Crude Oil's Ubiquity

Unraveling Its Impact and Exploring Sustainable Alternatives

Hi Helixers,

In this issue of the Helix, we’ll be discussing ‘The Multifaceted Impact of Crude Oil’ in our lives and what we can do about it. This article is the culmination of deep research and analysis of alternatives and how they can be financed. As a result, this post is for paid subscribers only. If you are a free subscriber, you are provided with two options - upgrade your subscription if you’d like to leverage the financial opportunity or listen to our conversation on Spotify if you are just starting out in transition finance.

Crude oil, a complex and versatile substance, is the lifeblood of numerous industries. It’s refined into various products, with about half of the world’s crude oil being converted into petrol and diesel for transportation. Diesel also plays a crucial role in the shipping industry.

However, the remaining half of crude oil is used to produce substances that have significant environmental impacts. For instance, approximately 10% of global oil production goes towards creating aviation fuel, a highly polluting substance. Another byproduct is heavy fuel oil, used in ships and known for its detrimental effects on marine life in the event of a spill.

Beyond this, crude oil is the source of numerous other products. Lubricants are used in various industrial processes and transportation applications. Petrochemicals, derived from crude oil, are used in the production of plastics, solvents, packaging materials, and even in the pharmaceutical and agriculture industries, where they form the basis for many medicines and fertilizers.

The Everyday Impact of Crude Oil

Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

The omnipresence of crude oil in our daily lives is undeniable. From the pills we take to the clothes we wear, and even the cleaning products we use, all have their roots in the oil industry. This intimate relationship with oil raises questions about its impact on our health.

There are numerous health issues associated with the use of petrochemical products. Cleaning products, for instance, contain volatile organic compounds (voc’s) known to irritate the airways, causing problems for individuals with conditions like hay fever or asthma. The synthetic materials in our clothing can cause skin issues, such as eczema, due to their inability to regulate body temperature effectively.

When it comes to medication, we often have no choice but to consume products containing petrochemicals. The impact of these substances on our health is a vast topic that would require expert input to fully understand.

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