. The rig acts as an artificial reef that helps life flourish as many animals use it for breeding.” I would advise my classmates to read an article published in last Sunday’s issue of The Reporter by Judge Kenneth Gale. Gale (2011) concluded “Advanced drilling practices can provide safe drilling that dies not deface or damage national parks. They can drill in a manner that respects of the rights of people in the affected land and preserve the park’s ecological integrity” (p.25). He used the example of the Temash/Sarstoon National Park saying that visitors would not even be aware of the drilling that would be taking place at the park. “Temash/Sarstoon National Park consists of 41,898 acres. Modern advanced drilling prices can provide slant drilling that can be done in an environmentally sound manner from such a tiny surface area that the drill site might not exceed five acres. The site would be so tiny that those visiting the park would never be aware of the drilling or production of oil. Belize has a national debt in the excess of one Billion dollars that is referred to as the Super Bond. February’s payment on the Super Bond is $32,537,066.60. Instead of increasing taxes, the revenue from the production of oil from the parks could maintain the payments on the Super Bond. The revenue could also provide improvements to and cost of maintenance of the parks. It could provide better roads to Mayan Villages and schools. The economy of the entire nation could prosper with the reduction of poverty and crime and improvement to health and education. The actions of persons who oppose drilling in parks can deprive Belize of prosperity from drilling for oil that it is entitled to.” I agree with Judge Kenneth Gale that Oceana is using funds and advertisements in a manner that could interfere with the rights of Belizeans in respect to drilling in its national parks. In fact, I would even go further by saying that the majority of those who have signed for the referendum don’t even know what they signed for. Do they really know what is offshore drilling? Was it explained to them?
Gale, K. (2011, February 27). Don’t sign that petition for referendum. The Reporter, p.25. Kristian, E. (2010). What Are the benefits of Offshore Drilling? Website: http://www.ehow.com
The Pros of offshore drilling fail to recognize that our land not only provides us with food or shelter but also protects us from natural disasters. If we permit oil drilling offshore then we put ourselves at risk, especially to floods, hurricanes. Drought, etc. the purpose of life is survival, should we terminate the existence of rare habitats to benefit ours? No, equal life mean equal existence without endangering our organisms’ life especially marine organisms! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and invest all our security and welfare into oil exploration. A guarantee can never be when it comes to investing and waiting for such promise. Oil drilling in Belize is never an option, especially since we are a country below sea-level.
I have to agree with Krishana, our barrier reef protects us from any catastrophe. If the oil drilling is allowed in Belize, then the reef will be destroyed and the marine life as well. “I saw clearly that it drills through the sea bed and goes deep down through many layers of solid ground before it reaches the oil and that is if they find any at that location”. By the time, the people noticed there is no oil, some marine animals and corals might have already been destroyed.The oil can be found else where, but not the Belize barrier reef.
Oil drilling is the process of extracting crude oil by drilling through the cap rock. The most crucial part is locating crude oil, as it is found under the cap rocks that can be several miles thick. The geologists use certain techniques to locate crude oil, of which the most common is seismology. According to the scientist at Cambridge University this method in which, shock waves are sent to the land surface or sea surface, to estimate the time taken by the waves to return back. According to what I have read and based on my researches, I believe and know that offshore drilling is wrong and should not be done in the country of Belize.
One of the major negative impacts of oil drilling is the environmental issue. If oil production rate is higher, then there will be more usage, thus generating more greenhouse gases, according to Mesothlioma and asbestos awareness centre (2008). Chemicals released into the air can lead to respiratory, reproductive and development effects, as well as severe skin bums and even cause death. It is obvious that the drilling process will disturb the organisms surviving in those areas. Offshore oil drilling will not guarantee lower gas prices. Gas prices are affected by too many other variables to assume that changing one factor will significantly change the result.The success rate of drilling is also very low, meaning that it may take lots of time and the outcome is unpredictable. Another major issue is offshore drilling; starting from locating to the drilling process, it disturbs the sea environment. While locating oil, the seismic waves and the associated sound affects the sea organisms and another debate is about oil spillage in the seas. Offshore drilling is challenging to keep up, as it requires keeping manned facilities above water and disposing of oil rigs is costly. Challenges include the scale of construction required for functional facilities and the need for facilities located in the water where the oil would be extracted from sand, which would demand extra funds and efforts. Removing platforms and pipelines no longer in use is extremely costly. The oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is going to leave a lasting mark that will impact a lot more than the thousands of miles of shoreline and wetlands presently threatened. It is a glaring example of the continued battle between jobs, the economy as whole, and the environment.
Kauffman, B. M. , 2011-01-05 "From Pelicans to Platforms: Environmental Policy and Offshore Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern Political Science Association, Hotel InterContinental, New Orleans, Louisiana.
I agree with Kishana because if they digg and do not find oil they will be lossing a lots of money and they willalso be destroying the sea ground floor which is very important form many sea aminals. For instance if they do drill and find oil in the waters of Belize and later on a disaster happens like that of Mexico, is Belize prepared and equipped with the necessary resources to get rid of the problem as quick as possible as to avoid the destruction of our ecosystems( forest,barrier reef), population and our aquatic species? Lets not destroy the thing that are important for the country of Belize.
"Peasant people ... don't have a chance to share in the riches that the planet can offer because some people are taking off so much of the pleasures of this world, and there's only so much to go around." - Sister Dorothy Stang, an eco-activist nun from Dayton, Ohio, who in 2005 was murdered in the Brazilian Amazon
"A person writing at night may put out the lamp, but the words he has written will remain. It is the same with the destiny we create for ourselves in this world." Shakyamuni
Kuo- Chen Lee, am glad that you brought up such points as: marine life endangerment, declination of tourist attraction, unemployment, pollution and destruction of ecosystem and massive cost for oil drilling; indeed they are some of the negative factors produced by offshore drilling and should be studied carefully. Therefore, my question is "do we want this for Belize?" Well, not me! I totally agree with my colleague, it seems that we share similar perspectives and I can see that we both want the best, not only for our country but for the entire planet and certainly offshore drilling is not the BEST!!!
I am agaist Oil drilling because the Horizon offshore drilling platform that took lives and spread a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has focused attention on safety in offshore oil and gas well drilling. Blowouts are created by natural gas and crude oil under very high pressure in rock formations. Once a reservoir has been penetrated by a drill bit, oil companies have to counteract this high pressure to prevent a blowout — a surge of oil and gas up the wellbore and into the environment.I believe that completion fluids are expensive and are retrieved from the wellbore and taken onshore for processing and reuse. They must be designed so they do not create excessive hydrostatic pressure. Too much pressure will incur waste because large volumes of the fluids will leak into the rock formations penetrated by the wellbore, where they cannot be retrieved.
Another reason why i am agaist oil drilling is because When an explosion ripped through BP's Deepwater Horizon rig, it not only cost 11 workers lives and created an environmental disaster of unheralded proportions, it also sent Shockwaves through the oil and gas industry. The true impacts are unknown, but one thing is for sure: the industry will never be the same again.
References: Venables, M. (2010). Analysis: Deepwater drilling in deep trouble. Engineering & Technology (17509637), 5(9), 14-15. doi:10.1049/et.2010.0901.
Borchardt, J. K. (2010). Avoiding the Blowout. Mechanical Engineering, 132(8), 40-41. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
I agree with Kuo chen Lee for remembering to mention about the marine Life endangerment,declination of tourist attraction,unemployment, and therefore because these are some of the main points he used,and are some relevant examples to support his statements.
Like Ester said off shore drilling can leads into one disater to another,it can cause lots of destruction to our country that can never be replace. so point taken!
I am against offshore drilling in Belize due to the fact that mistakes can happen and it is not worth the risk. Offshore drilling will not guarantee lower gas prices because the prices are affected by other variables to assume that changing one variable will change the result. The main concern of this is the fact that it can spill. Both major and minor oil spills harm the surrounding environment greatly. Murmson(2010) states that "Offshore drilling poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems. In a spill, the toxicity of the oil harms marine animals and their habitat. The threat of oil spills comes from drilling platforms and moving oil tankers. Any location in the path of a tanker faces potential risk. Furthermore, the movement of ocean currents can amplify the scope of such a disaster. Oil has a particularly damaging effect on coastal life as it moves with the tide. In 1989, for example, the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound damaged more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. The damage to marine wildlife populations was vast" (Para. 2). Besides the damage that offshore drilling can do, we must protect our jewel that we have. Oil will not last forever and it is a challenge to keep it up. WE have to protect our reef an the creatures that lives in our beautiful Caribbean Sea!!! Therefore, i conclude that the GOB should not allow offshore drilling in Belize.
Reference
Murmson, S.(2010, February 7). Bad Effects Of Offshore Drilling. Tax Time. Retrieved from www.itopf.com
Kishana made a very good point that our barrier reef protects us from many catastrophe and it is also one of the main reason tourist come to our country. With the lost of tourist we loose a lot. It is like a chain: we allow offshore drilling then there is a possibility of an oil spill, so, our barrier reef is damage; then we are at a higher risk of being affected by disasters and also our tourism industry decline. This will affect the country in a big way.
I am against off shore oil drilling because it can endanger our marine life. off shore drilling destroys our coral reef and damage the sea beds the fish use to spawn, and if the fishes can reproduce den our country will be left with out fishes. Lets take for example that oil spill that happend last year in the Gulf of Mexico. according to the huffington post on the internet, this spill was over 205,000,000 gallons of oil that spread in 3 states Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. This spill not only kills thousands of animals but also kills 11 humans. The spill destroys alot of beaches along the way.lets think for a second here do we want some thing like this to hapend to our little Belize? if it does den all of our marine tourist attractions will destroy. lets all say no to off shore oil drilling.
Elyne you are rite off shor drilling does not mean lower gas prices. Its just simply mean that they will destroy the marine life in search of oil and if they do not find what's next? it makes no sense to do it and put all those animals life in danger even their own.
I am hearing all the points expressed but I think many of us are being carried away by what Environmentalists and Oceana are hammering everyday in our ears. Ronz in you are saying that offshore drilling will kill marine life. That is not so because after the drilling equipment are removed fishes can go in the and acuatlly protect their young ones from gigantic prey. The Offshore drills are huge structures that act like artificial reef helping life flourish because they use it to breed. Birds also build their nests there. I believe Offshore is not bad as Ocean is saying.
Another benefit that Offshore drilling is that it creates employment opportunities. It offers primary and secondary employment opportunities. Primary employment are the ones who are working on the drill itself and it includes technicians, doctors, cooks, scientists as other specialized employees. Secondary jobs are food distributors responsible for supplying workers and other mechanical distributors like hardware store. An example that comes to mind--in Orange Walk I notice people who would have never had the opportunity to an employment are working. There is more economic activity since these workers are now buying more.
I do agree with you Ronz it would just destroy our marine life and the beatiful coral reef that we were so blessed to have got. By digging for oil and at which we are not sure that they would find any then it would have been for nothing that they were digging and destroying the earth.
I agree with you Elyne off shor drilling does not mean lower gas prices or great income coming in. It just simply means that they will destroy the marine life in search of oil and if they do not find, what's after? it makes no sense to do it and put all those animals life in danger as well as us humans.
Offshore drilling Just the term of offshore drilling lets it sound dangerous to the environment; and I say it is, that is why I am against offshore drilling. Although petroleum is one of the most used natural elements the way of getting it is harmful to the environment. Offshore drilling may seem harmless but accidents do happen according to Donatoni. He stated that things can go wrong and produce a certain amount of problems to the environment. Some examples are leaks, spills, blowouts, barge collisions, pipeline corrosion, and explosions. What’s worse is that each of these accidents that can happen brings negative impacts to our environment. For example a blowout can release hydrocarbons which were discovered during exploratory drilling (Donatoni, n.d.). Hydrocarbons are composed of carbon dioxide and hydrogen only, a substance that is harmful to nature and us as human beings. Hydrocarbons in air by themselves alone cause no harmful effects. However, they undergo chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight and nitrogen oxides. They form photochemical oxidants leading to photochemical smog. This causes irritation in the eyes and lungs leading to respiratory diseases (anonymous,para.1 n.d.). People are wondering why our marine life is dying, well ask the offshore drillers because am sure they know that they are the responsible ones. I say stop offshore drilling because sooner or later the consequences are going to be bigger than they already are.
Reference Donatoni, M. (n.d.) Offshore Drilling. Retrieved March 5, 2011 http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/MDonatoni/ResearchPaper.htm
Anonymous (n.d.) Hydrocarbons Retrieved March 5, 2011 http://www.tutorvista.com/content/chemistry/chemistry-iii/environmental-chemistry/hydrocarbons.php
Offshore drilling refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater. Most commonly, the term is used to describe oil extraction off the coasts of continents, though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas encyclopedia (April 2010). I am against off shore drilling; offshore drilling has potential negative effects on human populations. Many risks complicate the logistics and maintenance required to operate a drilling platform. Accidents such as explosions and mechanical failure occasionally can occur. For example In 1980, a drilling platform called the Alexander Kielland collapsed, killing 123 people. Many explosions have also occurred, such as the 2001 explosion of the Petrobas 36 Oil Platform. In an oil spill, the lengthy recovery process is an economic burden. The spills themselves wreak havoc on local and global fishing economies. Why are we risking all our lives? Some of us may agree with Matthew Donation (n.d.). he stated that drilling for oil in the ocean is one of the greatest technological breakthroughs in recent decades, and many new techniques have been developed to profit from the abundance of oil underneath the ocean floor. While drilling for oil has been around for hundreds of years in one form or the another, the effective extraction of petroleum from beneath the sea floor did not surface until the last forty years. The search for oil often turns out to be unproductive, but this practice is vital for the economic future of many nations.) But oil drilling can also form oil spills or oil, and offshore drilling poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems. In a spill, the toxicity of the oil harms marine animals and their habitat. The threat of oil spills comes from drilling platforms and moving oil tankers. This also can damage our barrel reef which is our said ”money maker” when it comes to Tourism.
acodoing to Adrain"am against offshore drilling because, drilling for oil offshore means that ecosystems will be destroyed, marine life will be endangered and also the coral reefs. They are destroyed when the machinery needed is taken out and when the drilling starts.the destruction of the reef would mean that we would experience larger tides which will flood our coasts. the destruction of marine life would be a disadvantage to the country and peeople. it would be a disavantage to the country because many tourists visit to see the marine life, and it would be a disadvanteag to the people because many Belizeans turn to fish as a daily meal. marine life is also said to be destroyed by all the toxic wastes such as lead, mercury, carcinogens and chromium." n i agree with him in all respect
Paula as awesome as it sounds to drill into the crust of the earth and find oil to benefit the country all good things come to an end and eventually the result will be the same that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. An oil spill in our country will result to a disaster. We depend on our marine life for income and if it were to be destroyed so will the meaning of our country and the finance. So best to avoid it all just say no to offshore digging.
Eleazar when I first thought of "offshore oil digging" I thought to myself if something where to go wrong only the water will be affected thus causing water pollution, but now you have enlightened me that it also causes air pollution. Thanks to this it has opened my mind to all odds that it's now even worse to do offshore digging. If done in Belize not only will it affect our marine Eco system but the people in near by islands too. With the air pollution and the respiratory diseases huge effects can occur if this were to be done. So thanks for the enlightenment and keep on saying no to offshore digging.
Offshore oil drilling can be considered both harmful and beneficial to a country. Harmful in ways if it may back fire and be spilled all the water Eco systems may be destroyed and result in water pollution. Beneficial is the income the government may pay produce and apply it to the countries resources. Make a developing country developed. Even so having precaution on the oil drilling it may still put the entire country at risk and even result in the country to be in a recession to clean up the spill because of the cost. To lessen my view on it I will relate it to our beautiful country Belize and I am against the thought of offshore drilling.
Our country a third world country cannot subject itself to be doing things of such caliber. Our financial resources revolve around our tourism and the main attractions are our marine life form and especially our barrier reef. If these were to be destroyed by an oil spill what will be the outcome of our country? The result will impact us so tremendous that the country only main resource will no longer be a result us in a time of recession more horrific than which we are in at the moment. Morgan Freeman said “I saw the map, it’s dreadful, it’s awful. There is no government oversight in Belize. The government officials just say okay go ahead and do it and as you can see from this experience here, that could work out to be very, very bad for Belize. You have wonderful waters around Belize, you’ve got that reef, and you’ve got that wonderful ecosystem there. It’s too fragile.” This was said after the disastrous oil spill that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico that killed 11 people and injured 170. The government of Belize is considering the idea of offshore oil drilling to raise revenue if so what will the outcome of our country be. We must stand united and neglect the fact of the government ideas. Stay clean minded we are all stewards of our nation and it is a duty as a proud Belizean to protect your country. Say no to offshore drilling in our country and around the world.
Reference: Freeman, M. (2010). OCEANA’s ban against offshore drilling. Retrieved from http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/37481
We’ve all heard the saying, “black gold’ being used in reference to crude oil. It brings to our minds, visions of wealth, good fortune, prosperity and all things beautiful and wonderful. The reality of the situation is that this vision may be true to some extent, but there is another side of the coin that is not always spoken about. This side of it, while not as glamorous is just as important and should be told so that the decision of whether or not to drill can be made after careful scrutiny of all the pertinent facts. When this is done, then the question …. ‘To drill or not to drill?’ is not the question of a fool. The situation facing Belize today is that the previous government has granted permission to oil companies to prospect for and drill oil. The opinions of the peoples of Belize are many and much divided. Many question the depth to which the government has researched the benefits as well as consequences that finding a viable oil field can bring to our country and its people. They wonder if it is the glimmer of the black gold is blinding the minds of those in charge into ignoring the possible negative consequences that may come with oil drilling. Belizeans are not fools; they know that our pristine environment can be in jeopardy should we have an oil spill. Is it worth ruining our God given riches for the lure of millions that crude oil supposedly will bring to us? According to Donatoni(n.d.), “accidents CAN happen, with the main cause being human error, not the technology that is used. These accidents include leaks, spills, blowouts, barge collisions, pipeline corrosion, and explosions. For any spill, only 5-15% can be cleaned up. In addition, 97% of all the spills that occur, many are under 1,000 barrels. It is not required for these spills to be reported in the federal Oil Spill Risk Analysis, because their size is considered "small." A blowout will occur when a drill bit pierces a pressurized pocket of gas. As a result, the bit is forced out of the opening by the pressure, blowing out the rig platform or the contents, or both. In seven out of a thousand well starts, a blowout will occur.” Once a blow out occur our marine animal will die and Toursim will be in danger.
Reference
Donatoni,M.(n.d.) Offshore drillling. retrieved from http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/MDonatoni/ResearchPaper.htm
I totally agree with Elyne," mistakes can happen and it is not worth the risk. Offshore drilling will not guarantee lower gas prices because the prices are affected by other variables to assume that changing one variable will change the result. The main concern of this is the fact that it can spill. Both major and minor oil spills harm the surrounding environment greatly".
Ronz is right," off shore drilling destroys our coral reef and damage the sea beds the fish use to spawn, and if the fishes can reproduce den our country will be left with out fishes."
I am responding to Paula's comment and I totally agree, 'drill baby,drill.' We need to at least attempt to pay off that SUPERBOND LOAN. Every year this loan increases and oil exploration is a way out or at least a start. Belizeans need to embrace development, get our minds out of the gutter. Look up and see the possibilities. BElize has been and is a lucky country, the government has made up his mind and we have to go with it so it will be wise to pray for the best and worry about something else that matters right about now. OIL EXPOLRATION IS A GO!!!!!!! PATRICA WELCH, 2010110405, COLLEGE ENGLISH 2
I am responding to Franisha Thomas comment, 1. fishes cannot be compare to our superbond loan. that loan is an issue we NEED to deal with not maybe.... and personally I believe it is highly unlikely that a spill will occur, just because it happened in the Gulf does not mean it will happen to our country too, its not contagious. 2. am with you as far as saying that the issue is really about the previous government and deals and contract signed. Also I agree that human error is more common than technological error but why can't we believe and get a chance to enjoy the visions of wealth, good fortune, prosperity and all things beautiful and wonderful. Why can't we as a developing country take this opportunity to become economically stable, imagine Belize without that high tax rate and other country wanting something from us as oppose to us always wanting from them.... PATRICA WELCH, 2010110405, COLLEGE ENGLISH 2
“To drill or not to drill?” At first thought, I was against oil exploration in Belize because of the recent media attention on the negative impacts to our country and its people. I mentioned I have a blog to do about oil exploration and also that I was against it. I stated my reasons why I was against oil exploration, consequently I was asked to give some pros and I couldn’t, as a result I was advised to do some research before I attempt my blog. I did. And I must say I have a change of thought, I am for drilling in Belize. Those that oppose to onshore and offshore drilling in Belize, may reveal the treats of oil exploration on the wildlife, marine life, the barrier reef, the coral reef and the entire marine system, also to the fisheries and tourism industries and possible lost of jobs that could occur. However, this is mainly a result of one of oil exploration biggest opponent in Belize, Oceana, brainwashing the people to say no to oil exploration. In the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a movement has started in Belize to band offshore drilling. Led by an environmental organization, Oceana, the movement has questioned the government’s decision to allow oil drilling. Their main goal is to convince Belizeans of every possibly negative impact that could be caused from drilling for oil onshore and offshore Belize. Nevertheless, onshore and offshore oil exploration has been ongoing in Belize since the 1950’s (Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, 2011). I am for oil exploration for mainly one reason; I do not want to witness another raise in tax for our country. Poor people cannot afford any more taxes and will not be able to survive with additional taxes. If for example, the Government decides against oil exploration, another project will have to be put in place to pay off the escalating SUPER BOND LOAN. Guess what that will be, YES! It is increasing taxes. We are feeling the effects of the recent tax boost and I am sure if one is to think of the likelihood of an oil spill against the likelihood of increased tax, you will agree we should take our chances with oil exploration. All things considered, an oil spill is unlikely to occur where there is no negligence or mechanical malfunction, resulting in a step forward for our country.
I agree with offshore drilling.. According to Shane Hall, “offshore drilling will lead to greater domestic oil production and less reliance on imported oil, much of which comes from politically unstable regions, such as the Middle East, will increase the supply of oil, resulting in lower gasoline prices, according to supporters, and supporters of offshore drilling say that opening restricted areas to offshore oil production will generate billions in state and federal revenues through royalties.” Everyone complains about insufficient amount of jobs; therefore, with drilling offshore providing more jobs, it will reduce the amount of people complaining and also help to increase the country’s economy. A lot of people spend an incredible amount of their pay on gasoline because it is expensive. Offshore drilling will help to reduce gasoline; thus reducing the cost of living for individuals worldwide. Because technology has been improved, it will reduce oil spill; hence the reason why it will not damage the environment and its animals.
I agree with Paula that offshore drilling decreases job unemployment. With offshore drilling more jobs are created. This helps to reduce crimes and poverty. The country will have more money generated in the country, which will have a positive impact on the citizens.
I agree with Patricia that we should drill. As she stated that Belize is in a Huge dept. Therefore by drilling,it will provide suffice income that will help to reduce this debt.
In the study of the evolution of coral reefs, Belize was declared home to "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies"(Charles Darwin 1842). More than 150 years later, our spectacular reef is increasingly being threatened by overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and to add to the list a possible number of drilling which will more than likely cause spills. Almost a year ago, April 2010 there was one of the world's most destructive and expensive tragedy, the oil spill in The Gulf Coast. As stated in the (MSNBC news)"The oil slick could become the nation's worst environmental disaster in decades, threatening hundreds of species of fish, birds and other wildlife along the Gulf Coast, one of the world's richest seafood grounds, teeming with shrimp, oysters and other marine life." This economic disaster cost billions of dollars which was invested in coastal restoration projects.The spill eclipsed to be the worst oil spill in U.S. history — the 11 million gallons that leaked from the grounded tanker Exxon Valdez in Alaska's Prince William Sound in 1989 — in the three months it could take to drill a relief well and plug the gushing well 5,000 feet underwater on the sea floor.(MSNBC-Environment) Ask ourselves this question, can Belize afford drilling with the effects being like this? Yes, the country will gain a little money from this but is the consequences really worth it? Finding oil in Belize was such a big thing, everyone though the prices would have gone down. It did for a little while, the Government of Belize sells us the citizens "dreams" which never do come through. They put this off-shore drilling situation and try to make it look pretty when it is surely not. Last semester the Vice President of OCEANA in Belize Mrs. Audrey Matura had a talk in the UB auditorium in Belmopan which I had attended out of curiosity. From what I could clearly remember from the talk which struck me was the fact that our Government does not have any insurance with the companies that if something occurs while drilling they are not responsible. Now tell me, does that make any sense? They are giving us little money to drill and destroy our reef and wild life while they hope to strike oil. Our Government of Belize decided to compare us to Trinidad and Tobago, which is a very successful country in their off-shore drilling but this country does not depend on tourism for revenues and their Government have the best interest of their people. In Trinidad and Tobago the oil companies are the ones who pay for their primary, secondary and tertiary education and help the development of the country.Unlike them Belize is a country which tourism is one of the main sources of revenues brought into the country, and our government as they see a couple of zero's they get excited and quickly sign contracts without thinking about the consequences. Off-shore drilling is not for Belize, the consequences aren't worth the little money the government will get from it, because we the people surely won't see any of it.
References Oil from massive Gulf spill reaching La. coast Faint fingers of oily sheen have reached the mouth of Mississippi River. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36800673/ns/us_news-environment/
Channel 5 news(February 2011)Oceana says offshore drilling won't pay off governments super bonds http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/49685
i agree with Patricia we can;t be afarid to drill because of what happen in the gulf. what happen out dose'nt mean that it will happe to us so i say Drill
My position on the offshore oil drilling issue is against. Belize is a magnificent country with a bright future if it preserves and maintains its natural environment, habitats and mainly its attractions. Yes it may be true that if the offshore oil drilling project takes place they might find oil and maybe also help the country with its debts a bit, but note that I said maybe simply for the reason that there will mainly be foreign investors in the project there for leaving out country with a small percent will go to our country only because it is our country. Last week in my Environmental Conservation and Development class this same topic of offshore oil drilling arose and my teacher Mr. Alex Jones said some very interesting details like statistics show that from every frothy five holes drilled on land only one they come in contact with oil. Now let’s put sense and non-sense together onshore it’s a ratio of 1 to 45 holes and they want to do offshore and not even being shore to say well as we drill this particular spot we will get oil as visible the chances to find oil are very slim and if they just go offshore and start drilling like maniacs and not finding anything they would be killing, destroying and ruining what was already perfect and what helps make up the tourism industry our countries top investment of all. Yes, just as I thought, it absolutely makes no sense what so ever.
Another huge factor with the offshore drilling scenario is that it will cause an oil spill take for example “A 1969 accident that spilled millions of gallons of oil off the California coast led to restrictions on offshore drilling.” (Unknown) Yes another huge factor is that more than likely an oil spill will occur when off shore drilling takes place as it has already so many times. As for example “The Santa Barbara oil spill occurred in January and February 1969 in the Santa Barbara Channel, near the city of Santa Barbara in Southern California. It was the largest oil spill in United States waters at the time, and now ranks third after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon and 1989 Exxon Valdez spills. It remains the largest oil spill to have occurred in the waters off California.” (1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, 2011)
Lastly one of the major negative impacts of offshore oil drilling is when it comes to the environmental issue. “If oil production rate is higher, then there will be more usage, thus generating more greenhouses. It is obvious that the drilling process will disturb the organisms surviving in those areas. The success rate of drilling is also very low, meaning that it may take lots of time and the outcome is unpredictable. Another major issue is offshore drilling; starting from locating to the drilling process, it disturbs the sea environment. While locating oil, the seismic waves and the associated sound affect the sea organisms and another debate is about oil spillage in the seas.” (Sandhyarani).
Works Cited
1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. ( 2011, February 23 ). Retrieved from WIKIPEDIA : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_Santa_Barbara_oil_spill
Sandhyarani, N. (n.d.). Pros and Cons of Oil Drilling. Retrieved from Buzzle.com: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-oil-drilling.html
Unknown. (n.d.). Pros & Cons of Offshore Oil Drilling. Retrieved from e How: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5019434_pros-cons-offshore-oil-drilling.html
When it comes to offshore drilling, there are positive and negative aspects that comes with it. The only positive aspects seem to be that it provides jobs and increases the countries economy, financially wise. On the other hand, when it comes to the negative aspects, there are more than just a few. The negative aspects of offshore drilling range from the destroying of mangroves and pollution of the sea, to the death of many innocent creatures. I'm an animal person, so when I think of offshore drilling I think of a deadly plague being casted upon the poor animals that deserve a chance at life just like you and I do. I say no to offshore drilling because it does much more damage than good to our country. It is true that Belize needs a source of finance to get us out of the debt we are in, but then again are we willing to risk the lost of our precious jewel that nature has blessed us with? think of it, out of hundreds of countries in the world, we have the second largest barrier reef, and in my opinion the most magnificent. If there is to be an oil spill, then fishes, birds, manatees and even the few dolphins we have will all die out; not only will they die out, but also the corals will die because of the toxins in the oil. We already have an oil pump in Belize inland I see not the importance of one offshore. Belize needs to say no to offshore drilling and yes to the preservation of the things that defines us as the prestigious country we are. There is always a limit to everything and too much of anything is bad, therefore in this case, too much offshore drilling will benefit us now but be disadvantageous in the future.
I will start by defining the meaning of offshore drilling; it typically refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater. Most commonly, the term is used to describe oil extraction off the coasts of continents, though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas. I am proposing that offshore drilling should be accepted in our beautiful country Belize because it will also be a sort of financial enhancement to our country, with the rising price of gas in Belize other measures need to be taken to ensure economic stability in the country. We as a country need to produce more oil domestically by opening up more drilling offshore. We also need to do more research into other means of obtaining oil from other sources, thus making our country more energy independent. While drilling offshore in will not produce an immediate supply of oil, it will show speculators that we are attempting to increase domestic production of oil in Belize. This in turn should cause the price of oil to drop, thus decreasing the price at the pump. According to the National Review (2008) the U.S. Minerals Survey estimates that offshore drilling could produce 86 billion barrels of oil, thus helping to ensure the energy independence and economic stability for future generations. Offshore oil drilling is a vital asset to our future economic growth and energy independence. Without the oil resources available offshore our country will continue its dependence on foreign oil thereby ensuring economic instability for years to come. The biggest assurance we can have is to open up offshore drilling and start pumping our own oil so that other countries will come buying oil from us and this will increase our economy for our beautiful country Belize. With offshore drilling, there will be employment opportunities for the citizens of Belize because there will be financial stability for the government to create jobs for citizens. This will make our country better and it will also be a good way to eradicate poverty from our beautiful country Belize because there will be revenue for the government to build industries, work outlets and other employment opportunities. I agree with Paula because offshore drilling will create employment to the citizens of Belize and also will bring good economy for the country. I disagree with Ronz because i believe before any where is been dogged for offshore drilling ,there will be 95% assurance that oil will be gotten from their so no marine life will be destroyed because there is a strong assurance that oil will be found and the marine life will be protected . . Retrieved March 6, 2011, from the World Wide Web: http://www.antiessays.com/free-essays/15314.html
Offshore drilling is drilling for oil or natural gas from underground deposit under an ocean or other natural body of water. For this to be done, rigs must be put in place. When I thought of this, the first things that came to my mind are the marine life, our barrier reef and the many risks that will be taken when drilling. Although many may say that drilling will boost the economy financially the government should not allow offshore drilling because it is no guarantee that oil will be found and it will damage the marine life. Song revealed "that routine operation and maintenance of just one rig dumps 25,000 lbs of toxic metals per well, including lead chromium and mercury and potent carcinogens into the sea as well as 90,000 metric tons of drilling fluids and metal cutting over the life of a rig. The air pollution from one rig is , cars driving equivalent to miles a day. This is not to mention the common explosions and smaller spills from routine operation. And, in Belize, the probability of disaster from accidents is significant due to hurricanes and earthquakes. Lets not forget the economic impacts. According to 2007 figures, reef and mangrove associated with tourism brings in US$150-196 million counting for 12-15% of Belize's gross domestic products. The fishing industry generates US$14-16 million annually. Further more the reef which could be virtually eliminated by offshore drilling protects Belize's shorelines from dangers and that value is estimated at US$120 to 180 million" (p.1). The effects of offshore drilling are not simply felt by the surrounding environment but also by the marine life. These effects have damaging consequences for our fisheries food chain, balance of the ecosystem, health and the enjoyment that we can find in the diversities of nature.
Michael,S. (2010,June). Offshore drilling, digging deeper. Retrieved from http://ambergrisdaily-com/belize-news/offshore-oil-drilling-in-belize-digging-deeper
I agree much with Nirmal. Offshore drilling will damage our barrier reef which is one of the Underwater Wonder of the world. It is the main attraction of our country and one of the greatest sources of income. Offshore drilling will destroy the habitat of and many sea creatures which will be sad because Belize has the largest population of the West Indian manatee, we have the endangered American crocodile and many other sea creatures. These creatures deserve a chance to life like any other.
I’m position is against offshore drilling in Belize. My first and main reason is because it will only cause more environmental problems in our country and degrade our natural resources. Secondly because government will be putting a lot of money into this and we don’t even know if we have oil to that; therefore we’ll be putting our hopes and money into something we are unsure about and we have neither time nor money for that. It will also be taking away jobs for many Belizeans. According to Ambergris Daily, (2010), “In terms of employment, the fishing industry employs an estimated 4,000 Belizeans, and tourism employs 16-20,000. BNE employs 160. It would take 125 BNEs to make up for the fishing and tourism industries’ jobs,” (para. 11). Come on people let’s protect our jewel.
i disagree with steven because yea ther is no guarantee that it will happen to us but we are not in the position right now to take those kind of risk financially nor enviromentally.
i see where julie is going with that but how long will all that take to happen? time that we cannot afford to invest and all those goods things that can come from drilling won't benefit the poor only the rich when they do come. the risk is not worth it.
Brackett (2010) from COLA asked in an interview with a channel 7 reporter if there were any contingency plan mandated for companies to do offshore drilling he states clearly that there was laws for onshore drilling but not for offshore drilling. My position to offshore drilling in anti. Although it may increase revenue and jobs its negative effects are far greater because it at some point an oil spill may occur it will kill Belize tourism and fishing industries just to name a few. The companies which have been granted permission to drill most does not have any experience to do this tedious job and so will have to import export who we do not even know if they have experience as well. A company such as Princess Petroleum Ltd. Island Oil Belize ltd., etc just the name clearly shows that no experience is there. The most devastating thing is that the petroleum map which has been released by the Geology and Petroleum Department includes marine reserves, which means that our marine life will be depleted even more so if offshore drilling starts. In the Ambergris Caye papers its states that at a forum Dr. McField from Healthy Reef Initiative, he stated, "without a disaster, routine operations and maintenance of just one oil rig dumps 25,000 pounds of toxic metals per well, including lead, chromium and mercury, and potent carcinogens into the sea, as well as 90,000 metric tons of drilling fluid and metal cuttings over the life of a rig. And, the air pollution from one rig is equivalent to 7,000 cars driving 50 miles a day. This is not to mention the common explosions and smaller spills from routine operations. And, in Belize, the probability of disaster from accidents is significant due to hurricanes and earthquakes. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed 113 oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and 457 pipelines". Here we see that not only an oil spill can bring our country to its knees but the daily operations on an oil rig.
Michael,S. (2010,June). Offshore drilling, digging deeper. Retrieved from http://ambergrisdaily-com/belize-news/offshore-oil-drilling-in-belize-digging-deeper
G. Brackett, News interview, January 6, 2010 retrieved from http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=15913
I agree with Nikita because our government can invest alot of money into offshore drilling and at the end only get a small percentage of profit that cannot sustain our couuntry and also they do not know if there is enough oil for our country to use and for export.
To drill or not to drill The debate over whether or not to drill is current and hot. The time is drawing near though when Belizeans will need to decide on either side of the debate. My position on the matter is soundly in favour of drilling. We must do what we need to do so that we can do what we want to do Washington, D. (Director). (2010). The great debaters [DVD]. Poor financial decisions coupled with the recent global economic meltdown have landed Belize in a rather precarious position. The economic difficulties brought on by the aforementioned factors have created economic hardships on the Belizean populace, and as such it is imperative that capital be injected into the economy to arrest this situation. According to the national anthem of Belize, our beloved country is blessed with wealth untold, one of which is potentially huge oil deposits. It stands to reason then, that as a people we must find a way to exploit this valuable natural resource in a sustainable and economically viable way. Objection to offshore drilling or drilling in general are centred on two fundamental factors, environmental impact, and economic impact. Based on initial discussions with a broad cross section of the Belizean populace, the general consensus seemingly is in support of drilling. The overwhelming condition to allow drilling is that a system is designed to ensure that the general populace receive tangible benefits from the proceeds of the oil industry.
Part 2: A strong argument against drilling is supported by many individuals and organizations. According to APAMO’s Edilberto Romero, “the total dollar value of a healthy barrier reef and mangrove coastline to Belize is US$559 million per year. A detailed cost benefit analysis on the revenue figures as presented by Mr. Romero appears in an interesting article in a local newspaper. Ysaguirre, W. (2010, June 11).Coalition to save our nation heritage calls for ban on offshore drilling. Retrieved March 6, 2011, from http://www.reporter.bz/ According to the article in the reporter, Mr. Romero asserted that the benefits derived from tourism and fishing are much more than would be derived from oil exploitation. From an environmental approach the concern is about the capacity and intention to mitigate the negative effects of an oil mishap. Oil is risky business, and it’s difficult to avoid spills even in normal operations, excluding accidents. And as the world has seen from the accident in the Gulf of Mexico, oil is difficult to clean up; it is not bio-degradable. Any spills would damage either the reef or the mangroves or both. The underlying concern of most Belizeans is trust/mistrust of the decision makers in the oil equation. At the risk of being labelled as the eternal optimist, I must mention that I firmly believe that it is possible to exploit the oil resources in an environmentally sustainable and economically viable manner. Once we can strike a proper balance between the environment and economic benefits, then I fully support oil drilling. The proper balance is achievable considering that as Belizeans we all desire only the best for our country. A well managed oil industry holds the promise of alleviating the economic hardships of our beloved country. As a country we must make tough but responsible decisions so that we can overcome the challenges that confront us.
The government should not allow off shore drilling in Belize and the reason why I am against this is because one of the major negative impacts of oil drilling is the environmental issue. If oil production rate is higher, then there will be more usage, thus generating more greenhouse gases. In addition, the success rate of drilling is also very low, meaning that it may take lots of time and the outcome is unpredictable.
Another major issue of offshore drilling is the oil spill that it will cause and this will greatly affect the marine ecosystems. Research have shown that oil spills damages beaches, kill birds, marine mammals, fish and also destroys wildlife habitat and breeding grounds. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), offshore drilling results in thousands of gallons of oil being spilled each year. Oil is toxic to fish and other marine wildlife and cleanup methods are extremely inefficient. The intensification of hurricanes and storms has led to an increase in the number of oil spills that occur. Hurricanes Rita and Katrina --according to the NRDC -- resulted in 125 different spills of petroleum-based products from offshore platforms, rigs, and pipelines. Moreover, 685,000 gallons of petroleum product in total was spilled (Savoie, O. 2010).
Savoie, O.(2010). How offshore drilling destroys marine ecosystem. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_6975175_offshore-drilling-destroys-marine-ecosystem.html
I agree with Patricia. offshore drilling will help our country for the future, and that is a concern of many nowadays. There are no jobs and prices of goods are rising. offshore drilling can rectify both of those problems. offshore drilling leads to more domestic production which will allow prices to drop. and it will also raise government revenue. the government can use this extra revenue to invest in businesses, and in turn create more jobs for the people of Belize. to me, this is of most importance, because poverty is affecting many and also, even people with major degrees cannot find jobs. so offshore drilling will better our community.
i support offshore drilling. critics may say that the main problem of offshore drilling is that it contributes to carbon emissions, which leads to global warming. and it may even cause environmental hazards like oil spills in the oceans. facts state, however, that there are other major sources of environmental hazards and carbon emissions. for example, Fox News (2008) informs that offshore drilling only accounts for 1% of oil spillage. while natural seepage accounts for a whopping 63%. in addition, there are also smaller contributors of spillage such as, consumers and transportation, which are responsible for 32% and 4% respectively. and we all know that carbon emissions come from all corners of the world: transportation, consumers, industries, and the list goes on. we are living in a modern world which we have all grown accustomed to, and to continue living the way we want, we must acknowledge that environmental problems will happen to get this done, and that done. so if spillage and emissions are the problems, we cannot only point a fat finger at offshore drilling. we must also look at the other factors that contribute to this problem. offshore drilling promotes the welfare of the economy, and by association, its citizens. it lowers gas levels and creates a higher revenue for the government. the bad that offshore drilling offers (considering that environmental pollution will happen with or without drilling)can almost be seen as insignificant when compared to the good it presents.
References: Lajeunesse, W. (2008, July 14).Fox News. New York City, NY: FNC.
Hall, S.(2007). Pros and cons of offshore drilling. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5019434_pros-cons-offshore-oil-drilling.html
Offshore drilling typically refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater through drilling a well. Most commonly, the term is used to describe oil extraction off the coasts of continents, though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas. I personally stands against the whole offshore oil drilling. One disadvantage of offshore oil drilling is waste disposal. Routine drilling produces dangerous waste as well. When drilling, harmful substances like mercury and lead enter the ocean waters, says the Natural Resources Defense Council. These materials are used in lubrication of drills and for related purposes, according to the NRDC. Furthermore, water containing toxic substances emerges from the oil and gas well, adds the organization. Another reason why I'm against offshore drilling is because it affects the infrastructure of a country.Drilling doesn't just affect one particular spot on an ocean floor. Along with the drilling rig, miles of pipeline and other infrastructure, like roads, buildings and canals, degrade the natural environment on the land as well as the water. This infrastructure transports the oil to a refinery. In Louisiana, as USA Today says, 10,000 miles of canals run through the coastal wetlands, which has led to much erosion. These changes transform a natural environment, forcing out wildlife that normally lives in the area, and these changes cannot be quickly reversed.
References
The Disadvantages of Offshore Drilling. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_7320227_disadvantages-offshore-drilling.html
I do agree with Mel that the government should not allow offshore drilling.The government are not well prepared to undergo this act.They will be investing money into offshore drilling and also borrowing money from our near by countries and just leave us in more dept to pay back.Offshore drilling is very expensive,it is very complex (first we have to reach the ocean floor, then drill),it requires larger energy inputs per energy gain than a similar operation onshore.
Not drill Well I would say that drilling is bad because even though it is a good raw material to be use. I AM going to have to disagree with the decision of barrack Obama decision to allow drilling in areas off the Atlantic, Gulf, and Alaskan coasts, he notes that the politics may make sense, but the environmental angle does not. This is affecting in a dramatically way because as energy or environmental policy, however, I can't see any logic. The problem runs deeper than David Roberts's point ("The impact on oil prices will be 'insignificant,' says the Energy Information Administration, and it won’t make America any less dependent on foreign oil, either"). The fundamental problem is this: there is a finite amount of fossil fuel. The more of it we find and burn, the more carbon we put into the atmosphere, and the more severe the greenhouse effect becomes. Once the carbon is in the atmosphere, it stays there. If we want to limit climate change, what we have to do, one way or another, is to leave fuels in the ground wherever possible, not find and burn them. As everyone knows if it impact America it will affect Belize in a great problem: if you follow this line of thinking to its natural conclusion, then you have to declare that America should immediately stop all extraction of fossil fuels, right now.
I agree with kuo-chen Lee because the first thing to think about is marine life. One of the most things we have in Belize is the sea. There are a lot of fishermen working in the sea trying to work to make some money for home. But if it happens as in Use about the place being damage this cause a lot of problems to sea kill all creature of the sea. (eg.fishes).one of the great reason why they need to stop this drilling because it is they are just leading to destruction of the marine life and our own life as humans.
I agree with Adrian because am against offshore drilling because it can damage our marine life and it can damage our coral beds. as it is sated on oilexploration-in-belize.com BNE began looking for oil in Belize in 2002. Spearheaded by two Irish women and a Belizean engineer , the small company found oil after most of the major oil companies had tried and failed over the past 50 years. So now they have found the oil and intend to drill then ship it out of the country. Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world and oil exportation on the sea can cause alot of trouble. an oil spill camn happen just like the oil spill that occured in the gulf of Mexico last year where it killed out majority if their marine life. we do not want that to happen in Belize because mojority of the country depend on the barrier reef to bring tourist in. if that happens the economy will have a rapid downfall and things will get harder. so i think thata the government should think about wat is being done and make a change about the situation. According to belizean.com At its Annual General Meeting yesterday, APAMO Chairman Mr. Edilberto Romero told the media that "The position of APAMO is to call on the government to put a complete ban on oil exploration on our offshore areas. The oil exploration activities offshore are too risky for our natural resources, too risky for the coral reefs, too risky for the Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage System. APAMO members have agreed to put a resolution to call on the government to put a complete ban on oil exploration on the offshore." I agree with that statement 100%. So the answer to the question is not to drill!!!
I am against offshore drilling. Why? because it can destroy our reef and its surrondings. It can cause major damage to our waters. Oil spills both major and minor harm of the ecosystem and wild life and our tourism will suffer great declines. They can also have the risk of frequent pipe line leaks and oil release of toxic chemicals which contribute to the increase of air pollution and to the warmer global temperature. Chemical release can lead to respitory reproductive and development effects as well as severe skin burn and even death. It can not only harm human health but also it can change the out look of our surrondings in our enivironments and communities for years. In a previous interview with president from oceania; Mrs. Audrey Matura Shephard clearly states that our coastal surrondings will be affected and if oil drilling should be done, then it must be done by a professional in order to eliminate the spill of oil. Drilling will damage nature tremendously if the crude oils are leaks out into our water. As a concern citizen, I will do my best to stop the offshore drilling. Offshore drilling, (2004). Retrived from: http://naturalgas.org/naturalgas/extraction_offshore.asp.
Offshore drilling...Hmmm is it a good thing or is it a bad thing? A good thing, Yes, because it may some day benefit the country of Belize. But until then that we have not seen any difference in the oil spill that we had already seen, we must wonder again, if Belize ever struck oil again, will it be the same situation we are having? Not seeing any profit for Belize. I highly disagree with offshore drilling.So Paula im agaisnt you my friend.The reason is that, it will make no difference in our country and us the Belizean people will not see anything out of that. We as belizeans got to think about who it will benefit. The offshore drilling will not cater for the poor people of Belize. What if we struck oil? what could happen to our Barrier Reef? many tour guides do not go to school to tell about belize natural wonders. How many people will be out of a job? How many chances are there for many belizeans get to be employed at an oil rig? HOW MANY? Then we have risk, major risk that can slow or economy, in the last oil spill that happened in the gulf coast, Ryan Witt stated " Eleven workers died on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig which just exploded in the Gulf Coast. Between 2001 and 2007 some 1,400 accidents occurred on oil rigs though most of those accidents were not fatal." Thats way too many for a small ecomomy like Belize. WE DON'T NEED THAT! WE DON'T WANT NO OFFSHORE DRILLING IN BELIZE! The Economy is too rich with natural wonders, keep it!
As we all know our barrier reef is a habitat for many species of fishes, corals and sea mammals. Our beautiful reef is not only here for its good looks but also to protect our, under sea level, country against the harsh waves and rise in sea levels before and after a hurricane. In addition, it provides income both directly and indirectly. There are many people who are totally dependent on the sea to earn a livelihood such as our fishermen. Through the income earned these men are able to provide food and clothing for their families, educate their children and most importantly avoid the temptations of crimes. But it’s not only our fishermen, what about our large hotels? According to the International Tanker Owner Pollution Federation Limited (2010), “Hotels and restaurant owners who gain their livelihood form the tourist trade can suffer loses, while Industries who rely on seawater for their normal operation can also be adversely affected by oil spills. Coastal Industries such as, shipyards, ports and harbors can be disturbed by oil spills and clean-up operations”.
Secondly, Belize does not have the finances needed to operate in this industry. Lets say another country decides to fund us at the start, how will we maintain it? Our country still up to today have not completely been restored after little hurricane Richard. The Kendal Bridge is still not assembled after being washed away. One study shows that “In the 1989 Exxon spill at Prince Williams Sound in Alaska, It took 10,000 workers, 1,000 boats, 100 airplanes, and the Navy, Army, and Air Force to clean up the spill. Exxon spent about $2.1 billion for the clean-up” Thinkquest (2010). Also “Oceana does not believe that it is worth it to drill offshore and to run the risk of permanently damaging our sea and reef.” Gillett. N (2011).
Gillet. N. (2011, February 13). Ocean Currents, Ocean or Oil? The Reporter, p.33.
Refered to Paula i personally think drilling is not very good thing to do eventhough it will gave people a lot of work but still if it happen again about the oil expandingto the sea and killing a lot natural resources. The first thing to do is to think about the enviornment and the marine life thought Belize and other countries
Tanya made a very good point that Offshore drilling is very expensive an our Belizean Government is not able to deal with that. Some people had mention that it will reduce prices in some areas. Yes! that is true if they find what they are looking for, but, that is not guaranteed so why put our country at risk and destroy the beauty of it for something that we are not sure of....
I am for offshore driling as i believe it bring more domestic production,lower pump prices, and increase in government revenues. More offshore drilling will lead to greater domestic oil production and less reliance on imported oil, much of which comes from politically unstable regions, such as the Middle East. (Hall,S.2009). secondly is the Lower Pump Prices,Offshore drilling will increase the suply of oil, resulting in lower gasoline prices, according to supporters. this ia a benifit to the people in the cmmunity, as it is one of the biggest problem for our belizean drivers. finally is the increased Government Revenues. Supporters of offshore drilling say that opening restricted areas to offshore oil production will generate billions in state and federal revenues through royaltie. this again is an advantage for the society at hand as they will be able to benifit fro the out come of the money.In everything there is an advantage and a disadvantage, at times we just need to overlook the bad and do that which is most benefitting for all. the grater good. reference: Hall.S(2009).Pros & Cons of offshore oil drilling.retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5019434_pros-cons-offshore-oil-drilling.html#ixzz1G4Jx2U9j
Before i write my explanation for my point for oil drilling, i would like to say the government of Belize is irresponsible and worries more about the finacial opportunities rather than the risk of drilling for oil.
i agree 100% with Deshwan Ellis as she had almost all of my points. also i like the fact when she stated that there are other reasons contributing to global warming, that we probably can't stop anyways, hence, we might as well allow something that will be for the greater good. that is allowing offshore drilling.
Even though the allowance for offshore drilling in Belize may help the economy, it poses more risks than advantages. I am personally against offshore drilling because the size of the threats may be too detrimental to both the people and animals near the coast. Belize tourism depends on the proper preservation of the sea and the plants and animals that inhabits it. The most invaluable phenomenon being our beautiful barrier reef. The risk of damaging the reef outweigh any positive outcome of oil drilling. The barrier reef provides protection to our country, which is already below sea level. Additionally, it houses some of belize's most beautiful sea animals, like fish and sting rays. The barrier reef also allocate jobs to fishermen and/or divers. Without it the country may dramatically decline.
Secondly, prohibiting offshore drilling also contribute to the cause of a cleaner planet. The planet is already in danger of loosing its O-zone layer, which protects habitats of the earth. Releasing that oil into the atmosphere just further deteriorate our planet's protection from solar radiation. The combustion of fuel is the main source of air pollution, so in order to obtain a cleaner atmosphere, we must cut the source of the oil from the start. The waste product or chemical from oil drilling can leak into our waters and instigate a problem before the actual oil leak occurs.
Finally, our country is not financially capable to maintain such project and if not enough oil is produced then the pockets of the Belizean people maybe in trouble. Belize is in debt already and borrowing money to maintain a project that isn't a 100% definate just seems ridiculus and irresponsible.
We clearly had an example of the damaging effects of an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which is reported as the largest spill in US history. Dead animals floated to the shore and about eleven workers lost thier lives in the spill. Evidently an oil spill is hard to deal with especially if Belize should experience one. As Belizeans we need to make our voices be heard in order to protect our jewel, our country Belize.
Reference
Oil Exploration In Belize Retrieved from http://www.belize.com/articles/oil-exploration-in-belize.html
Its surprising to see how some people can agree with oil drilling.i disagree with paula and patricia saying that revenues from the oil will pay off the "super Bond".Probably will only cover half the amount and the rest into the Barrow's pockets.They are the only ones getting richer and people like me and you continue to suffer. Can you imagine the great disaster an oil spill will cause.I don't think so.
In my prospective l also agree with kameisha if we started to do oil drilling it will affect our sea creature and our reef in numerously. The barrier reef help prevent hurricane. The oil drilling contain a lot of toxic chemical that, then lead to our sea which cause our water to become contaminated and our sea creature which will then lead our environment to became sick an a increase of death with a numerous increase financially to the community.Oil drilling have it advantages as well as it disadvantage. oil drilling should not be accepted.
Oil drilling should not be allowed in Belize because it will be a gamble with our main industry. This is the tourism industry it brings in the most money for Belize and if it should be affected or even tampered with Belize will be doomed. How can our main finance industry just go in front of our eyes? Come on people, America is said to be the smartest and most equipped place on planet Earth. How is it that they had a big oil spill and could not have controlled it in the blink of an eye? Would we want to risk our country like that? If the barrier reef is destroyed how do you think that we will make it? It is the main attraction for tourist and it is the home to sea life. I say No to Oil drilling.
In the case of Belize Natural Energy which is currently drilling onshore in Cayo, total revenues from 2006 through 2010 were $326.1 million, with the Government of Belize receiving $75.8 million, or 23% of gross revenues. Belize Natural Energy claims that the Government of Belize is earning 58% of Belize Natural Energy profits, which sounds like Belize is getting the longer end of the stick. But, the claim is misleading and based on historical figures. The actual deal Government of Belize struck with Belize Natural Energy is actually 40% of net income (revenues less expenses). It just so happened that after all expenses, the Government of Belize’s 40% also equaled to 23% of gross revenues and 58% of profits. Now, consider the additional costs required to drill offshore, or “exploration expenses”, amounting from US $2.1 to 3.6 million per drill. There is a chance offshore drills may not breakeven until it is too late, and if there is no oil to be found, 40% of zero profits is zero, all while damaging marine life, the reef, and mangroves. Soon we won’t be able to eat fish, stop harming our people, animals, and the atmosphere. (Sheperd, 2011) Sheperd,A.(2011,February 25).Oceana.Great Belize Production Ltd. Retrieved from http://edition.channel5belize,com/archives/49685
Thanks Kuo Cho lee is a mistake i against it. My position about offshore is cons. After watching i knew that offshore drilling is typically refers to the discovering and development of oil and gas resources which lie under water it obvious that drills required going deep down through layers of the ground before it reaches the oil. And if government choose to go for the off shore exploration they can be in danger as the reef destroyed, then the country will be in danger with attack by natural disaster such as hurricane, flood e.t.c. which could lead to financial or human losses and affect the environment. And can cause destruction of everything even people, flash floods and dirty waters which bring a handful sickness. According to Cause (2011, Feb.15). Advocate to stop the propose of offshore Drilling for oil in Belize water. “We have to protect our reef and the creatures that lives in our beautiful Caribbean sea, remember what happen in the Gulf of Mexico how much oil ran miles and how much damage it made am sure no Belizean want this to happen so let hold hand in unity and say No”. eHow.com (n.d.). Stated in 1969 accident that spilled millions of gallons of oil off the California coast lead to restriction on offshore drilling. Increase drilling make such accident more likely to occur.
Reference No offshore drilling in Belize’s waters period! Retrieved from www.causes.com/.../489975-no- Offshore-drilling-in-belize-s-waters period Pro and cons of offshore oil drilling/eHow.com Retrieved from www.ehow.com>... Oil Drilling
Idisagree with Esther,B.You are looking at the advantages of offshore oil drilling that it bring more domestic production,lower pump price, increase in government,greater domestic oil production and others,why not consider the disadvantages and protect our country Belize.
I suport Zak Tillett that our country is not finincially capable to mentain such project and if not enough oil is produced then the pockets of the Belizean people may be in troble.Belize is in debt already and borrowing money to maintain a project that isn't a 100% definate just seems ridiculus and irresponsible.
I am against, As part of our critique of the oil and car culture, to help bring on sustainable living, Culture Change has relaunched the campaign to help stop offshore oil drilling and protect ecosystems. Which is also saying the off shore drilling exploration is both good and bad for the country of Belize. petroleum is one of the most used natural elements the way of getting it is harmful to the environment. Offshore drilling may seem harmless but accidents do happen according to Songs (2010),he stated Belize Natural Energy (BNE), which is currently drilling onshore in Cayo, total revenues from 2006 through 2010 were $326.1 million, with the Government of Belize (GOB) receiving $75.8 million, or 23% of gross revenues. BNE claims that the GOB is earning 58% of BNE profits, which sounds like Belize is getting the longer end of the stick. But, the claim is misleading and based on historical figures. The actual deal GOB struck with BNE is actually 40% of net income (revenues less expenses). It just so happened that after all expenses, the GOB’s 40% also equalled to 23% of gross revenues and 58% of profits.
In this offshore drilling exploration its good and bad but also costly to dig a hole to search for oil it is a good amount of money lets say couple millions and our rate of finding oil was said to be 3:24 and for investors that is bad because it cost to dig hole so if thats the ratio the foreigners wont want to invest in the oil industry and on the other hand they can be also destroying the earth the environment and can also kill people because if u notice when drilling there are certain amount of layers beneath the ground and a lower portion called the water line for the ground a a little bit of oil would get into that due to the drilling many people may be affected by this because many people depends on their rivers to drink and get water from and if this was to happen many people would die due to the fact that they would have to use this water for their daily trends. References: Michael, S (2010,july 14).amberigsdaily.com
I definitely agree with Kishana because tourism is what is really bringing income to Belize. Therefore, what attracts tourists is our country’s beauty not oil. Those people will not be attracted to the oil rigs they want to come and enjoy nature at its best. Another point you mentioned was the money business and yes it’s true. Somehow, I think the government thinks that if oil is to be found that they will start seeing more money in their pockets which is not so. If they really care about us they will have to consider this offshore drilling because instead of creating wealth for our country they will just be destroying the health of not only the people but also the marine ecosystem.
I would want to agree with Julie, that if oil drilling is done in Belize it would increase job but on the other hand it will damage our reefs and the surroudings and the waters for our tourist. tourism helps our country.
I personally believe that the government should not allow offshore drilling in Belize because it will only damage what our unique country posses…natural beauty. First of all, in the drilling process a toxic soup is formed when the fluid blends with rock, mud, and naturally occurring radioactive materials, which can spread at the minimum of a thousand meters from the rigs. All of these chemicals pose a threat to the area surrounding the rigs for as many as forty years. Such threats are affecting the quality of the marine water, harming the organisms that stay on the bottom of the ocean, and, ultimately, having negative impacts throughout the region, which includes changes in the abundance richness and diversity of the marine life from both the physical and toxic effects (Donatoni, n.d.). That is already a lot of damage caused and in this case, they would have to hire foreigners to do the job. Hasn’t the government had enough with the oil they found in Spanish lookout? No one can say that the existing company is making changes in Belize because the poverty rate and the overall status in Belize basically remains the same. Secondly according to what I understand they want to drill within protected areas which is nothing but nonsense. The areas are already considered protected so there is no need to go and disturb those ecosystems for the “benefit” of the people just because they think they will find black gold, oil. Enough damage was done when the cargo ship crashed into the amazing barrier reef and no more should be done. The effects of offshore drilling are not simply felt by the surrounding environment, but also by the marine life. These effects have damaging consequences for our fisheries, food chain, balance of the ecosystem, health, and the enjoyment that we find in the diversity of nature (Donatoni, n.d.). So, no offshore drilling in Belize because we need to start to think what lies ahead and not beneath! reference Donatoni, M. (n.d.). Offshore drilling. Retrieved February, 28, 2011 from http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/MDonatoni/ResearchPaper.htm
am positive that everyone who disagree with offshore drillig are well aware that our counrty would greatly benifit from the oil revenues recieved for its oil production.but have those who agreed with oil dilling looked into the long term effects of it. i don't think that not even moneis recieved from oil would be enough to undo lifetime dameages!!!
I am against offshore oil drilling in the country of Belize. Therefore, I believe that the Government of Belize should not allow offshore oil drilling.On the contrary, the potential losses to our fishing and tourist industries far out-weigh the potential economic advantages of oil drilling.A spill like the recent 2010, which happened in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana will with no doubt destroy the reef,mangroves and sea grass. After this there will be no lobster, no conch or no fish…and no tourists!; the sea is the backbone of the Belizean economy. Mrs. Audrey Matura-Shepherd sated that"while we wish for our country to develop and progress we cannot do so to the detriment of our long-term survival. The recent spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana has shown us that even a rich and highly advanced country like the great USA is not equipped to handle such disaster, and thus this should teach us to proceed with much caution as one accident ten times less can wipe out our entire coastline and send Belize into an economic depression never seen before."
Offshore drilling typically refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater. Most commonly, the term which is used to describe oil extraction off the coasts of countries, though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas. I am against offshore drilling because, drilling for oil offshore means that ecosystems will be destroyed, marine life will be endangered and also the coral reefs. Offshore oil production involves environmental risks, most notably oil spills from oil tankers or pipelines transporting oil from the platform to onshore facilities, and from leaks and accidents on the platform. Produced water is also generated, which is excess water from oil or gas production and includes varying amounts of oil, or other chemicals used in, or resulting from, oil production. According to the organization Culture Change, a Gulf of Mexico rig dumps about 90,000 tons of drilling fluid and cuttings over its lifetime, with its wells also contributing with heavy metals Ecosystems, habitats and the coral reef are destroyed when the machinery needed is taken out and when the drilling starts. The destruction of the reef in Belize would mean that we would experience larger tides which will flood our coasts. The destruction of marine life would be a disadvantage to the country and people. It would be a disadvantage to the country because many tourists visit to see the marine life, and it would be a disadvantage to the people because many Belizeans turn to fish as a daily meal. Marine life is also said to be destroyed by all the toxic wastes such as lead, mercury, carcinogens and chromium.
Refrences: ^ http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-12308981.html ^ History of Offshore Oil Wells (1840-2010)
I definitely agree with Shamita.. Offshore drilling will benefit the country but a major disadvantage of it is its waste product.. That can damage the country and as it is Belize is already having money problems. Belize can not afford cost of fixing the damages.
What is Offshore oil drilling? Well according to Matthew Donatoni (2011), "Drilling for oil in the ocean is one of the greatest technological breakthroughs in recent decades, and many new techniques have been developed to profit from the abundance of oil underneath the ocean floor. While drilling for oil has been around for hundreds of years in one form or the another, the effective extraction of petroleum from beneath the sea floor did not surface until the last forty years. The search for oil often turns out to be unproductive, but this practice is vital for the economic future of many nations" (Page Unknown). When it comes to offshore oil drilling, there are three main disadvantage associated. First is opportunity costs. The second disadvantage is worker safety. Finally the last, and most significant, disadvantage is environmental.All this spell out one thing, and that is "A lot of money that Belize does not have".
Further more into the topic, Oil drilling is not for Belize and i am strongly against it. I understand that it will benefit the country in many ways, and the economy can also benefit from it. But in the longer run it is going to destroy the country. Belize do not have the equipment, income, and workers to work if an oil spill occurs. It is very dangerous and can destroy the environment, marine life, and many more.
Offshore oil drilling harms My position about offshore oil drilling is anti. When you speak of offshore oil drilling, the first thing that comes to mind is that is the marine life and disasters. As I watched the animation process of offshore oil drilling and I saw clearly that it drills through the sea bed and goes deep down through many layers of solid ground before it reaches the oil and that is if they find any at that location. These promoters of offshore oil drilling fail to realize that these solid grounds in our sea protect us from chaos like earthquake and it provides a firm foundation of the marine life, especially to the barrier reef. I realized what had happened that many countries have done and are currently maintaining this process having supportive evidence of occurrences that are not pleasant and they have been in this field before Belize. Furthermore if we asked them if it has been an easy road to maintain the offshore drilling from being hazardous? All will say they try there out most best but on the hand, we still have mishaps. For example I remember the worst oil spill in the U.S took place in the Gulf of Mexico, many Belizeans believed that it would flow down the coastal areas and damage our marine life and especially again the barrier reef since the gulf of Mexico is so near to us but thanks to the grace of God our beautiful possession was and is protected. As there is a possibility of erecting those horrible looking oil spills and rigs along our coastal… we plead to our government to try its best to get out of these offshore oil drilling/exploration contracts. Negative effects totally outweigh any positive effects that can come from offshore drilling. (Brooks, 2010) Most individuals in the world knows that tourism is the largest source of income for us there are several major reasons why people come to our country and one of our major attraction is our marine life and the barrier reefs if we lose these two thing only God and time will tell if we will ever be restored back to that point of such beauty. So I leave to ask will you damage your beauty for the sake of money? Cause if you give you beauty for money then it would be same of giving our beautiful marine just for money. Reference
Brooks, A. (2010). the effects of offshore- drilling. Belize: Amandala Press.
i totally agree with powa the benefit of it may see promising on a short term but, let me tell y'all this; like powa said it will destroy the country. every single person know the the long term effect will be very chaotic to everyone and our environment even the "scientific peoples. 'Shuck wi don fight fi di land mark,sea ah geh indipendence, at least mek wi embrace it, preserve it and love it'
My position about offshore oil drilling is anti. Whenever someone speaks about offshore drilling three things might come in mind money, marine life and disaster. A person may say that offshore drilling will increase the supply of oil, resulting in lower gasoline prices, according to supporters. This may lead to more money in their packet but failing to realize that offshore drilling will not reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, which contributes to warmer global temperatures. In addition oil generated through expanded offshore drilling will not be enough to greatly affect world oil prices because it will have minimal price impact. According to Darwin (1842), in his study of the evolution of coral reefs, that Belize was home to "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies." Within the beautiful reef of our country Belize is the home of our marine life and when watching the procedures of the oil drilling I saw that it drill through the sea bad. That was not the only thing I saw; it is clearly to be see that it will cause destruction to the marine life and the barrier reef. In 1969 accident that spilled millions of gallons of oil off the California coast led to restrictions on offshore drilling. Increased drilling makes such accidents more likely to occur. Now imagine a small country like Belize going through a serious dilemma of such oil spill. No, to offshore drilling in our precious country Belize and sign the petition that Oceana Belize is carrying out.
References Brooks, A. (2010). The effects of offshore- drilling. Belize: Amandala Press. Pro and cons of offshore oil drilling/eHow.com Retrieved from www.ehow.com>... Oil Drilling Oil Exploration In Belize Retrieved from http://www.belize.com/articles/oil-exploration-in-belize.html
I’m personally against offshore drilling in Belize simply because the negative aspect of it far out weighs the positive. I am a sea food lover & I can’t imagine a life with out sea food. In addition no one is perfect and mistakes can be made an accidents can occur but why wait till then? It shouldn’t be brought to this country. One of the most dangerous parts of offshore drilling is when there is a spill just because only 5-15% of it can be clean up. This affects not only the surrounding environment, but also the marine life. These effects have damaging consequences for our fisheries, food chain, balance of ecosystem, health and the enjoyment that we find in the diversity of nature. Furthermore, the routine rig pollution, oil dispersants, debris, the dredging of the ocean floor to locate pipelines, and using explosives to remove rigs endangers marine life. A perfect example of the effects that these rigs pose to the marine life that inhabits the waters around them is the sea turtle. When the sea turtles come in contact with weathered oil, they become infertile. Also they are attracted to the light that are situated on the rigs and that poses a risk to the hatchings for they would be drawn towards the rings where predator fish could be hiding. This is a perfect example that illustrates that off shore drilling does more harm than good to our environment. In a addition if offshore drilling is eliminated pollution would be greatly reduced, environmentalist won’t have to worry about offshore drilling affecting marine life, the marine ecosystems would be preserved and there would be less tension between government, oil companies, environmentalist and the most important the public. (matthew Donatoni) Belize really doesn’t need more chaos. http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/MDonatoni/ResearchPaper.htm http://ambergrisdaily.com/belize-news/offshore-oil-drilling-in-belize-digging-deeper/
I am definitely against offshore drilling because if the great country of America had problem and even took months to fix an oil pipe that was broken. So if we agree to offshore and a pipe end up breaking how long do you thing it will take us to fix in our little country of Belize? In addition, the potential losses to our marine life and tourist industry are far too much to risk for the potential economic advantages of off sure oil drilling. In this offshore drilling exploration it can be good and bad but also costly to dig a hole to search for oil it is a good amount of money lets say couple millions and our rate of finding oil was said to be about 13% and for investors that is not good because it cost to the dig hole, that is less than 50% chance of finding anything. The fundamental problem is there is an amount of fossil fuel because oil comes from fossil fuel. The more of it we find and burn, the more carbon dioxide we let into our atmosphere, and the more serious the greenhouse effect becomes. It can not only harm human health but also it can change the out look of our surroundings in our environments and communities for years to come. Unknown, “For too long, oil companies have dictated our energy policy--and now we need to change course and begin a rapid shift to a clean energy economy”. http://www.facebook.com/dontdrill.
I agree with Powa that off sure oil drilling is not for Belize because first of all we don't have the resources for it and if ti were to break we don't have the money or skill to repair it.
I disagree with Esther.B because although off sure oil drilling may bring in more revenue for the country, what we already have is too much to risk for something we aren't sure is there and can be dangerous for us.
I am totally against the thought of off-shore drilling in Belize. As a country tourism is our major industry and we rely heavily on the sea to attract and display to tourist. We have the most diverse and protected barrier reef in the world. Nothing man made is perfect hence there is no guarantee that a accident would never happen that would lead to vast amount of oil spilling and killing our delicate ecosystems in the sea, coastline and in land. Belize as a third world country would not be able to produce the resource quickly in the event of an oil spill even a develop nation as America was unable to immediately stop the oil spill. if we weigh the pro and cons of off sure drilling the cons outweigh the cons in reference to Belize. The royalties that Belize would be getting from would not be able to, in the event of an oil spill, restore the whole tourism industry that would be crippled, it would not be able restore balance back to the ecosystems that had suffered most importantly it would not be able to support the hundreds maybe even thousands of families that would be directly and indirectly affected. On June 3rd, 1979 an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico had a massive blow out and oil gush out of the well for 9 whole months till March 23rd, 1980 the oil came out at a rate 10,000- 30,000 barrels a day an there is 42 gallons to a barrel, this roughly works out to 139 million gallons of oil into the ocean (kayvan farzaneh, the biggest oil spills in history, April 30th 2010). Now ask yourself if can little Belize handle that? No we can’t. In Belize offshore drilling will be conducted within 15 miles of the coast where as in the gulf it is much further away but yet so much damage is done
i am against off shore drilling because the country is a country that attracts tourism and it is our major industry. We have the most diverse and protected barrier reef in the world which is the second largest in the world. this can also cause the losing of lives.
i disagree with ester because i believe that off shore drilling is dangerous and it is not worth risking what we have already for something we do not know what the outcome will be.
i agree with jeremiah because he is totally right when he said that it will affect our tourist industry knowing that tourism is bring in alot of money to our country.
Offshore drilling!I stand firm on believe that I am against offshore drilling in Belize.Offshore drilling is a controversial source of resources because of the difficulties involved and potential environmental damage.According to Murmson he stated that,"2. Given the chance of oil spills, offshore drilling poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems. In a spill, the toxicity of the oil harms marine animals and their habitat. The threat of oil spills comes from drilling platforms and moving oil tankers. Any location in the path of a tanker faces potential risk. Furthermore, the movement of ocean currents can amplify the scope of such a disaster. Oil has a particularly damaging effect on coastal life as it moves with the tide. In 1989, for example, the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound damaged more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. The damage to marine wildlife populations was vast".Comparing that example to Belize,What do you think will be the outcome if any mishaps happens.We already have limited technology and resources if any mistakes should happen.Moreover,Petroleum drilling can release not only oil into the environment, but an assortment of other dangerous substances, such as heavy metals. According to Santa Clara University, "drilling fluid and drilling mud often contain cadmium, mercury, arsenic, lead, radioactive materials and other hazardous waste. If allowed to escape, this waste can have serious environmental effects."Therefore,I am strongly against offshore drilling in Belize.We are not financial nor economically prepared for offshore drilling in Belize.
Reference: Murmson,S.(2010).Bad Effects of Offshore Drilling.Retrieve from:http://www.ehow.com/list_5963077_bad-effects-offshore-drilling.html#ixzz1Fl8ipvsy.
Palmer,G.(2010)The Disadvantage of Oil Drilling.Retrieve from:http://www.ehow.com/list_7147109_disadvantages-drilling-oil.html#ixzz1FlA1ueFG.
I agree with Kishana. Many aspects of the offshore drilling process can cause environmental impacts, from locating the oil, to drilling and pumping the oil to the surface, to the infrastructure required to drill and transport it. These environmental impacts may vary in intensity depending on many factors, so this is just a summary of some of the potential impacts that are likely to occur.Offshore drilling physically disrupts the seafloor habitat and the benthic community. Between the actual footprint of the drill rig, undersea pipelines, dredging ship channels, and the cuttings and other drilling debris, there are many elements of drilling that leave a lasting impact on the ocean floor. This is important to note, especially when considering that many of the world's most sensitive ocean floor habitats are also good sources of oil and gas. For instance, the Gulf of Mexico, the arctic and the Great Barrier Reef are all extremely diverse ecosystems with significant oil and gas deposits.
Some experts claim that oil rig platforms are good habitat for fish. In fact, as part of the "rigs to reefs" program, old oil rigs are tipped over and left on the ocean floor to become artificial reefs that is bad for the animals.
NO Drilling! I firstly advise to read about past and most recent offshore oil drilling devastations and damages that have occurred to large countries so to get a clearer understanding of the great impact it will have on a small country like Belize. If we look at the most recent oil devastation in the Gulf of Mexico, Oceana's VP for Belize, Audrey Matura-Shepherd stated that "while we wish for our country to develop and progress we cannot do so to the detriment of our long-term survival. The recent spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana has shown us that even a rich and highly advanced country like the great USA is not equipped to handle such disaster, and thus this should teach us to proceed with much caution as one accident ten times less can wipe out our entire coastline and send Belize into an economic depression never seen before. According to Broder and Zeller, (2010) “some experts have been quick to predict apocalypse, painting grim pictures of 1,000 miles of irreplaceable wetlands and beaches at risk, fisheries damaged for seasons, fragile species wiped out and a region and an industry economically CRIPLLED for years and it will have to get much worse” this statement says it all Belizeans. Also Stated by Jacqueline Savitz, a marine scientist and climate campaign director at Oceana, an environmental group "Oil spills are extremely harmful to marine life when they occur and often for years or even decades later spills could coat sea birds and limit their flying ability and damage fisheries by injuring marine organism's systems related to respiration, vision and reproduction” What possible answer would we provide for our children when they become curious? What will our answers be knowing we had the chance to put a stop to it but we didn’t do anything. Another issue I found to be interesting was the amount of pollution caused by the drilling process. According to The Gulf Coast Environmental Defense’s Offshore Drilling Primer states that “offshore drilling rigs produce routine pollution in the form of drilling muds and cuttings, produced waters, work over fluids, deck drainage, air emissions from the rig machinery and support vessels, as well as large amounts of trash. These drilling muds and cuttings as well as toxic chemicals and other heavy metals pose a threat to the area surrounding the rigs for as many as forty years. Such threats are affecting the quality of the marine water, harming the organisms that stay on the bottom of the ocean, and, ultimately, having negative impacts throughout the region, which includes changes in the abundance richness and diversity of the marine life from both the physical and toxic effects. If the mud were to get scattered, by a hurricane for example, the waste could ultimately last for as long as forty years. These effects have damaging consequences for our fisheries, food chain, balance of the ecosystem, health, and the enjoyment that we find in the diversity of nature” The best decision would be to eliminate offshore drilling all together, no ifs, ands, or buts. By completing eliminating them, the marine ecosystems would be preserved. Most marine lives will be saved, all aspects of nature would be preserved (food chain would not be disrupted), and there would be less tension between the federal government, oil companies, environmentalists and the public. Most importantly, we would be respecting nature, which is what God wants us to do. This is our country, it is our sea and land, so we have every right to take part in protecting it! Do not think twice whether “Drill or Not to drill” It should simply be NO!!!
Reference: Bright, T. J. & Thompson, J. H. (21 Jan. 1980) Research Product. Retrieved from <http://www.epa.gov/ged/publica/c1410.htm
Offshore Drilling (1999). Gulf Coast Environmental Defense. Retrieved from http://www.southerncitizen.org Shepherd, M. S. (May 11, 2010)Offshore oil exploration is a definite No for Belize. Retrieved from http://na.oceana.org
no drilling!!! I agree with Chubby. indeed it is very important for us to look at the damages that has been done to other countries and compare it to the damages that it can do to our Belize. according to Effects of Oil & Drilling on the Environment on ehow.com, oil drilling has diverse and widespread effects on the environment. It can destroy habitats, disrupt animal migrations and force people to give up their traditional way of life.Drilling comes with a high chance of an oil spill. An oil spill has such widespread effects throughout an ecosystem that it is impossible for humans to remedy, although we can attempt to clean up the environment to some extent. Thousands of gallons spill each year, though these oil spills aren't always publicized widely.
The government should really consider when deciding to do oil drilling because if oils spills it will affect us greatly..We probably won't even have a barrier reef anymore.
Our little country belize has been suffering for many years, we cant allow these wealthy people to come in an rob the little riches that we have and at the same time damage our beautiful sea. i am totally agaist offshore drilling in my country belize. Offshore drilling may have worked for Mexico & the US, but compare the size of these countries to tiny Belize. If an oil spill happens in our sea, whether it is to the North or to the South, we will all be affected.Whatever is spilled will be washed up all on our shores! The Belize Barrier reef was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. oill drilling will definetly destroy our waters and causes harm to our animal an even our barrier reef.To go into it even furthers tourism is currently the most important sources of income in belize. I am not a seafood person but iam a employee at an hotel in belize, and majorty of the food that we prepare is seafood i could only imagine how it will affect our business since many tourist come to our homeland to enjoy our seafood. I totally agree that offshore drilling should be band from belize.
Jorgenses A.(2011)the effects of offshore drilling.Retrived from htt://www.ehow.com effects of offshore drilling.
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Offshore oil drilling harms
ReplyDeleteMy position about offshore oil drilling is anti. When you speak of offshore oil drilling, the first thing that comes to mind is that is the marine life and disasters. As I watched the animation process of offshore oil drilling and I saw clearly that it drills through the sea bed and goes deep down through many layers of solid ground before it reaches the oil and that is if they find any at that location.these pomoters of offshore oil drilling fail to realize that these solid grounds in our sea protect us from chaos like earthquake and it provides a firm foundation of the marine life, especially to the barrier reef. I realized what had happened that many countries have done and are currently maintaining this process have supportive evidence of occurances taht are not pleasant and they have been in this fieldbefore Belize.furthemore if we asked them if it has been an easy road to maintain the offshore drilling from being hazardous? All will say they try there out most best but on the hand, we still have mishaps. For example I remember the worst oil spill in the U.S took place in the Gulf of Mexico, many Belizeans believed that it would flow down the coastal areas and damage our marine life and especially again the barrier reef since th gulf of Mexio is so near to us but thanks to the grace of God our beautiful possession was and is protected. As there is a possibility of erecting those horrible looking oil spills and rigs along our coastal… we plead to our government to try its best to get out of these offshore oil drilling/exploration contracts. Negative effects totally outweigh any positive effects that can come from offshore drilling. (Brooks, The effects of offshore drilling, 2010) Most individuals in the world knows that tourism is the largest source of income for us there are several major reasons why people come to our country and one of our major attraction is our marine life and the barrier reefs if we lose thesse two thing only God and time will tell if we will ever be restored back to that point of such beauty.so i leave to ask will you damage your beauty for the sake of money? cause if you give you beauty for money then it would be same of giving our beautiful marine just for money.
Reference
Brooks, A. (2010). The effects of offshore drilling. Belize.
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Kishana, Great start!
ReplyDeleteKishana, you have couple things missing:
1: your in text citation should be- (Brooks,2010)
2: your reference does not state where Brooks 2010 published his work- u just have the place of publication (Belize). Is it from an internet source?
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ReplyDeleteOffshore drilling is unethical
ReplyDeleteOffshore drilling provides one of the most cleanly burning fuels which provide valuable commerce to a country’s economy. However, it is detrimental to both the environment and human’s health. Offshore drilling is not only beneficial; nevertheless it is intensely harmful and should not be allowed by the government, for the betterment of our planet in a whole.
Negligence and lack of supervision have caused many damages. It has been concluded that because of the Transocean, BP, and Federal Government’s carelessness and lack of oversight 11 human lives, thousands of animal deaths and ecological catastrophes have occurred due to an oil spill (para.1). This oil spill was five times greater than the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska. These oil spills both major and minor harm the ecosystem and wildlife, and tourism based economies suffer great declines.
Despite the improved technologies installed in offshore drilling, oil spills are still common and predicted occurrences. There is always the risk of frequent pipeline leaks in addition, oil refineries release toxic chemicals which contributes to the increased air pollution and to warmer global temperatures. According to the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center (2008) chemicals released can lead to respiratory, reproductive and development effects, as well as severe skin burns and even death (para.2).
Not only it could be detrimental to humans’ health but it can literally change the face of our coastal communities and surrounding environment permanently. As we all may have heard previously offshore drilling damage nature massively and cleanup efforts are never 100% complete when millions of barrels of crude oil are spilled into water. We most avoid the destruction of our planet by forbidding offshore drilling. Therefore, Governments should not encourage offshore drilling!
Hall, S., (1999). Pros/cons of offshore oil drilling. Retreived from: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5019434_pros-cons-offshore-oildrilling.html#ixzz1Euxb57zM.
Pros/cons of offshore oil drilling, (2008). Retreived from: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_pros_cons_of_offshore_drilling_in_the_us#ixzz1EuyTLatf.
Offshore drilling, (2004). Retreived from: http://naturalgas.org/naturalgas/extraction_offshore.asp.
Kishana we are now two individuals against offshore drilling and I am truly happy that we share similar perspectives. You are absolutely right when you say that off shore drilling can leads to horrible oil spills which in exchange cause terrible marine damages. We are indeed lucky that the oil spill which occurred in the Gulf of Mexico did not flow down the coastal areas and damage our marine life and thanks to God our beautiful marine resources were not harmed. Goods points Kishana!!!
ReplyDeleteMy position about offshore is pros. After watching i knew that offshore drilling is typically refers to the discovering and development of oil and gas resources which lie under water it obvious that drills required going deep down through layers of the ground before it reaches the oil. And if government choose to go for the off shore exploration they can be in danger as the reef destroyed, then the country will be in danger with attack by natural disaster such as hurricane, flood e.t.c. which could lead to financial or human losses and affect the environment. And can cause destruction of everything even people, flash floods and dirty waters which bring a handful sickness. According to Cause (2011, Feb.15). Advocate to stop the propose of offshore Drilling for oil in Belize water. “We have to protect our reef and the creatures that lives in our beautiful Caribbean sea, remember what happen in the Gulf of Mexico how much oil ran miles and how much damage it made am sure no Belizean want this to happen so let hold hand in unity and say No”.
ReplyDeleteeHow.com (n.d.). Stated in 1969 accident that spilled millions of gallons of oil off the California coast lead to restriction on offshore drilling. Increase drilling make such accident more likely to occur.
No offshore drilling in Belize’s waters period!
Retrieved from www.causes.com/.../489975-no-
Offshore-drilling-in-belize-s-waters-period
Pro and cons of offshore oil drilling/eHow.com
Retrieved from www.ehow.com>... Oil Drilling
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhen the topic “offshore oil drilling in Belize” is brought up, the only things I can think of are marine life endangerment, declination of tourist attraction, unemployment, pollution, destruction of ecosystem and the massive cost for oil drilling. When considering all these factors, it’s just not worth the risk just for oil drilling because it’s not even guaranteed a 100% success that each oil drilling will have oil. Also, marine life is at stake because statistics have shown that the routine operations and maintenance of just one oil rig dumps 25,000 pounds of toxic metals per well, including lead, chromium and mercury, and potent carcinogens into the sea, as well as 90,000 metric tons of drilling fluid and metal cuttings over the life of a rig. Knowing this, the marine life which provides great income for the country of Belize will be affect drastically. Not only does this affect the fishes, but also the reefs and mangroves. Song (2010) explained that the fishing industry and the tourism association bring about most of Belize’s income. Therefore, if we risk these precious assets of Belize, not only will we endanger the marine life but also we ourselves. Why? Because the reefs serve as a border because it absorbs about 90% of the energy of wind-generated waves thus protecting coastal areas and the mangroves serves as a filter for water and also it prevents coastal erosion and houses many species including bats, lobsters, manatees and birds. Nevertheless, by endangering marine life we ourselves face an economic lost due to unemployment plus Belize is in debt and the cost of oil drilling is just not worth the risk. Moreover, the interconnection or linkages between ecosystems affects everyone so it’s safe to say that oil drilling will cause more harm than good in Belize.
ReplyDeleteMichael, S. (2010, June). Offshore drilling, digging deeper. Retrieved from
http://ambergrisdaily.com/belize-news/offshore-oil-drilling-in-belize-digging-deeper/
Esther, you said you're pro meaning with offshore oil drilling, why are you stating and contradicting yourself? I'm confused as to why you're using evidence against offshore oil drilling. I agree however, that Belize is in no condition to oil drill due to dependency on our marine life and tourism association for our income. We are economically unable to.
ReplyDeleteI like how Kishana says it but I have to disagree about beauty over money because it's not beauty over money. My NRMP teacher says that for every 90 holes dug, 2 are found with oil. This shows a ratio of 40:1 which is a low probability so we're making more losses than gain or just a break even, speaking economically. Now scientifically, it threatens our ecosystem which results in a consequence of backfiring on ourselves.
ReplyDeleteAs Kishana stated above which I might add I strongly agree with, the entire scenario is very hazardous to our marine life organisms. The thought of drilling for oil and putting the life of these organisms at risk to fulfill the mere greed of our leaders is too great. There is more that our marine l\organisms contribute than what the possibility of oil can contribute to us. Imagine a disastrous oil spill, what can we salvage from such disaster? Even more how can we salvage from such disaster? It will be costly to clean up such oil spill, not to mention the days, weeks and even years for our water to become clean. We do not need to submit to more problems than solutions! Oil drilling should not be an option!
ReplyDeleteDrill Baby Drill! Personally, I had not made up my mind on the offshore drilling issue. Last week and yesterday I took it as a task to do some research on the issue and I would have to say that I support off-shore drilling.
ReplyDeleteAccording to different articles published on the Internet some of the benefits include jobs, domestic fuel and the environment. How does it benefit the environment? Surprisingly the environment can benefit from offshore drilling, if there are no accidents. This it is referred to as protective drilling.
According to Kristian (2010), “Offshore rigs are massive structures in the ocean that attract a wide variety of marine life. Fish, birds and other sea creatures come to the rig and make it their home. The rig acts as an artificial reef that helps life flourish as many animals use it for breeding.”
I would advise my classmates to read an article published in last Sunday’s issue of The Reporter by Judge Kenneth Gale. Gale (2011) concluded “Advanced drilling practices can provide safe drilling that dies not deface or damage national parks. They can drill in a manner that respects of the rights of people in the affected land and preserve the park’s ecological integrity” (p.25). He used the example of the Temash/Sarstoon National Park saying that visitors would not even be aware of the drilling that would be taking place at the park.
“Temash/Sarstoon National Park consists of 41,898 acres. Modern advanced drilling prices can provide slant drilling that can be done in an environmentally sound manner from such a tiny surface area that the drill site might not exceed five acres. The site would be so tiny that those visiting the park would never be aware of the drilling or production of oil. Belize has a national debt in the excess of one Billion dollars that is referred to as the Super Bond. February’s payment on the Super Bond is $32,537,066.60. Instead of increasing taxes, the revenue from the production of oil from the parks could maintain the payments on the Super Bond. The revenue could also provide improvements to and cost of maintenance of the parks. It could provide better roads to Mayan Villages and schools. The economy of the entire nation could prosper with the reduction of poverty and crime and improvement to health and education. The actions of persons who oppose drilling in parks can deprive Belize of prosperity from drilling for oil that it is entitled to.”
I agree with Judge Kenneth Gale that Oceana is using funds and advertisements in a manner that could interfere with the rights of Belizeans in respect to drilling in its national parks. In fact, I would even go further by saying that the majority of those who have signed for the referendum don’t even know what they signed for. Do they really know what is offshore drilling? Was it explained to them?
Gale, K. (2011, February 27). Don’t sign that petition for referendum. The Reporter, p.25.
Kristian, E. (2010). What Are the benefits of Offshore Drilling? Website: http://www.ehow.com
The Pros of offshore drilling fail to recognize that our land not only provides us with food or shelter but also protects us from natural disasters. If we permit oil drilling offshore then we put ourselves at risk, especially to floods, hurricanes. Drought, etc. the purpose of life is survival, should we terminate the existence of rare habitats to benefit ours? No, equal life mean equal existence without endangering our organisms’ life especially marine organisms! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and invest all our security and welfare into oil exploration. A guarantee can never be when it comes to investing and waiting for such promise. Oil drilling in Belize is never an option, especially since we are a country below sea-level.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Krishana, our barrier reef protects us from any catastrophe. If the oil drilling is allowed in Belize, then the reef will be destroyed and the marine life as well.
ReplyDelete“I saw clearly that it drills through the sea bed and goes deep down through many layers of solid ground before it reaches the oil and that is if they find any at that location”. By the time, the people noticed there is no oil, some marine animals and corals might have already been destroyed.The oil can be found else where, but not the Belize barrier reef.
Oil drilling is the process of extracting crude oil by drilling through the cap rock. The most crucial part is locating crude oil, as it is found under the cap rocks that can be several miles thick. The geologists use certain techniques to locate crude oil, of which the most common is seismology. According to the scientist at Cambridge University this method in which, shock waves are sent to the land surface or sea surface, to estimate the time taken by the waves to return back. According to what I have read and based on my researches, I believe and know that offshore drilling is wrong and should not be done in the country of Belize.
ReplyDeleteOne of the major negative impacts of oil drilling is the environmental issue. If oil production rate is higher, then there will be more usage, thus generating more greenhouse gases, according to Mesothlioma and asbestos awareness centre (2008). Chemicals released into the air can lead to respiratory, reproductive and development effects, as well as severe skin bums and even cause death. It is obvious that the drilling process will disturb the organisms surviving in those areas. Offshore oil drilling will not guarantee lower gas prices. Gas prices are affected by too many other variables to assume that changing one factor will significantly change the result.The success rate of drilling is also very low, meaning that it may take lots of time and the outcome is unpredictable. Another major issue is offshore drilling; starting from locating to the drilling process, it disturbs the sea environment. While locating oil, the seismic waves and the associated sound affects the sea organisms and another debate is about oil spillage in the seas. Offshore drilling is challenging to keep up, as it requires keeping manned facilities above water and disposing of oil rigs is costly. Challenges include the scale of construction required for functional facilities and the need for facilities located in the water where the oil would be extracted from sand, which would demand extra funds and efforts. Removing platforms and pipelines no longer in use is extremely costly. The oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is going to leave a lasting mark that will impact a lot more than the thousands of miles of shoreline and wetlands presently threatened. It is a glaring example of the continued battle between jobs, the economy as whole, and the environment.
Kauffman, B. M. , 2011-01-05 "From Pelicans to Platforms: Environmental Policy and Offshore Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern Political Science Association, Hotel InterContinental, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Offshore drilling, (2004). Retrieved from: http://naturalgas.org/naturalgas/extraction_offshore.asp.
I agree with Kishana because if they digg and do not find oil they will be lossing a lots of money and they willalso be destroying the sea ground floor which is very important form many sea aminals. For instance if they do drill and find oil in the waters of Belize and later on a disaster happens like that of Mexico, is Belize prepared and equipped with the necessary resources to get rid of the problem as quick as possible as to avoid the destruction of our ecosystems( forest,barrier reef), population and our aquatic species? Lets not destroy the thing that are important for the country of Belize.
ReplyDelete"Peasant people ... don't have a chance to share in the riches that the planet can offer because some people are taking off so much of the pleasures of this world, and there's only so much to go around." - Sister Dorothy Stang, an eco-activist nun from Dayton, Ohio, who in 2005 was murdered in the Brazilian Amazon
"A person writing at night may put out the lamp, but the words he has written will remain. It is the same with the destiny we create for ourselves in this world." Shakyamuni
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ReplyDeleteKuo- Chen Lee, am glad that you brought up such points as: marine life endangerment, declination of tourist attraction, unemployment, pollution and destruction of ecosystem and massive cost for oil drilling; indeed they are some of the negative factors produced by offshore drilling and should be studied carefully. Therefore, my question is "do we want this for Belize?" Well, not me! I totally agree with my colleague, it seems that we share similar perspectives and I can see that we both want the best, not only for our country but for the entire planet and certainly offshore drilling is not the BEST!!!
ReplyDeleteI am agaist Oil drilling because the Horizon offshore drilling platform that took lives and spread a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has focused attention on safety in offshore oil and gas well drilling. Blowouts are created by natural gas and crude oil under very high pressure in rock formations. Once a reservoir has been penetrated by a drill bit, oil companies have to counteract this high pressure to prevent a blowout — a surge of oil and gas up the wellbore and into the environment.I believe that completion fluids are expensive and are retrieved from the wellbore and taken onshore for processing and reuse. They must be designed so they do not create excessive hydrostatic pressure. Too much pressure will incur waste because large volumes of the fluids will leak into the rock formations penetrated by the wellbore, where they cannot be retrieved.
ReplyDeleteAnother reason why i am agaist oil drilling is because When an explosion ripped through BP's Deepwater Horizon rig, it not only cost 11 workers lives and created an environmental disaster of unheralded proportions, it also sent Shockwaves through the oil and gas industry. The true impacts are unknown, but one thing is for sure: the industry will never be the same again.
References: Venables, M. (2010). Analysis: Deepwater drilling in deep trouble. Engineering & Technology (17509637), 5(9), 14-15. doi:10.1049/et.2010.0901.
Borchardt, J. K. (2010). Avoiding the Blowout. Mechanical Engineering, 132(8), 40-41. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
I agree with Kuo chen Lee for remembering to mention about the marine Life endangerment,declination of tourist attraction,unemployment, and therefore because these are some of the main points he used,and are some relevant examples to support his statements.
ReplyDeleteLike Ester said off shore drilling can leads into one disater to another,it can cause lots of destruction to our country that can never be replace. so point taken!
ReplyDeleteI am against offshore drilling in Belize due to the fact that mistakes can happen and it is not worth the risk. Offshore drilling will not guarantee lower gas prices because the prices are affected by other variables to assume that changing one variable will change the result. The main concern of this is the fact that it can spill. Both major and minor oil spills harm the surrounding environment greatly. Murmson(2010) states that "Offshore drilling poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems. In a spill, the toxicity of the oil harms marine animals and their habitat. The threat of oil spills comes from drilling platforms and moving oil tankers. Any location in the path of a tanker faces potential risk. Furthermore, the movement of ocean currents can amplify the scope of such a disaster. Oil has a particularly damaging effect on coastal life as it moves with the tide. In 1989, for example, the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound damaged more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. The damage to marine wildlife populations was vast" (Para. 2).
ReplyDeleteBesides the damage that offshore drilling can do, we must protect our jewel that we have. Oil will not last forever and it is a challenge to keep it up. WE have to protect our reef an the creatures that lives in our beautiful Caribbean Sea!!! Therefore, i conclude that the GOB should not allow offshore drilling in Belize.
Reference
Murmson, S.(2010, February 7). Bad Effects Of
Offshore Drilling. Tax Time. Retrieved from
www.itopf.com
Kishana made a very good point that our barrier reef protects us from many catastrophe and it is also one of the main reason tourist come to our country. With the lost of tourist we loose a lot. It is like a chain: we allow offshore drilling then there is a possibility of an oil spill, so, our barrier reef is damage; then we are at a higher risk of being affected by disasters and also our tourism industry decline. This will affect the country in a big way.
ReplyDeleteI am against off shore oil drilling because it can endanger our marine life. off shore drilling destroys our coral reef and damage the sea beds the fish use to spawn, and if the fishes can reproduce den our country will be left with out fishes. Lets take for example that oil spill that happend last year in the Gulf of Mexico. according to the huffington post on the internet, this spill was over 205,000,000 gallons of oil that spread in 3 states Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. This spill not only kills thousands of animals but also kills 11 humans. The spill destroys alot of beaches along the way.lets think for a second here do we want some thing like this to hapend to our little Belize? if it does den all of our marine tourist attractions will destroy. lets all say no to off shore oil drilling.
ReplyDeleteElyne you are rite off shor drilling does not mean lower gas prices. Its just simply mean that they will destroy the marine life in search of oil and if they do not find what's next? it makes no sense to do it and put all those animals life in danger even their own.
ReplyDeleteI am hearing all the points expressed but I think many of us are being carried away by what Environmentalists and Oceana are hammering everyday in our ears. Ronz in you are saying that offshore drilling will kill marine life. That is not so because after the drilling equipment are removed fishes can go in the and acuatlly protect their young ones from gigantic prey. The Offshore drills are huge structures that act like artificial reef helping life flourish because they use it to breed.
ReplyDeleteBirds also build their nests there.
I believe Offshore is not bad as Ocean is saying.
Another benefit that Offshore drilling is that it creates employment opportunities. It offers primary and secondary employment opportunities. Primary employment are the ones who are working on the drill itself and it includes technicians, doctors, cooks, scientists as other specialized employees. Secondary jobs are food distributors responsible for supplying workers and other mechanical distributors like hardware store.
ReplyDeleteAn example that comes to mind--in Orange Walk I notice people who would have never had the opportunity to an employment are working. There is more economic activity since these workers are now buying more.
I do agree with you Ronz it would just destroy our marine life and the beatiful coral reef that we were so blessed to have got. By digging for oil and at which we are not sure that they would find any then it would have been for nothing that they were digging and destroying the earth.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Elyne off shor drilling does not mean lower gas prices or great income coming in. It just simply means that they will destroy the marine life in search of oil and if they do not find, what's after? it makes no sense to do it and put all those animals life in danger as well as us humans.
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ReplyDeleteOffshore drilling
ReplyDeleteJust the term of offshore drilling lets it sound dangerous to the environment; and I say it is, that is why I am against offshore drilling. Although petroleum is one of the most used natural elements the way of getting it is harmful to the environment. Offshore drilling may seem harmless but accidents do happen according to Donatoni. He stated that things can go wrong and produce a certain amount of problems to the environment. Some examples are leaks, spills, blowouts, barge collisions, pipeline corrosion, and explosions. What’s worse is that each of these accidents that can happen brings negative impacts to our environment. For example a blowout can release hydrocarbons which were discovered during exploratory drilling (Donatoni, n.d.).
Hydrocarbons are composed of carbon dioxide and hydrogen only, a substance that is harmful to nature and us as human beings. Hydrocarbons in air by themselves alone cause no harmful effects. However, they undergo chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight and nitrogen oxides. They form photochemical oxidants leading to photochemical smog. This causes irritation in the eyes and lungs leading to respiratory diseases (anonymous,para.1 n.d.). People are wondering why our marine life is dying, well ask the offshore drillers because am sure they know that they are the responsible ones. I say stop offshore drilling because sooner or later the consequences are going to be bigger than they already are.
Reference
Donatoni, M. (n.d.) Offshore Drilling.
Retrieved March 5, 2011
http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/MDonatoni/ResearchPaper.htm
Anonymous (n.d.) Hydrocarbons
Retrieved March 5, 2011
http://www.tutorvista.com/content/chemistry/chemistry-iii/environmental-chemistry/hydrocarbons.php
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOffshore drilling refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater. Most commonly, the term is used to describe oil extraction off the coasts of continents, though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas encyclopedia (April 2010). I am against off shore drilling; offshore drilling has potential negative effects on human populations. Many risks complicate the logistics and maintenance required to operate a drilling platform. Accidents such as explosions and mechanical failure occasionally can occur. For example In 1980, a drilling platform called the Alexander Kielland collapsed, killing 123 people. Many explosions have also occurred, such as the 2001 explosion of the Petrobas 36 Oil Platform. In an oil spill, the lengthy recovery process is an economic burden. The spills themselves wreak havoc on local and global fishing economies. Why are we risking all our lives?
ReplyDeleteSome of us may agree with Matthew Donation (n.d.). he stated that drilling for oil in the ocean is one of the greatest technological breakthroughs in recent decades, and many new techniques have been developed to profit from the abundance of oil underneath the ocean floor. While drilling for oil has been around for hundreds of years in one form or the another, the effective extraction of petroleum from beneath the sea floor did not surface until the last forty years. The search for oil often turns out to be unproductive, but this practice is vital for the economic future of many nations.) But oil drilling can also form oil spills or oil, and offshore drilling poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems. In a spill, the toxicity of the oil harms marine animals and their habitat. The threat of oil spills comes from drilling platforms and moving oil tankers. This also can damage our barrel reef which is our said ”money maker” when it comes to Tourism.
acodoing to Adrain"am against offshore drilling because, drilling for oil offshore means that ecosystems will be destroyed, marine life will be endangered and also the coral reefs. They are destroyed when the machinery needed is taken out and when the drilling starts.the destruction of the reef would mean that we would experience larger tides which will flood our coasts. the destruction of marine life would be a disadvantage to the country and peeople. it would be a disavantage to the country because many tourists visit to see the marine life, and it would be a disadvanteag to the people because many Belizeans turn to fish as a daily meal. marine life is also said to be destroyed by all the toxic wastes such as lead, mercury, carcinogens and chromium." n i agree with him in all respect
ReplyDeleteJuan n beatrice are right. it does have a lot of negative effetcs
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ReplyDeletePaula as awesome as it sounds to drill into the crust of the earth and find oil to benefit the country all good things come to an end and eventually the result will be the same that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. An oil spill in our country will result to a disaster. We depend on our marine life for income and if it were to be destroyed so will the meaning of our country and the finance. So best to avoid it all just say no to offshore digging.
ReplyDeleteEleazar when I first thought of "offshore oil digging" I thought to myself if something where to go wrong only the water will be affected thus causing water pollution, but now you have enlightened me that it also causes air pollution. Thanks to this it has opened my mind to all odds that it's now even worse to do offshore digging. If done in Belize not only will it affect our marine Eco system but the people in near by islands too. With the air pollution and the respiratory diseases huge effects can occur if this were to be done. So thanks for the enlightenment and keep on saying no to offshore digging.
ReplyDeleteOffshore oil drilling can be considered both harmful and beneficial to a country. Harmful in ways if it may back fire and be spilled all the water Eco systems may be destroyed and result in water pollution. Beneficial is the income the government may pay produce and apply it to the countries resources. Make a developing country developed. Even so having precaution on the oil drilling it may still put the entire country at risk and even result in the country to be in a recession to clean up the spill because of the cost. To lessen my view on it I will relate it to our beautiful country Belize and I am against the thought of offshore drilling.
ReplyDeleteOur country a third world country cannot subject itself to be doing things of such caliber. Our financial resources revolve around our tourism and the main attractions are our marine life form and especially our barrier reef. If these were to be destroyed by an oil spill what will be the outcome of our country? The result will impact us so tremendous that the country only main resource will no longer be a result us in a time of recession more horrific than which we are in at the moment. Morgan Freeman said “I saw the map, it’s dreadful, it’s awful. There is no government oversight in Belize. The government officials just say okay go ahead and do it and as you can see from this experience here, that could work out to be very, very bad for Belize. You have wonderful waters around Belize, you’ve got that reef, and you’ve got that wonderful ecosystem there. It’s too fragile.” This was said after the disastrous oil spill that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico that killed 11 people and injured 170. The government of Belize is considering the idea of offshore oil drilling to raise revenue if so what will the outcome of our country be. We must stand united and neglect the fact of the government ideas. Stay clean minded we are all stewards of our nation and it is a duty as a proud Belizean to protect your country. Say no to offshore drilling in our country and around the world.
Reference:
Freeman, M. (2010). OCEANA’s ban against offshore drilling. Retrieved from http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/37481
We’ve all heard the saying, “black gold’ being used in reference to crude oil. It brings to our minds, visions of wealth, good fortune, prosperity and all things beautiful and wonderful. The reality of the situation is that this vision may be true to some extent, but there is another side of the coin that is not always spoken about. This side of it, while not as glamorous is just as important and should be told so that the decision of whether or not to drill can be made after careful scrutiny of all the pertinent facts. When this is done, then the question …. ‘To drill or not to drill?’ is not the question of a fool.
ReplyDeleteThe situation facing Belize today is that the previous government has granted permission to oil companies to prospect for and drill oil. The opinions of the peoples of Belize are many and much divided. Many question the depth to which the government has researched the benefits as well as consequences that finding a viable oil field can bring to our country and its people. They wonder if it is the glimmer of the black gold is blinding the minds of those in charge into ignoring the possible negative consequences that may come with oil drilling. Belizeans are not fools; they know that our pristine environment can be in jeopardy should we have an oil spill. Is it worth ruining our God given riches for the lure of millions that crude oil supposedly will bring to us?
According to Donatoni(n.d.), “accidents CAN happen, with the main cause being human error, not the technology that is used. These accidents include leaks, spills, blowouts, barge collisions, pipeline corrosion, and explosions.
For any spill, only 5-15% can be cleaned up. In addition, 97% of all the spills that occur, many are under 1,000 barrels. It is not required for these spills to be reported in the federal Oil Spill Risk Analysis, because their size is considered "small."
A blowout will occur when a drill bit pierces a pressurized pocket of gas. As a result, the bit is forced out of the opening by the pressure, blowing out the rig platform or the contents, or both. In seven out of a thousand well starts, a blowout will occur.” Once a blow out occur our marine animal will die and Toursim will be in danger.
Reference
Donatoni,M.(n.d.) Offshore drillling. retrieved from http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/MDonatoni/ResearchPaper.htm
I totally agree with Elyne," mistakes can happen and it is not worth the risk. Offshore drilling will not guarantee lower gas prices because the prices are affected by other variables to assume that changing one variable will change the result. The main concern of this is the fact that it can spill. Both major and minor oil spills harm the surrounding environment greatly".
ReplyDeleteRonz is right," off shore drilling destroys our coral reef and damage the sea beds the fish use to spawn, and if the fishes can reproduce den our country will be left with out fishes."
ReplyDeleteI am responding to Paula's comment and I totally agree, 'drill baby,drill.' We need to at least attempt to pay off that SUPERBOND LOAN. Every year this loan increases and oil exploration is a way out or at least a start. Belizeans need to embrace development, get our minds out of the gutter. Look up and see the possibilities. BElize has been and is a lucky country, the government has made up his mind and we have to go with it so it will be wise to pray for the best and worry about something else that matters right about now. OIL EXPOLRATION IS A GO!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePATRICA WELCH,
2010110405,
COLLEGE ENGLISH 2
I am responding to Franisha Thomas comment, 1. fishes cannot be compare to our superbond loan. that loan is an issue we NEED to deal with not maybe.... and personally I believe it is highly unlikely that a spill will occur, just because it happened in the Gulf does not mean it will happen to our country too, its not contagious. 2. am with you as far as saying that the issue is really about the previous government and deals and contract signed. Also I agree that human error is more common than technological error but why can't we believe and get a chance to enjoy the visions of wealth, good fortune, prosperity and all things beautiful and wonderful. Why can't we as a developing country take this opportunity to become economically stable, imagine Belize without that high tax rate and other country wanting something from us as oppose to us always wanting from them....
ReplyDeletePATRICA WELCH,
2010110405,
COLLEGE ENGLISH 2
“To drill or not to drill?” At first thought, I was against oil exploration in Belize because of the recent media attention on the negative impacts to our country and its people. I mentioned I have a blog to do about oil exploration and also that I was against it. I stated my reasons why I was against oil exploration, consequently I was asked to give some pros and I couldn’t, as a result I was advised to do some research before I attempt my blog. I did. And I must say I have a change of thought, I am for drilling in Belize.
ReplyDeleteThose that oppose to onshore and offshore drilling in Belize, may reveal the treats of oil exploration on the wildlife, marine life, the barrier reef, the coral reef and the entire marine system, also to the fisheries and tourism industries and possible lost of jobs that could occur. However, this is mainly a result of one of oil exploration biggest opponent in Belize, Oceana, brainwashing the people to say no to oil exploration. In the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a movement has started in Belize to band offshore drilling. Led by an environmental organization, Oceana, the movement has questioned the government’s decision to allow oil drilling. Their main goal is to convince Belizeans of every possibly negative impact that could be caused from drilling for oil onshore and offshore Belize.
Nevertheless, onshore and offshore oil exploration has been ongoing in Belize since the 1950’s (Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, 2011). I am for oil exploration for mainly one reason; I do not want to witness another raise in tax for our country. Poor people cannot afford any more taxes and will not be able to survive with additional taxes. If for example, the Government decides against oil exploration, another project will have to be put in place to pay off the escalating SUPER BOND LOAN. Guess what that will be, YES! It is increasing taxes. We are feeling the effects of the recent tax boost and I am sure if one is to think of the likelihood of an oil spill against the likelihood of increased tax, you will agree we should take our chances with oil exploration. All things considered, an oil spill is unlikely to occur where there is no negligence or mechanical malfunction, resulting in a step forward for our country.
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I agree with offshore drilling.. According to Shane Hall, “offshore drilling will lead to greater domestic oil production and less reliance on imported oil, much of which comes from politically unstable regions, such as the Middle East, will increase the supply of oil, resulting in lower gasoline prices, according to supporters, and supporters of offshore drilling say that opening restricted areas to offshore oil production will generate billions in state and federal revenues through royalties.” Everyone complains about insufficient amount of jobs; therefore, with drilling offshore providing more jobs, it will reduce the amount of people complaining and also help to increase the country’s economy. A lot of people spend an incredible amount of their pay on gasoline because it is expensive. Offshore drilling will help to reduce gasoline; thus reducing the cost of living for individuals worldwide. Because technology has been improved, it will reduce oil spill; hence the reason why it will not damage the environment and its animals.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Paula that offshore drilling decreases job unemployment. With offshore drilling more jobs are created. This helps to reduce crimes and poverty. The country will have more money generated in the country, which will have a positive impact on the citizens.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Patricia that we should drill. As she stated that Belize is in a Huge dept. Therefore by drilling,it will provide suffice income that will help to reduce this debt.
ReplyDeleteIn the study of the evolution of coral reefs, Belize was declared home to "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies"(Charles Darwin 1842). More than 150 years later, our spectacular reef is increasingly being threatened by overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and to add to the list a possible number of drilling which will more than likely cause spills.
ReplyDeleteAlmost a year ago, April 2010 there was one of the world's most destructive and expensive tragedy, the oil spill in The Gulf Coast. As stated in the (MSNBC news)"The oil slick could become the nation's worst environmental disaster in decades, threatening hundreds of species of fish, birds and other wildlife along the Gulf Coast, one of the world's richest seafood grounds, teeming with shrimp, oysters and other marine life." This economic disaster cost billions of dollars which was invested in coastal restoration projects.The spill eclipsed to be the worst oil spill in U.S. history — the 11 million gallons that leaked from the grounded tanker Exxon Valdez in Alaska's Prince William Sound in 1989 — in the three months it could take to drill a relief well and plug the gushing well 5,000 feet underwater on the sea floor.(MSNBC-Environment)
Ask ourselves this question, can Belize afford drilling with the effects being like this? Yes, the country will gain a little money from this but is the consequences really worth it?
Finding oil in Belize was such a big thing, everyone though the prices would have gone down. It did for a little while, the Government of Belize sells us the citizens "dreams" which never do come through. They put this off-shore drilling situation and try to make it look pretty when it is surely not.
Last semester the Vice President of OCEANA in Belize Mrs. Audrey Matura had a talk in the UB auditorium in Belmopan which I had attended out of curiosity. From what I could clearly remember from the talk which struck me was the fact that our Government does not have any insurance with the companies that if something occurs while drilling they are not responsible. Now tell me, does that make any sense? They are giving us little money to drill and destroy our reef and wild life while they hope to strike oil. Our Government of Belize decided to compare us to Trinidad and Tobago, which is a very successful country in their off-shore drilling but this country does not depend on tourism for revenues and their Government have the best interest of their people. In Trinidad and Tobago the oil companies are the ones who pay for their primary, secondary and tertiary education and help the development of the country.Unlike them Belize is a country which tourism is one of the main sources of revenues brought into the country, and our government as they see a couple of zero's they get excited and quickly sign contracts without thinking about the consequences. Off-shore drilling is not for Belize, the consequences aren't worth the little money the government will get from it, because we the people surely won't see any of it.
References
Oil from massive Gulf spill reaching La. coast
Faint fingers of oily sheen have reached the mouth of Mississippi River. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36800673/ns/us_news-environment/
Channel 5 news(February 2011)Oceana says offshore drilling won't pay off governments super bonds http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/49685
Alexandria Smith's knowledge
i agree with Patricia we can;t be afarid to drill because of what happen in the gulf. what happen out dose'nt mean that it will happe to us so i say Drill
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ReplyDeleteI've been posting the same thing over and over almost 7 times now and it doesn't want to show.....
ReplyDeleteMy position on the offshore oil drilling issue is against. Belize is a magnificent country with a bright future if it preserves and maintains its natural environment, habitats and mainly its attractions. Yes it may be true that if the offshore oil drilling project takes place they might find oil and maybe also help the country with its debts a bit, but note that I said maybe simply for the reason that there will mainly be foreign investors in the project there for leaving out country with a small percent will go to our country only because it is our country.
ReplyDeleteLast week in my Environmental Conservation and Development class this same topic of offshore oil drilling arose and my teacher Mr. Alex Jones said some very interesting details like statistics show that from every frothy five holes drilled on land only one they come in contact with oil. Now let’s put sense and non-sense together onshore it’s a ratio of 1 to 45 holes and they want to do offshore and not even being shore to say well as we drill this particular spot we will get oil as visible the chances to find oil are very slim and if they just go offshore and start drilling like maniacs and not finding anything they would be killing, destroying and ruining what was already perfect and what helps make up the tourism industry our countries top investment of all. Yes, just as I thought, it absolutely makes no sense what so ever.
Another huge factor with the offshore drilling scenario is that it will cause an oil spill take for example “A 1969 accident that spilled millions of gallons of oil off the California coast led to restrictions on offshore drilling.” (Unknown) Yes another huge factor is that more than likely an oil spill will occur when off shore drilling takes place as it has already so many times. As for example “The Santa Barbara oil spill occurred in January and February 1969 in the Santa Barbara Channel, near the city of Santa Barbara in Southern California. It was the largest oil spill in United States waters at the time, and now ranks third after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon and 1989 Exxon Valdez spills. It remains the largest oil spill to have occurred in the waters off California.” (1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, 2011)
ReplyDeleteLastly one of the major negative impacts of offshore oil drilling is when it comes to the environmental issue. “If oil production rate is higher, then there will be more usage, thus generating more greenhouses. It is obvious that the drilling process will disturb the organisms surviving in those areas. The success rate of drilling is also very low, meaning that it may take lots of time and the outcome is unpredictable. Another major issue is offshore drilling; starting from locating to the drilling process, it disturbs the sea environment. While locating oil, the seismic waves and the associated sound affect the sea organisms and another debate is about oil spillage in the seas.” (Sandhyarani).
ReplyDeleteWorks Cited
1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. ( 2011, February 23 ). Retrieved from WIKIPEDIA : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_Santa_Barbara_oil_spill
Sandhyarani, N. (n.d.). Pros and Cons of Oil Drilling. Retrieved from Buzzle.com: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-oil-drilling.html
Unknown. (n.d.). Pros & Cons of Offshore Oil Drilling. Retrieved from e How: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5019434_pros-cons-offshore-oil-drilling.html
When it comes to offshore drilling, there are positive and negative aspects that comes with it. The only positive aspects seem to be that it provides jobs and increases the countries economy, financially wise. On the other hand, when it comes to the negative aspects, there are more than just a few. The negative aspects of offshore drilling range from the destroying of mangroves and pollution of the sea, to the death of many innocent creatures. I'm an animal person, so when I think of offshore drilling I think of a deadly plague being casted upon the poor animals that deserve a chance at life just like you and I do. I say no to offshore drilling because it does much more damage than good to our country. It is true that Belize needs a source of finance to get us out of the debt we are in, but then again are we willing to risk the lost of our precious jewel that nature has blessed us with? think of it, out of hundreds of countries in the world, we have the second largest barrier reef, and in my opinion the most magnificent. If there is to be an oil spill, then fishes, birds, manatees and even the few dolphins we have will all die out; not only will they die out, but also the corals will die because of the toxins in the oil. We already have an oil pump in Belize inland I see not the importance of one offshore. Belize needs to say no to offshore drilling and yes to the preservation of the things that defines us as the prestigious country we are. There is always a limit to everything and too much of anything is bad, therefore in this case, too much offshore drilling will benefit us now but be disadvantageous in the future.
ReplyDeleteOffshore drilling, (2004). Recieved from: http://naturalgas.org/naturalgas/extraction_offshore.asp.
I will start by defining the meaning of offshore drilling; it typically refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater. Most commonly, the term is used to describe oil extraction off the coasts of continents, though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas. I am proposing that offshore drilling should be accepted in our beautiful country Belize because it will also be a sort of financial enhancement to our country, with the rising price of gas in Belize other measures need to be taken to ensure economic stability in the country. We as a country need to produce more oil domestically by opening up more drilling offshore. We also need to do more research into other means of obtaining oil from other sources, thus making our country more energy independent.
ReplyDeleteWhile drilling offshore in will not produce an immediate supply of oil, it will show speculators that we are attempting to increase domestic production of oil in Belize. This in turn should cause the price of oil to drop, thus decreasing the price at the pump.
According to the National Review (2008) the U.S. Minerals Survey estimates that offshore drilling could produce 86 billion barrels of oil, thus helping to ensure the energy independence and economic stability for future generations. Offshore oil drilling is a vital asset to our future economic growth and energy independence. Without the oil resources available offshore our country will continue its dependence on foreign oil thereby ensuring economic instability for years to come. The biggest assurance we can have is to open up offshore drilling and start pumping our own oil so that other countries will come buying oil from us and this will increase our economy for our beautiful country Belize.
With offshore drilling, there will be employment opportunities for the citizens of Belize because there will be financial stability for the government to create jobs for citizens. This will make our country better and it will also be a good way to eradicate poverty from our beautiful country Belize because there will be revenue for the government to build industries, work outlets and other employment opportunities.
I agree with Paula because offshore drilling will create employment to the citizens of Belize and also will bring good economy for the country.
I disagree with Ronz because i believe before any where is been dogged for offshore drilling ,there will be 95% assurance that oil will be gotten from their so no marine life will be destroyed because there is a strong assurance that oil will be found and the marine life will be protected .
. Retrieved March 6, 2011, from the World Wide Web: http://www.antiessays.com/free-essays/15314.html
Offshore drilling is drilling for oil or natural gas from underground deposit under an ocean or other natural body of water. For this to be done, rigs must be put in place. When I thought of this, the first things that came to my mind are the marine life, our barrier reef and the many risks that will be taken when drilling. Although many may say that drilling will boost the economy financially the government should not allow offshore drilling because it is no guarantee that oil will be found and it will damage the marine life.
ReplyDeleteSong revealed "that routine operation and maintenance of just one rig dumps 25,000 lbs of toxic metals per well, including lead chromium and mercury and potent carcinogens into the sea as well as 90,000 metric tons of drilling fluids and metal cutting over the life of a rig. The air pollution from one rig is , cars driving equivalent to miles a day. This is not to mention the common explosions and smaller spills from routine operation. And, in Belize, the probability of disaster from accidents is significant due to hurricanes and earthquakes. Lets not forget the economic impacts. According to 2007 figures, reef and mangrove associated with tourism brings in US$150-196 million counting for 12-15% of Belize's gross domestic products. The fishing industry generates US$14-16 million annually. Further more the reef which could be virtually eliminated by offshore drilling protects Belize's shorelines from dangers and that value is estimated at US$120 to 180 million" (p.1).
The effects of offshore drilling are not simply felt by the surrounding environment but also by the marine life. These effects have damaging consequences for our fisheries food chain, balance of the ecosystem, health and the enjoyment that we can find in the diversities of nature.
Michael,S. (2010,June). Offshore drilling, digging deeper. Retrieved from http://ambergrisdaily-com/belize-news/offshore-oil-drilling-in-belize-digging-deeper
I agree much with Nirmal. Offshore drilling will damage our barrier reef which is one of the Underwater Wonder of the world. It is the main attraction of our country and one of the greatest sources of income. Offshore drilling will destroy the habitat of and many sea creatures which will be sad because Belize has the largest population of the West Indian manatee, we have the endangered American crocodile and many other sea creatures. These creatures deserve a chance to life like any other.
ReplyDeleteI’m position is against offshore drilling in Belize. My first and main reason is because it will only cause more environmental problems in our country and degrade our natural resources. Secondly because government will be putting a lot of money into this and we don’t even know if we have oil to that; therefore we’ll be putting our hopes and money into something we are unsure about and we have neither time nor money for that. It will also be taking away jobs for many Belizeans. According to Ambergris Daily, (2010), “In terms of employment, the fishing industry employs an estimated 4,000 Belizeans, and tourism employs 16-20,000. BNE employs 160. It would take 125 BNEs to make up for the fishing and tourism industries’ jobs,” (para. 11). Come on people let’s protect our jewel.
ReplyDeletei disagree with steven because yea ther is no guarantee that it will happen to us but we are not in the position right now to take those kind of risk financially nor enviromentally.
ReplyDeletei see where julie is going with that but how long will all that take to happen? time that we cannot afford to invest and all those goods things that can come from drilling won't benefit the poor only the rich when they do come. the risk is not worth it.
ReplyDeleteBrackett (2010) from COLA asked in an interview with a channel 7 reporter if there were any contingency plan mandated for companies to do offshore drilling he states clearly that there was laws for onshore drilling but not for offshore drilling. My position to offshore drilling in anti. Although it may increase revenue and jobs its negative effects are far greater because it at some point an oil spill may occur it will kill Belize tourism and fishing industries just to name a few. The companies which have been granted permission to drill most does not have any experience to do this tedious job and so will have to import export who we do not even know if they have experience as well. A company such as Princess Petroleum Ltd. Island Oil Belize ltd., etc just the name clearly shows that no experience is there. The most devastating thing is that the petroleum map which has been released by the Geology and Petroleum Department includes marine reserves, which means that our marine life will be depleted even more so if offshore drilling starts. In the Ambergris Caye papers its states that at a forum Dr. McField from Healthy Reef Initiative, he stated, "without a disaster, routine operations and maintenance of just one oil rig dumps 25,000 pounds of toxic metals per well, including lead, chromium and mercury, and potent carcinogens into the sea, as well as 90,000 metric tons of drilling fluid and metal cuttings over the life of a rig. And, the air pollution from one rig is equivalent to 7,000 cars driving 50 miles a day. This is not to mention the common explosions and smaller spills from routine operations. And, in Belize, the probability of disaster from accidents is significant due to hurricanes and earthquakes. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed 113 oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and 457 pipelines". Here we see that not only an oil spill can bring our country to its knees but the daily operations on an oil rig.
ReplyDeleteMichael,S. (2010,June). Offshore drilling, digging deeper. Retrieved from http://ambergrisdaily-com/belize-news/offshore-oil-drilling-in-belize-digging-deeper
G. Brackett, News interview, January 6, 2010 retrieved from http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=15913
I agree with Nikita because our government can invest alot of money into offshore drilling and at the end only get a small percentage of profit that cannot sustain our couuntry and also they do not know if there is enough oil for our country to use and for export.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo drill or not to drill
ReplyDeleteThe debate over whether or not to drill is current and hot. The time is drawing near though when Belizeans will need to decide on either side of the debate. My position on the matter is soundly in favour of drilling. We must do what we need to do so that we can do what we want to do Washington, D. (Director). (2010). The great debaters [DVD].
Poor financial decisions coupled with the recent global economic meltdown have landed Belize in a rather precarious position. The economic difficulties brought on by the aforementioned factors have created economic hardships on the Belizean populace, and as such it is imperative that capital be injected into the economy to arrest this situation. According to the national anthem of Belize, our beloved country is blessed with wealth untold, one of which is potentially huge oil deposits. It stands to reason then, that as a people we must find a way to exploit this valuable natural resource in a sustainable and economically viable way.
Objection to offshore drilling or drilling in general are centred on two fundamental factors, environmental impact, and economic impact. Based on initial discussions with a broad cross section of the Belizean populace, the general consensus seemingly is in support of drilling. The overwhelming condition to allow drilling is that a system is designed to ensure that the general populace receive tangible benefits from the proceeds of the oil industry.
Part 2:
ReplyDeleteA strong argument against drilling is supported by many individuals and organizations. According to APAMO’s Edilberto Romero, “the total dollar value of a healthy barrier reef and mangrove coastline to Belize is US$559 million per year. A detailed cost benefit analysis on the revenue figures as presented by Mr. Romero appears in an interesting article in a local newspaper.
Ysaguirre, W. (2010, June 11).Coalition to save our nation heritage calls for ban on offshore
drilling. Retrieved March 6, 2011, from http://www.reporter.bz/
According to the article in the reporter, Mr. Romero asserted that the benefits derived from tourism and fishing are much more than would be derived from oil exploitation.
From an environmental approach the concern is about the capacity and intention to mitigate the negative effects of an oil mishap. Oil is risky business, and it’s difficult to avoid spills even in normal operations, excluding accidents. And as the world has seen from the accident in the Gulf of Mexico, oil is difficult to clean up; it is not bio-degradable. Any spills would damage either the reef or the mangroves or both.
The underlying concern of most Belizeans is trust/mistrust of the decision makers in the oil equation. At the risk of being labelled as the eternal optimist, I must mention that I firmly believe that it is possible to exploit the oil resources in an environmentally sustainable and economically viable manner. Once we can strike a proper balance between the environment and economic benefits, then I fully support oil drilling. The proper balance is achievable considering that as Belizeans we all desire only the best for our country. A well managed oil industry holds the promise of alleviating the economic hardships of our beloved country. As a country we must make tough but responsible decisions so that we can overcome the challenges that confront us.
The government should not allow off shore drilling in Belize and the reason why I am against this is because one of the major negative impacts of oil drilling is the environmental issue. If oil production rate is higher, then there will be more usage, thus generating more greenhouse gases. In addition, the success rate of drilling is also very low, meaning that it may take lots of time and the outcome is unpredictable.
ReplyDeleteAnother major issue of offshore drilling is the oil spill that it will cause and this will greatly affect the marine ecosystems. Research have shown that oil spills damages beaches, kill birds, marine mammals, fish and also destroys wildlife habitat and breeding grounds. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), offshore drilling results in thousands of gallons of oil being spilled each year. Oil is toxic to fish and other marine wildlife and cleanup methods are extremely inefficient. The intensification of hurricanes and storms has led to an increase in the number of oil spills that occur. Hurricanes Rita and Katrina --according to the NRDC -- resulted in 125 different spills of petroleum-based products from offshore platforms, rigs, and pipelines. Moreover, 685,000 gallons of petroleum product in total was spilled (Savoie, O. 2010).
Savoie, O.(2010). How offshore drilling destroys marine ecosystem. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_6975175_offshore-drilling-destroys-marine-ecosystem.html
I agree with Patricia. offshore drilling will help our country for the future, and that is a concern of many nowadays. There are no jobs and prices of goods are rising. offshore drilling can rectify both of those problems. offshore drilling leads to more domestic production which will allow prices to drop. and it will also raise government revenue. the government can use this extra revenue to invest in businesses, and in turn create more jobs for the people of Belize. to me, this is of most importance, because poverty is affecting many and also, even people with major degrees cannot find jobs. so offshore drilling will better our community.
ReplyDeletei support offshore drilling. critics may say that the main problem of offshore drilling is that it contributes to carbon emissions, which leads to global warming. and it may even cause environmental hazards like oil spills in the oceans. facts state, however, that there are other major sources of environmental hazards and carbon emissions. for example, Fox News (2008) informs that offshore drilling only accounts for 1% of oil spillage. while natural seepage accounts for a whopping 63%. in addition, there are also smaller contributors of spillage such as, consumers and transportation, which are responsible for 32% and 4% respectively. and we all know that carbon emissions come from all corners of the world: transportation, consumers, industries, and the list goes on. we are living in a modern world which we have all grown accustomed to, and to continue living the way we want, we must acknowledge that environmental problems will happen to get this done, and that done. so if spillage and emissions are the problems, we cannot only point a fat finger at offshore drilling. we must also look at the other factors that contribute to this problem. offshore drilling promotes the welfare of the economy, and by association, its citizens. it lowers gas levels and creates a higher revenue for the government. the bad that offshore drilling offers (considering that environmental pollution will happen with or without drilling)can almost be seen as insignificant when compared to the good it presents.
ReplyDeleteReferences:
Lajeunesse, W. (2008, July 14).Fox News. New York City, NY: FNC.
Hall, S.(2007). Pros and cons of offshore drilling. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5019434_pros-cons-offshore-oil-drilling.html
Shamita said,
ReplyDeleteOffshore drilling typically refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater through drilling a well. Most commonly, the term is used to describe oil extraction off the coasts of continents, though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas.
I personally stands against the whole offshore oil drilling. One disadvantage of offshore oil drilling is waste disposal. Routine drilling produces dangerous waste as well. When drilling, harmful substances like mercury and lead enter the ocean waters, says the Natural Resources Defense Council. These materials are used in lubrication of drills and for related purposes, according to the NRDC. Furthermore, water containing toxic substances emerges from the oil and gas well, adds the organization.
Another reason why I'm against offshore drilling is because it affects the infrastructure of a country.Drilling doesn't just affect one particular spot on an ocean floor. Along with the drilling rig, miles of pipeline and other infrastructure, like roads, buildings and canals, degrade the natural environment on the land as well as the water. This infrastructure transports the oil to a refinery. In Louisiana, as USA Today says, 10,000 miles of canals run through the coastal wetlands, which has led to much erosion. These changes transform a natural environment, forcing out wildlife that normally lives in the area, and these changes cannot be quickly reversed.
References
The Disadvantages of Offshore Drilling. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_7320227_disadvantages-offshore-drilling.html
I do agree with Mel that the government should not allow offshore drilling.The government are not well prepared to undergo this act.They will be investing money into offshore drilling and also borrowing money from our near by countries and just leave us in more dept to pay back.Offshore drilling is very expensive,it is very complex (first we have to reach the ocean floor, then drill),it requires larger energy inputs per energy gain than a similar operation onshore.
ReplyDeleteNot drill
ReplyDeleteWell I would say that drilling is bad because even though it is a good raw material to be use. I AM going to have to disagree with the decision of barrack Obama decision to allow drilling in areas off the Atlantic, Gulf, and Alaskan coasts, he notes that the politics may make sense, but the environmental angle does not. This is affecting in a dramatically way because as energy or environmental policy, however, I can't see any logic. The problem runs deeper than David Roberts's point ("The impact on oil prices will be 'insignificant,' says the Energy Information Administration, and it won’t make America any less dependent on foreign oil, either"). The fundamental problem is this: there is a finite amount of fossil fuel. The more of it we find and burn, the more carbon we put into the atmosphere, and the more severe the greenhouse effect becomes. Once the carbon is in the atmosphere, it stays there. If we want to limit climate change, what we have to do, one way or another, is to leave fuels in the ground wherever possible, not find and burn them. As everyone knows if it impact America it will affect Belize in a great problem: if you follow this line of thinking to its natural conclusion, then you have to declare that America should immediately stop all extraction of fossil fuels, right now.
I agree with kuo-chen Lee because the first thing to think about is marine life. One of the most things we have in Belize is the sea. There are a lot of fishermen working in the sea trying to work to make some money for home. But if it happens as in Use about the place being damage this cause a lot of problems to sea kill all creature of the sea. (eg.fishes).one of the great reason why they need to stop this drilling because it is they are just leading to destruction of the marine life and our own life as humans.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Adrian because am against offshore drilling because it can damage our marine life and it can damage our coral beds. as it is sated on oilexploration-in-belize.com BNE began looking for oil in Belize in 2002. Spearheaded by two Irish women and a Belizean engineer , the small company found oil after most of the major oil companies had tried and failed over the past 50 years. So now they have found the oil and intend to drill then ship it out of the country. Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world and oil exportation on the sea can cause alot of trouble. an oil spill camn happen just like the oil spill that occured in the gulf of Mexico last year where it killed out majority if their marine life. we do not want that to happen in Belize because mojority of the country depend on the barrier reef to bring tourist in. if that happens the economy will have a rapid downfall and things will get harder. so i think thata the government should think about wat is being done and make a change about the situation. According to belizean.com
ReplyDeleteAt its Annual General Meeting yesterday, APAMO Chairman Mr. Edilberto Romero told the media that "The position of APAMO is to call on the government to put a
complete ban on oil exploration on our offshore areas. The oil exploration
activities offshore are too risky for our natural resources, too
risky for the coral reefs, too risky for the Belize Barrier Reef World
Heritage System. APAMO members have agreed to put a resolution to call
on the government to put a complete ban on oil exploration on the
offshore." I agree with that statement 100%. So the answer to the question is not to drill!!!
I am against offshore drilling. Why? because it can destroy our reef and its surrondings. It can cause major damage to our waters.
ReplyDeleteOil spills both major and minor harm of the ecosystem and wild life and our tourism will suffer great declines. They can also have the risk of frequent pipe line leaks and oil release of toxic chemicals which contribute to the increase of air pollution and to the warmer global temperature. Chemical release can lead to respitory reproductive and development effects as well as severe skin burn and even death. It can not only harm human health but also it can change the out look of our surrondings in our enivironments and communities for years. In a previous interview with president from oceania; Mrs. Audrey Matura Shephard clearly states that our coastal surrondings will be affected and if oil drilling should be done, then it must be done by a professional in order to eliminate the spill of oil. Drilling will damage nature tremendously if the crude oils are leaks out into our water. As a concern citizen, I will do my best to stop the offshore drilling. Offshore drilling, (2004). Retrived from: http://naturalgas.org/naturalgas/extraction_offshore.asp.
Offshore drilling...Hmmm is it a good thing or is it a bad thing? A good thing, Yes, because it may some day benefit the country of Belize. But until then that we have not seen any difference in the oil spill that we had already seen, we must wonder again, if Belize ever struck oil again, will it be the same situation we are having? Not seeing any profit for Belize. I highly disagree with offshore drilling.So Paula im agaisnt you my friend.The reason is that, it will make no difference in our country and us the Belizean people will not see anything out of that. We as belizeans got to think about who it will benefit. The offshore drilling will not cater for the poor people of Belize. What if we struck oil? what could happen to our Barrier Reef? many tour guides do not go to school to tell about belize natural wonders. How many people will be out of a job? How many chances are there for many belizeans get to be employed at an oil rig? HOW MANY? Then we have risk, major risk that can slow or economy, in the last oil spill that happened in the gulf coast, Ryan Witt stated " Eleven workers died on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig which just exploded in the Gulf Coast. Between 2001 and 2007 some 1,400 accidents occurred on oil rigs though most of those accidents were not fatal." Thats way too many for a small ecomomy like Belize. WE DON'T NEED THAT! WE DON'T WANT NO OFFSHORE DRILLING IN BELIZE! The Economy is too rich with natural wonders, keep it!
ReplyDeleteRef:
http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-national/an-analysis-and-the-risks-and-rewards-of-offshore-drilling
No to offshore Drilling!
ReplyDeleteAs we all know our barrier reef is a habitat for many species of fishes, corals and sea mammals. Our beautiful reef is not only here for its good looks but also to protect our, under sea level, country against the harsh waves and rise in sea levels before and after a hurricane. In addition, it provides income both directly and indirectly. There are many people who are totally dependent on the sea to earn a livelihood such as our fishermen. Through the income earned these men are able to provide food and clothing for their families, educate their children and most importantly avoid the temptations of crimes. But it’s not only our fishermen, what about our large hotels? According to the International Tanker Owner Pollution Federation Limited (2010), “Hotels and restaurant owners who gain their livelihood form the tourist trade can suffer loses, while Industries who rely on seawater for their normal operation can also be adversely affected by oil spills. Coastal Industries such as, shipyards, ports and harbors can be disturbed by oil spills and clean-up operations”.
Secondly, Belize does not have the finances needed to operate in this industry. Lets say another country decides to fund us at the start, how will we maintain it? Our country still up to today have not completely been restored after little hurricane Richard. The Kendal Bridge is still not assembled after being washed away. One study shows that “In the 1989 Exxon spill at Prince Williams Sound in Alaska, It took 10,000 workers, 1,000 boats, 100 airplanes, and the Navy, Army, and Air Force to clean up the spill. Exxon spent about $2.1 billion for the clean-up” Thinkquest (2010). Also “Oceana does not believe that it is worth it to drill offshore and to run the risk of permanently damaging our sea and reef.” Gillett. N (2011).
Gillet. N. (2011, February 13). Ocean Currents, Ocean or Oil? The Reporter, p.33.
Oil Spills (2010) Retrieved from: www.itopf.com
Paetzold.C, (December 2001). Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Essay. Retrieved from http://library.tninkquest.com
Refered to Paula i personally think drilling is not very good thing to do eventhough it will gave people a lot of work but still if it happen again about the oil expandingto the sea and killing a lot natural resources. The first thing to do is to think about the enviornment and the marine life thought Belize and other countries
ReplyDeleteTanya made a very good point that Offshore drilling is very expensive an our Belizean Government is not able to deal with that. Some people had mention that it will reduce prices in some areas. Yes! that is true if they find what they are looking for, but, that is not guaranteed so why put our country at risk and destroy the beauty of it for something that we are not sure of....
ReplyDeleteI am for offshore driling as i believe it bring more domestic production,lower pump prices, and increase in government revenues. More offshore drilling will lead to greater domestic oil production and less reliance on imported oil, much of which comes from politically unstable regions, such as the Middle East. (Hall,S.2009). secondly is the Lower Pump Prices,Offshore drilling will increase the suply of oil, resulting in lower gasoline prices, according to supporters. this ia a benifit to the people in the cmmunity, as it is one of the biggest problem for our belizean drivers. finally is the increased Government Revenues.
ReplyDeleteSupporters of offshore drilling say that opening restricted areas to offshore oil production will generate billions in state and federal revenues through royaltie. this again is an advantage for the society at hand as they will be able to benifit fro the out come of the money.In everything there is an advantage and a disadvantage, at times we just need to overlook the bad and do that which is most benefitting for all. the grater good.
reference:
Hall.S(2009).Pros & Cons of offshore oil drilling.retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5019434_pros-cons-offshore-oil-drilling.html#ixzz1G4Jx2U9j
Before i write my explanation for my point for oil drilling, i would like to say the government of Belize is irresponsible and worries more about the finacial opportunities rather than the risk of drilling for oil.
ReplyDeletei agree 100% with Deshwan Ellis as she had almost all of my points. also i like the fact when she stated that there are other reasons contributing to global warming, that we probably can't stop anyways, hence, we might as well allow something that will be for the greater good. that is allowing offshore drilling.
ReplyDeleteEven though the allowance for offshore drilling in Belize may help the economy, it poses more risks than advantages. I am personally against offshore drilling because the size of the threats may be too detrimental to both the people and animals near the coast. Belize tourism depends on the proper preservation of the sea and the plants and animals that inhabits it. The most invaluable phenomenon being our beautiful barrier reef. The risk of damaging the reef outweigh any positive outcome of oil drilling. The barrier reef provides protection to our country, which is already below sea level. Additionally, it houses some of belize's most beautiful sea animals, like fish and sting rays. The barrier reef also allocate jobs to fishermen and/or divers. Without it the country may dramatically decline.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, prohibiting offshore drilling also contribute to the cause of a cleaner planet. The planet is already in danger of loosing its O-zone layer, which protects habitats of the earth. Releasing that oil into the atmosphere just further deteriorate our planet's protection from solar radiation. The combustion of fuel is the main source of air pollution, so in order to obtain a cleaner atmosphere, we must cut the source of the oil from the start. The waste product or chemical from oil drilling can leak into our waters and instigate a problem before the actual oil leak occurs.
Finally, our country is not financially capable to maintain such project and if not enough oil is produced then the pockets of the Belizean people maybe in trouble. Belize is in debt already and borrowing money to maintain a project that isn't a 100% definate just seems ridiculus and irresponsible.
We clearly had an example of the damaging effects of an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which is reported as the largest spill in US history. Dead animals floated to the shore and about eleven workers lost thier lives in the spill. Evidently an oil spill is hard to deal with especially if Belize should experience one. As Belizeans we need to make our voices be heard in order to protect our jewel, our country Belize.
Reference
Oil Exploration In Belize Retrieved from
http://www.belize.com/articles/oil-exploration-in-belize.html
Its surprising to see how some people can agree with oil drilling.i disagree with paula and patricia saying that revenues from the oil will pay off the "super Bond".Probably will only cover half the amount and the rest into the Barrow's pockets.They are the only ones getting richer and people like me and you continue to suffer. Can you imagine the great disaster an oil spill will cause.I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteIn my prospective l also agree with kameisha if we started to do oil drilling it will affect our sea creature and our reef in numerously. The barrier reef help prevent hurricane. The oil drilling contain a lot of toxic chemical that, then lead to our sea which cause our water to become contaminated and our sea creature which will then lead our environment to became sick an a increase of death with a numerous increase financially to the community.Oil drilling have it advantages as well as it disadvantage. oil drilling should not be accepted.
ReplyDeleteOil drilling should not be allowed in Belize because it will be a gamble with our main industry. This is the tourism industry it brings in the most money for Belize and if it should be affected or even tampered with Belize will be doomed. How can our main finance industry just go in front of our eyes? Come on people, America is said to be the smartest and most equipped place on planet Earth. How is it that they had a big oil spill and could not have controlled it in the blink of an eye?
ReplyDeleteWould we want to risk our country like that? If the barrier reef is destroyed how do you think that we will make it? It is the main attraction for tourist and it is the home to sea life. I say No to Oil drilling.
i agree along with all my fellow colleagues who is against offshore oil drilling in my country. we all have good reasons!
ReplyDeleteIn the case of Belize Natural Energy which is currently drilling onshore in Cayo, total revenues from 2006 through 2010 were $326.1 million, with the Government of Belize receiving $75.8 million, or 23% of gross revenues. Belize Natural Energy claims that the Government of Belize is earning 58% of Belize Natural Energy profits, which sounds like Belize is getting the longer end of the stick. But, the claim is misleading and based on historical figures. The actual deal Government of Belize struck with Belize Natural Energy is actually 40% of net income (revenues less expenses). It just so happened that after all expenses, the Government of Belize’s 40% also equaled to 23% of gross revenues and 58% of profits.
ReplyDeleteNow, consider the additional costs required to drill offshore, or “exploration expenses”, amounting from US $2.1 to 3.6 million per drill. There is a chance offshore drills may not breakeven until it is too late, and if there is no oil to be found, 40% of zero profits is zero, all while damaging marine life, the reef, and mangroves. Soon we won’t be able to eat fish, stop harming our people, animals, and the atmosphere. (Sheperd, 2011)
Sheperd,A.(2011,February 25).Oceana.Great Belize Production Ltd. Retrieved from http://edition.channel5belize,com/archives/49685
Thanks Kuo Cho lee is a mistake i against it. My position about offshore is cons. After watching i knew that offshore drilling is typically refers to the discovering and development of oil and gas resources which lie under water it obvious that drills required going deep down through layers of the ground before it reaches the oil. And if government choose to go for the off shore exploration they can be in danger as the reef destroyed, then the country will be in danger with attack by natural disaster such as hurricane, flood e.t.c. which could lead to financial or human losses and affect the environment. And can cause destruction of everything even people, flash floods and dirty waters which bring a handful sickness. According to Cause (2011, Feb.15). Advocate to stop the propose of offshore Drilling for oil in Belize water. “We have to protect our reef and the creatures that lives in our beautiful Caribbean sea, remember what happen in the Gulf of Mexico how much oil ran miles and how much damage it made am sure no Belizean want this to happen so let hold hand in unity and say No”.
ReplyDeleteeHow.com (n.d.). Stated in 1969 accident that spilled millions of gallons of oil off the California coast lead to restriction on offshore drilling. Increase drilling make such accident more likely to occur.
Reference
No offshore drilling in Belize’s waters period! Retrieved from www.causes.com/.../489975-no-
Offshore-drilling-in-belize-s-waters period
Pro and cons of offshore oil drilling/eHow.com Retrieved from www.ehow.com>... Oil Drilling
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIdisagree with Esther,B.You are looking at the advantages of offshore oil drilling that it bring more domestic production,lower pump price,
ReplyDeleteincrease in government,greater domestic oil production and others,why not consider the disadvantages and protect our country Belize.
I suport Zak Tillett that our country is not finincially capable to mentain such project and if not enough oil is produced then the pockets of the Belizean people may be in troble.Belize is in debt already and borrowing money to maintain a project that isn't a 100% definate just seems ridiculus and irresponsible.
ReplyDeleteI am against,
ReplyDeleteAs part of our critique of the oil and car culture, to help bring on sustainable living, Culture Change has relaunched the campaign to help stop offshore oil drilling and protect ecosystems. Which is also saying the off shore drilling exploration is both good and bad for the country of Belize. petroleum is one of the most used natural elements the way of getting it is harmful to the environment. Offshore drilling may seem harmless but accidents do happen according to Songs (2010),he stated Belize Natural Energy (BNE), which is currently drilling onshore in Cayo, total revenues from 2006 through 2010 were $326.1 million, with the Government of Belize (GOB) receiving $75.8 million, or 23% of gross revenues. BNE claims that the GOB is earning 58% of BNE profits, which sounds like Belize is getting the longer end of the stick. But, the claim is misleading and based on historical figures. The actual deal GOB struck with BNE is actually 40% of net income (revenues less expenses). It just so happened that after all expenses, the GOB’s 40% also equalled to 23% of gross revenues and 58% of profits.
In this offshore drilling exploration its good and bad but also costly to dig a hole to search for oil it is a good amount of money lets say couple millions and our rate of finding oil was said to be 3:24 and for investors that is bad because it cost to dig hole so if thats the ratio the foreigners wont want to invest in the oil industry and on the other hand they can be also destroying the earth the environment and can also kill people because if u notice when drilling there are certain amount of layers beneath the ground and a lower portion called the water line for the ground a a little bit of oil would get into that due to the drilling many people may be affected by this because many people depends on their rivers to drink and get water from and if this was to happen many people would die due to the fact that they would have to use this water for their daily trends.
References:
Michael, S (2010,july 14).amberigsdaily.com
Dason, T (2011,march) Oceana
I definitely agree with Kishana because tourism is what is really bringing income to Belize. Therefore, what attracts tourists is our country’s beauty not oil. Those people will not be attracted to the oil rigs they want to come and enjoy nature at its best. Another point you mentioned was the money business and yes it’s true. Somehow, I think the government thinks that if oil is to be found that they will start seeing more money in their pockets which is not so. If they really care about us they will have to consider this offshore drilling because instead of creating wealth for our country they will just be destroying the health of not only the people but also the marine ecosystem.
ReplyDeleteLike Ester said offshore drilling can lead to another. It can lead to distruction to our country that can never be replace.
ReplyDeleteI would want to agree with Julie, that if oil drilling is done in Belize it would increase job but on the other hand it will damage our reefs and the surroudings and the waters for our tourist. tourism helps our country.
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that the government should not allow offshore drilling in Belize because it will only damage what our unique country posses…natural beauty. First of all, in the drilling process a toxic soup is formed when the fluid blends with rock, mud, and naturally occurring radioactive materials, which can spread at the minimum of a thousand meters from the rigs. All of these chemicals pose a threat to the area surrounding the rigs for as many as forty years. Such threats are affecting the quality of the marine water, harming the organisms that stay on the bottom of the ocean, and, ultimately, having negative impacts throughout the region, which includes changes in the abundance richness and diversity of the marine life from both the physical and toxic effects (Donatoni, n.d.). That is already a lot of damage caused and in this case, they would have to hire foreigners to do the job. Hasn’t the government had enough with the oil they found in Spanish lookout? No one can say that the existing company is making changes in Belize because the poverty rate and the overall status in Belize basically remains the same. Secondly according to what I understand they want to drill within protected areas which is nothing but nonsense. The areas are already considered protected so there is no need to go and disturb those ecosystems for the “benefit” of the people just because they think they will find black gold, oil. Enough damage was done when the cargo ship crashed into the amazing barrier reef and no more should be done. The effects of offshore drilling are not simply felt by the surrounding environment, but also by the marine life. These effects have damaging consequences for our fisheries, food chain, balance of the ecosystem, health, and the enjoyment that we find in the diversity of nature (Donatoni, n.d.). So, no offshore drilling in Belize because we need to start to think what lies ahead and not beneath!
ReplyDeletereference
Donatoni, M. (n.d.). Offshore drilling. Retrieved February, 28, 2011 from http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/MDonatoni/ResearchPaper.htm
am positive that everyone who disagree with offshore drillig are well aware that our counrty would greatly benifit from the oil revenues recieved for its oil production.but have those who agreed with oil dilling looked into the long term effects of it. i don't think that not even moneis recieved from oil would be enough to undo lifetime dameages!!!
ReplyDeleteI am against offshore oil drilling in the country of Belize. Therefore, I believe that the Government of Belize should not allow offshore oil drilling.On the contrary, the potential losses to our fishing and tourist industries far out-weigh the potential economic advantages of oil drilling.A spill like the recent 2010, which happened in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana will with no doubt destroy the reef,mangroves and sea grass. After this there will be no lobster, no conch or no fish…and no tourists!; the sea is the backbone of the Belizean economy. Mrs. Audrey Matura-Shepherd sated that"while we wish for our country to develop and progress we cannot do so to the detriment of our long-term survival. The recent spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana has shown us that even a rich and highly advanced country like the great USA is not equipped to handle such disaster, and thus this should teach us to proceed with much caution as one accident ten times less can wipe out our entire coastline and send Belize into an economic depression never seen before."
ReplyDeleteOffshore drilling typically refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater. Most commonly, the term which is used to describe oil extraction off the coasts of countries, though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas.
ReplyDeleteI am against offshore drilling because, drilling for oil offshore means that ecosystems will be destroyed, marine life will be endangered and also the coral reefs. Offshore oil production involves environmental risks, most notably oil spills from oil tankers or pipelines transporting oil from the platform to onshore facilities, and from leaks and accidents on the platform. Produced water is also generated, which is excess water from oil or gas production and includes varying amounts of oil, or other chemicals used in, or resulting from, oil production. According to the organization Culture Change, a Gulf of Mexico rig dumps about 90,000 tons of drilling fluid and cuttings over its lifetime, with its wells also contributing with heavy metals
Ecosystems, habitats and the coral reef are destroyed when the machinery needed is taken out and when the drilling starts. The destruction of the reef in Belize would mean that we would experience larger tides which will flood our coasts. The destruction of marine life would be a disadvantage to the country and people. It would be a disadvantage to the country because many tourists visit to see the marine life, and it would be a disadvantage to the people because many Belizeans turn to fish as a daily meal. Marine life is also said to be destroyed by all the toxic wastes such as lead, mercury, carcinogens and chromium.
Refrences:
^ http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-12308981.html
^ History of Offshore Oil Wells (1840-2010)
To chubby... Nice shot blog and nice job looking at the pros and cons point of view.. Keep it up..
ReplyDeleteBy Oyinkro
I definitely agree with Shamita.. Offshore drilling will benefit the country but a major disadvantage of it is its waste product.. That can damage the country and as it is Belize is already having money problems. Belize can not afford cost of fixing the damages.
ReplyDeleteWhat is Offshore oil drilling? Well according to Matthew Donatoni (2011), "Drilling for oil in the ocean is one of the greatest technological breakthroughs in recent decades, and many new techniques have been developed to profit from the abundance of oil underneath the ocean floor. While drilling for oil has been around for hundreds of years in one form or the another, the effective extraction of petroleum from beneath the sea floor did not surface until the last forty years. The search for oil often turns out to be unproductive, but this practice is vital for the economic future of many nations" (Page Unknown). When it comes to offshore oil drilling, there are three main disadvantage associated. First is opportunity costs. The second disadvantage is worker safety. Finally the last, and most significant, disadvantage is environmental.All this spell out one thing, and that is "A lot of money that Belize does not have".
ReplyDeleteFurther more into the topic, Oil drilling is not for Belize and i am strongly against it. I understand that it will benefit the country in many ways, and the economy can also benefit from it. But in the longer run it is going to destroy the country. Belize do not have the equipment, income, and workers to work if an oil spill occurs. It is very dangerous and can destroy the environment, marine life, and many more.
References
Offshore Drilling Page. 1999. Gulf Coast Environmental Defense.
Offshore Drilling. Odyssey Magazine n° 1.
Offshore Drilling. Australian Institute of Petroleum.
Bright, Thomas J., Thompson, Jack H. Research Product. 21 Jan. 1980. 24 Jan. 1980
Barbour, Ian. Ethics in an Age of Technology. New York: HarperCollins, 1991.
Offshore oil drilling harms
ReplyDeleteMy position about offshore oil drilling is anti. When you speak of offshore oil drilling, the first thing that comes to mind is that is the marine life and disasters. As I watched the animation process of offshore oil drilling and I saw clearly that it drills through the sea bed and goes deep down through many layers of solid ground before it reaches the oil and that is if they find any at that location. These promoters of offshore oil drilling fail to realize that these solid grounds in our sea protect us from chaos like earthquake and it provides a firm foundation of the marine life, especially to the barrier reef. I realized what had happened that many countries have done and are currently maintaining this process having supportive evidence of occurrences that are not pleasant and they have been in this field before Belize. Furthermore if we asked them if it has been an easy road to maintain the offshore drilling from being hazardous? All will say they try there out most best but on the hand, we still have mishaps. For example I remember the worst oil spill in the U.S took place in the Gulf of Mexico, many Belizeans believed that it would flow down the coastal areas and damage our marine life and especially again the barrier reef since the gulf of Mexico is so near to us but thanks to the grace of God our beautiful possession was and is protected. As there is a possibility of erecting those horrible looking oil spills and rigs along our coastal… we plead to our government to try its best to get out of these offshore oil drilling/exploration contracts. Negative effects totally outweigh any positive effects that can come from offshore drilling. (Brooks, 2010) Most individuals in the world knows that tourism is the largest source of income for us there are several major reasons why people come to our country and one of our major attraction is our marine life and the barrier reefs if we lose these two thing only God and time will tell if we will ever be restored back to that point of such beauty. So I leave to ask will you damage your beauty for the sake of money? Cause if you give you beauty for money then it would be same of giving our beautiful marine just for money.
Reference
Brooks, A. (2010). the effects of offshore- drilling. Belize: Amandala Press.
Sir this is the fixed one
i totally agree with powa the benefit of it may see promising on a short term but, let me tell y'all this; like powa said it will destroy the country. every single person know the the long term effect will be very chaotic to everyone and our environment even the "scientific peoples. 'Shuck wi don fight fi di land mark,sea ah geh indipendence, at least mek wi embrace it, preserve it and love it'
ReplyDeleteMy position about offshore oil drilling is anti. Whenever someone speaks about offshore drilling three things might come in mind money, marine life and disaster. A person may say that offshore drilling will increase the supply of oil, resulting in lower gasoline prices, according to supporters. This may lead to more money in their packet but failing to realize that offshore drilling will not reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, which contributes to warmer global temperatures. In addition oil generated through expanded offshore drilling will not be enough to greatly affect world oil prices because it will have minimal price impact. According to Darwin (1842), in his study of the evolution of coral reefs, that Belize was home to "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies." Within the beautiful reef of our country Belize is the home of our marine life and when watching the procedures of the oil drilling I saw that it drill through the sea bad. That was not the only thing I saw; it is clearly to be see that it will cause destruction to the marine life and the barrier reef. In 1969 accident that spilled millions of gallons of oil off the California coast led to restrictions on offshore drilling. Increased drilling makes such accidents more likely to occur. Now imagine a small country like Belize going through a serious dilemma of such oil spill. No, to offshore drilling in our precious country Belize and sign the petition that Oceana Belize is carrying out.
ReplyDeleteReferences
Brooks, A. (2010). The effects of offshore- drilling. Belize: Amandala Press.
Pro and cons of offshore oil drilling/eHow.com Retrieved from www.ehow.com>... Oil Drilling
Oil Exploration In Belize Retrieved from
http://www.belize.com/articles/oil-exploration-in-belize.html
I’m personally against offshore drilling in Belize simply because the negative aspect of it far out weighs the positive. I am a sea food lover & I can’t imagine a life with out sea food. In addition no one is perfect and mistakes can be made an accidents can occur but why wait till then? It shouldn’t be brought to this country. One of the most dangerous parts of offshore drilling is when there is a spill just because only 5-15% of it can be clean up. This affects not only the surrounding environment, but also the marine life. These effects have damaging consequences for our fisheries, food chain, balance of ecosystem, health and the enjoyment that we find in the diversity of nature. Furthermore, the routine rig pollution, oil dispersants, debris, the dredging of the ocean floor to locate pipelines, and using explosives to remove rigs endangers marine life. A perfect example of the effects that these rigs pose to the marine life that inhabits the waters around them is the sea turtle. When the sea turtles come in contact with weathered oil, they become infertile. Also they are attracted to the light that are situated on the rigs and that poses a risk to the hatchings for they would be drawn towards the rings where predator fish could be hiding. This is a perfect example that illustrates that off shore drilling does more harm than good to our environment. In a addition if offshore drilling is eliminated pollution would be greatly reduced, environmentalist won’t have to worry about offshore drilling affecting marine life, the marine ecosystems would be preserved and there would be less tension between government, oil companies, environmentalist and the most important the public. (matthew Donatoni)
ReplyDeleteBelize really doesn’t need more chaos.
http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/MDonatoni/ResearchPaper.htm
http://ambergrisdaily.com/belize-news/offshore-oil-drilling-in-belize-digging-deeper/
I am definitely against offshore drilling because if the great country of America had problem and even took months to fix an oil pipe that was broken. So if we agree to offshore and a pipe end up breaking how long do you thing it will take us to fix in our little country of Belize? In addition, the potential losses to our marine life and tourist industry are far too much to risk for the potential economic advantages of off sure oil drilling. In this offshore drilling exploration it can be good and bad but also costly to dig a hole to search for oil it is a good amount of money lets say couple millions and our rate of finding oil was said to be about 13% and for investors that is not good because it cost to the dig hole, that is less than 50% chance of finding anything. The fundamental problem is there is an amount of fossil fuel because oil comes from fossil fuel. The more of it we find and burn, the more carbon dioxide we let into our atmosphere, and the more serious the greenhouse effect becomes. It can not only harm human health but also it can change the out look of our surroundings in our environments and communities for years to come. Unknown, “For too long, oil companies have dictated our energy policy--and now we need to change course and begin a rapid shift to a clean energy economy”. http://www.facebook.com/dontdrill.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Powa that off sure oil drilling is not for Belize because first of all we don't have the resources for it and if ti were to break we don't have the money or skill to repair it.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Esther.B because although off sure oil drilling may bring in more revenue for the country, what we already have is too much to risk for something we aren't sure is there and can be dangerous for us.
ReplyDeleteI am totally against the thought of off-shore drilling in Belize. As a country tourism is our major industry and we rely heavily on the sea to attract and display to tourist. We have the most diverse and protected barrier reef in the world. Nothing man made is perfect hence there is no guarantee that a accident would never happen that would lead to vast amount of oil spilling and killing our delicate ecosystems in the sea, coastline and in land. Belize as a third world country would not be able to produce the resource quickly in the event of an oil spill even a develop nation as America was unable to immediately stop the oil spill. if we weigh the pro and cons of off sure drilling the cons outweigh the cons in reference to Belize. The royalties that Belize would be getting from would not be able to, in the event of an oil spill, restore the whole tourism industry that would be crippled, it would not be able restore balance back to the ecosystems that had suffered most importantly it would not be able to support the hundreds maybe even thousands of families that would be directly and indirectly affected. On June 3rd, 1979 an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico had a massive blow out and oil gush out of the well for 9 whole months till March 23rd, 1980 the oil came out at a rate 10,000- 30,000 barrels a day an there is 42 gallons to a barrel, this roughly works out to 139 million gallons of oil into the ocean (kayvan farzaneh, the biggest oil spills in history, April 30th 2010). Now ask yourself if can little Belize handle that? No we can’t. In Belize offshore drilling will be conducted within 15 miles of the coast where as in the gulf it is much further away but yet so much damage is done
ReplyDeletehttp://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/30/the_biggest_oil_spills_in_history
i am against off shore drilling because the country is a country that attracts tourism and it is our major industry. We have the most diverse and protected barrier reef in the world which is the second largest in the world. this can also cause the losing of lives.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/30/the_biggest_oil_spills_in_history
i disagree with ester because i believe that off shore drilling is dangerous and it is not worth risking what we have already for something we do not know what the outcome will be.
ReplyDeletei agree with jeremiah because he is totally right when he said that it will affect our tourist industry knowing that tourism is bring in alot of money to our country.
ReplyDeleteOffshore drilling!I stand firm on believe that I am against offshore drilling in Belize.Offshore drilling is a controversial source of resources because of the difficulties involved and potential environmental damage.According to Murmson he stated that,"2. Given the chance of oil spills, offshore drilling poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems. In a spill, the toxicity of the oil harms marine animals and their habitat. The threat of oil spills comes from drilling platforms and moving oil tankers. Any location in the path of a tanker faces potential risk. Furthermore, the movement of ocean currents can amplify the scope of such a disaster. Oil has a particularly damaging effect on coastal life as it moves with the tide. In 1989, for example, the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound damaged more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. The damage to marine wildlife populations was vast".Comparing that example to Belize,What do you think will be the outcome if any mishaps happens.We already have limited technology and resources if any mistakes should happen.Moreover,Petroleum drilling can release not only oil into the environment, but an assortment of other dangerous substances, such as heavy metals. According to Santa Clara University, "drilling fluid and drilling mud often contain cadmium, mercury, arsenic, lead, radioactive materials and other hazardous waste. If allowed to escape, this waste can have serious environmental effects."Therefore,I am strongly against offshore drilling in Belize.We are not financial nor economically prepared for offshore drilling in Belize.
ReplyDeleteReference:
Murmson,S.(2010).Bad Effects of Offshore Drilling.Retrieve from:http://www.ehow.com/list_5963077_bad-effects-offshore-drilling.html#ixzz1Fl8ipvsy.
Palmer,G.(2010)The Disadvantage of Oil Drilling.Retrieve from:http://www.ehow.com/list_7147109_disadvantages-drilling-oil.html#ixzz1FlA1ueFG.
I agree with Kishana. Many aspects of the offshore drilling process can cause environmental impacts, from locating the oil, to drilling and pumping the oil to the surface, to the infrastructure required to drill and transport it. These environmental impacts may vary in intensity depending on many factors, so this is just a summary of some of the potential impacts that are likely to occur.Offshore drilling physically disrupts the seafloor habitat and the benthic community. Between the actual footprint of the drill rig, undersea pipelines, dredging ship channels, and the cuttings and other drilling debris, there are many elements of drilling that leave a lasting impact on the ocean floor. This is important to note, especially when considering that many of the world's most sensitive ocean floor habitats are also good sources of oil and gas. For instance, the Gulf of Mexico, the arctic and the Great Barrier Reef are all extremely diverse ecosystems with significant oil and gas deposits.
ReplyDeleteSome experts claim that oil rig platforms are good habitat for fish. In fact, as part of the "rigs to reefs" program, old oil rigs are tipped over and left on the ocean floor to become artificial reefs that is bad for the animals.
NO Drilling!
ReplyDeleteI firstly advise to read about past and most recent offshore oil drilling devastations and damages that have occurred to large countries so to get a clearer understanding of the great impact it will have on a small country like Belize.
If we look at the most recent oil devastation in the Gulf of Mexico, Oceana's VP for Belize, Audrey Matura-Shepherd stated that "while we wish for our country to develop and progress we cannot do so to the detriment of our long-term survival. The recent spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana has shown us that even a rich and highly advanced country like the great USA is not equipped to handle such disaster, and thus this should teach us to proceed with much caution as one accident ten times less can wipe out our entire coastline and send Belize into an economic depression never seen before. According to Broder and Zeller, (2010) “some experts have been quick to predict apocalypse, painting grim pictures of 1,000 miles of irreplaceable wetlands and beaches at risk, fisheries damaged for seasons, fragile species wiped out and a region and an industry economically CRIPLLED for years and it will have to get much worse” this statement says it all Belizeans. Also Stated by Jacqueline Savitz, a marine scientist and climate campaign director at Oceana, an environmental group "Oil spills are extremely harmful to marine life when they occur and often for years or even decades later spills could coat sea birds and limit their flying ability and damage fisheries by injuring marine organism's systems related to respiration, vision and reproduction” What possible answer would we provide for our children when they become curious? What will our answers be knowing we had the chance to put a stop to it but we didn’t do anything.
Another issue I found to be interesting was the amount of pollution caused by the drilling process. According to The Gulf Coast Environmental Defense’s Offshore Drilling Primer states that “offshore drilling rigs produce routine pollution in the form of drilling muds and cuttings, produced waters, work over fluids, deck drainage, air emissions from the rig machinery and support vessels, as well as large amounts of trash. These drilling muds and cuttings as well as toxic chemicals and other heavy metals pose a threat to the area surrounding the rigs for as many as forty years. Such threats are affecting the quality of the marine water, harming the organisms that stay on the bottom of the ocean, and, ultimately, having negative impacts throughout the region, which includes changes in the abundance richness and diversity of the marine life from both the physical and toxic effects. If the mud were to get scattered, by a hurricane for example, the waste could ultimately last for as long as forty years. These effects have damaging consequences for our fisheries, food chain, balance of the ecosystem, health, and the enjoyment that we find in the diversity of nature” The best decision would be to eliminate offshore drilling all together, no ifs, ands, or buts. By completing eliminating them, the marine ecosystems would be preserved. Most marine lives will be saved, all aspects of nature would be preserved (food chain would not be disrupted), and there would be less tension between the federal government, oil companies, environmentalists and the public. Most importantly, we would be respecting nature, which is what God wants us to do.
This is our country, it is our sea and land, so we have every right to take part in protecting it! Do not think twice whether “Drill or Not to drill” It should simply be NO!!!
Reference:
Bright, T. J. & Thompson, J. H. (21 Jan. 1980) Research Product. Retrieved from <http://www.epa.gov/ged/publica/c1410.htm
Offshore Drilling (1999). Gulf Coast Environmental Defense. Retrieved from http://www.southerncitizen.org
Shepherd, M. S. (May 11, 2010)Offshore oil exploration is a definite No for Belize. Retrieved from http://na.oceana.org
no drilling!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chubby. indeed it is very important for us to look at the damages that has been done to other countries and compare it to the damages that it can do to our Belize.
according to Effects of Oil & Drilling on the Environment on ehow.com, oil drilling has diverse and widespread effects on the environment. It can destroy habitats, disrupt animal migrations and force people to give up their traditional way of life.Drilling comes with a high chance of an oil spill. An oil spill has such widespread effects throughout an ecosystem that it is impossible for humans to remedy, although we can attempt to clean up the environment to some extent. Thousands of gallons spill each year, though these oil spills aren't always publicized widely.
The government should really consider when deciding to do oil drilling because if oils spills it will affect us greatly..We probably won't even have a barrier reef anymore.
Our little country belize has been suffering for many years, we cant allow these wealthy people to come in an rob the little riches that we have and at the same time damage our beautiful sea. i am totally agaist offshore drilling in my country belize.
ReplyDeleteOffshore drilling may have worked for Mexico & the US, but compare the size of these countries to tiny Belize. If an oil spill happens in our sea, whether it is to the North or to the South, we will all be affected.Whatever is spilled will be washed up all on our shores!
The Belize Barrier reef was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. oill drilling will definetly destroy our waters and causes harm to our animal an even our barrier reef.To go into it even furthers tourism is currently the most important sources of income in belize. I am not a seafood person but iam a employee at an hotel in belize, and majorty of the food that we prepare is seafood i could only imagine how it will affect our business since many tourist come to our homeland to enjoy our seafood. I totally agree that offshore drilling should be band from belize.
Jorgenses A.(2011)the effects of offshore drilling.Retrived from htt://www.ehow.com effects of offshore drilling.
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