The destructive nature of energy A look at the past present and future

As humanity progresses and populations grow, more and more energy is needed to fuel this rapid expansion. Mining, drilling, and other oil and coal extraction methods can leave long term destructive effects on the environment. Because of this humanity will always look for alternative energy forms like nuclear. However even these forms of energy extraction can be dangerous. The Unchecked extraction of energy from humans can lead to catastrophic consequences for the surrounding environment as seen from destructive events that have happened, are happening, and could possibly happen.

THE CHERNOBYL DISASTER

The Chernobyl disaster is in reference to the catastrophe that occurred on the 26th of April 1986 which caused the area around the Pripyat nuclear power plant to become uninhabitable by humans, and caused a massive spread of radioactive isotopes across eastern Europe. After a stress test went horribly wrong, and reactor No. 4 went into meltdown, a hole was formed in the roof of the plant spouting toxic plumes into the atmosphere, blanketing the surrounding areas.

Today, the area of Pripyat is uninhabitable by humans, and only now is starting to be reclaimed by animals. Up to 14 percent of the area of nearby countries are covered with enough radiation to cause serious issues for people as well. The entire site of Chernobyl is surrounded by a fence standing as a physical and significant reminder of the possible dangers of energy harvest.

The Alberta Tar Sands

No this isn't the next scene in Mad Max, this is what the Athabasca oil sands in Alberta Canada look like today. Once a lush and green area this stretch of land has been destroyed for it's resources.

This is an example of the many environments across the globe that the hunger for energy has destroyed. This insatiable lust has destroyed the homes of animals and even poisoned the water for nearby humans

Fracking

The newest and supposedly best way to extract energy today is fracking, and while the long term effects are still relatively unknown speculations and short term effects are making it more and more clear that they'll be drastic

Fracking works by pumping millions of gallons of chemical filled water into the earth to release the natural gas trapped within. These chemicals have not been released to the public and are leading to widespread respiratory issues.

Fracking is the fastest growing energy extraction method in the world, and if it continues to grow unchecked, we could see repetition from the past.

Credits:

Created with images by rapidtravelchai - "Chernobyl 20" • benadlard - "Chernobyl" • 1681551 - "monument chernobyl ukraine" • benadlard - "Chernobyl" • thekirbster - "tar_sands_alberta" • SFU - University Communications - "Fracking"

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