In response to the “Keystone Pipeline logical undertaking” editorial on Feb. 20, 2013 : There should never be a time when we put the environment on the line because of our own selfish needs. There are other alternatives to using fossil fuels, we just need to accept that fact and start making strides toward a cleaner environment.
Just because something seems difficult to do, such as “switch away from oil and other fossil fuels,” doesn’t mean we should just ignore the problem and not try. MSU is now facing that dilemma with their fossil fuel use. They’ve realized how problematic it has become for them, the environment and the community. They are hoping to transition to 100 percent clean energy, but they are lacking the support needed in order to make a stronger plan.
Alternative energies are practical; other countries have begun to take initiative and make the switch. Scotland has set a goal to get the entire country to 100 percent renewable energy by 2020. They have set the standard for the world now. The United States should become a leader in this sector, not follow the rest on something that is so obvious.
The idea of using the pipeline “which is acknowledged to be one of the most harmful types of oil to the environment” is the most extreme and regressive way possible of obtaining our energy. There is no reason to pollute the air more, corrupt people’s supply of drinking water and destroy the habitats of the surrounding areas in order to get our means of energy.
One of the benefits of alternative energies is they also can bring jobs; people need to start realizing that. These jobs would be permanent, it won’t be just a bandage on the economy, because energy will always be needed in a clean way.
More than 3 million people in the world work in the renewable energy sector. It is estimated that by 2030, up to 20.4 million people could be employed in biofuels, solar and wind energy.
So it’s possible to improve the economy and the environment. It’s a win-win for everyone. If we feed the people their need for oil, they’ll consume it in no time, and prices will still be rising. Now is the time to get out of this trap of relying so much on fossil fuels.
Oil and fossil fuels eventually will diminish, but we need to not procrastinate and create a better future for our children and our children’s children.
Taos Boudjemai, marketing junior
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