In 1989 the world watched in horror as the Exxon Valdez disaster dumped thousands of gallons of oil into the Alaskan seas.

Over 20 years later, the Deep Horizon disaster has now overshadowed the Exxon Valdez disaster. Although the immediate impact is all too clear, it is the long term impact, which will be played out for years, as the crude oil contaminates the marine nurseries, wetlands and marshes surrounding the Gulf Coast. From tiny benthic creatures such as oysters that live near the coast line, to the pelagic animals such as turtles and sperm whales that breed in the Gulf, this disaster will not be resolved quickly. Recent research in Alaska identified crude oil is still very much present following the Exxon Valdez disaster.

Since technological development hit the masses in the 1970s, oil production and usage has doubled from 46.81 million barrels per day in 1970 to 85.9 million barrels per day in 2007.

In 2007, the number one consumer of crude oil in the world was the United States, with 20,680,000 barrels per day. This amounts to around 0.07 barrels per person per day. At the time, China was third, consuming 7,578,000 barrels per day, but because of the country’s massive population, that amounted to only around 0.01 barrels per person. Britain was in 14th position on the list with 1,763,000 barrels and 0.03 barrels per person per day. Cayman was way back in 183rd position with 2,767 barrels per day, or around 0.05 barrels per person per day.

It would be easy to sit back and point fingers at America or China, as the largest consumers of oil. However, if you look at the barrels per person, per day, the Cayman is also playing its part in consuming oil. Surely, to ensure we leave a future which is sustainable, it is time to reduce our reliance on oil? Or are we going to wait for an oil disaster a little closer to home to make us consider our long-term future?

Ways we can make a difference:

Solar
Solar systems are an obvious solution for the Caribbean.  We have beautiful strong sunlight nearly every day.

Use fewer oil based products
Cayman has made a forward step in reducing the use of plastic bags and encouraging the use of sustainable reusable bags. Although the campaign mainly looks at reducing pollution, any reduction in the use of plastics is a good one. Avoid buying excessive plastic, particularly packaging, where possible.

At the pump
Car -share on the way to work or on school runs. Considering the gas consumption of your car and making long-term choices based on this can help reduce your reliance on gas.

In your home
Increase your AC temp for over eight hours a day and you will see a huge drop in your bill. Make sure your home is properly insulated as this keeps the heat outside where it belongs.   WH