THE EFFECTS OF OIL SPILLS

[Hakan07]

As far as the social problems which are widely prevalent in modern societies are concerned, oil spills indisputably stand out as the most widespread one. Even though most governments take measures to rout out oil spills, they are usually disappointed. In trying to understand and explain the cause of such problems, it is necessary to analyze the effects. Damage to sea animals and feather of birds, to poison animals and interrupt to animal breeding are the major effects of oil spills.

Damage to sea animals and feathers of birds can be considering as the most calamitous effect of oil spills. That is to say, spilled oil may endanger sea animals due to the fact that spilled oil spreads fast by winds and currents. For example, many years ago, thousands of dead fish were found throughout Marmara Sea because of spilled oil and nobody could prevent this terrible event. Moreover, many bird species may unable to fly by virtue of spilled oil which cover birds' feathers with oil slick. Therefore, these bird species can suffer from drowning or starvation.

Poisoning is also of importance as an effect of oil spills.It can be said that, animals trying to clean themselves or eating marine animals may be poisoned by spilled oil which have severe effects on animals' immune systems. According to the scientists, many animal species may become endangered because of poisoning infecting from spilled oil. Consequently, poisoning stemming from spilled oil influences animals fatally.

As for interruption to animal breeding, it can certainly be asserted that this impact tremendously resuts from oil spills. Spilled oil could deforme many animals eaten by other animals; thus, other ones cannot breed sufficiently. That is to say, lack of foods can interrupt breeding cycles which has an important role on ecology. For instance, oil spreading the ocean killed the organisms which fish feed on and the number of fish reduces fast. Therefore, such event affect animals to breed inadequately. As can be clearly seen, interruption to animal breeding is directly proportional with oil spills.

When all is considered, it is an obvious fact that harming to sea animals and feathers of birds, poisoning and destruction of animal breeding may have their origins in oil spills. The point to be emphasized is that people should know that unless they understand these effects, they will inevitably be faced with a great deal of problems.

TOEFL listening lectures: Why does the professor mention Cygnus X-1?

[Kitosdad]