IELTS Essay: Prioritizing Healthcare

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

There is ongoing debate about whether or not nations should drill for oil in remote locations. While some argue that it is necessary to meet our ever-increasing energy demands, I would side with those who contend that the potential environmental damage to local communities outweighs any economic benefits.

On the one hand, drilling for oil in remote locations can facilitate energy production. For example, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska is estimated to contain up to 12 billion barrels of oil, which could help to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. Other nations have similar reserves that can meet pressing demands for the average person. The drilling operations in these remote locations will simultaneously create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding area. As economic conditions improve, energy needs will concomitantly rise and increased drilling can potentially create a cycle that benefits both locals and a given country at large.

On the other hand, drilling for oil in remote locations has significant environmental consequences. The process of extracting oil can lead to the release of greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. For instance, the Canadian oil sands, which are located in unpopulated areas of Alberta, are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Relatedly, drilling can have negative effects on the health and wellbeing of nearby communities, particularly indigenous populations. In the above-mentioned example, some of the oil has been extracted through the controversial practice of fracking which contaminates local water supplies where native population rates are high.

In conclusion, while drilling for oil in remote locations may provide temporary economic benefits, the long-term costs to the environment and local communities are too significant. Instead, governments should prioritize the development of sustainable energy sources that will help to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all.