Problems of Oil and Ethanol
Compared to fossil fuel, it is said bio-ethanol is a positive innovation; however, both fossil fuel and bio-ethanol contribute to economic, environmental, and physical problems. First, coal, oil, and natural gas are the most commonly used fossil fuels. Today, in the world the price of oil is increasing. For example, in Japan the price of oil is about 130 yen today. Not only oil, but also the price of airplane tickets has increased because of the cost of oil. Bio-ethanol is ethanol is made from fermented and distilled corn and sugar corn. Since President Bush stated that consumption of oil will decrease 20% by 2017, and bio-ethanol would be used as an alternative fuel, farmers in Middle and South America have switched from orange and grape crops to corn and sugar corn crops. Because of this change, the price of oranges in Japan, pears in Europe, and potatoes in Mexico has jumped. In Mexico, people demonstrated against the jump in prices. Second, both oil and bio-ethanol contribute to environmental problems. As you know, oil emits carbon dioxide in the consumption process. A lot of carbon dioxide harms the ozone layer, which leads to global warming. Also, oil is a finite resource. It is said that there is only enough oil remaining for forty-two years. Unlike oil, bio-ethanol lowers the discharge of carbon dioxide as well as other greenhouse gases. However, in the process of production, bio-ethanol needs to burn much fuel. The materials of bio-ethanol, such as corn and sugar corn, might need fertilizer and insecticide which cause soil contamination and air pollution. It may also be necessary to cut down tropical forests for the expansion of farmland. Third, both oil and bio-ethanol have a bad influence on our bodies. An excess of carbon dioxide causes dizziness and headaches, which means a decline of thinking power. Bio-ethanol decreases carbon dioxide. That is a good point; however, it increases carcinogenic substances compared to oil. Also, it is said that photochemical smog will becomes worse, and deaths caused by asthma will increase. Therefore, both oil and bio-ethanol have economic, environmental, and physical problems. We cannot say which is good, which is bad. I think it is important to take the best measures to supply food, sustain the environment, and keep our condition.
