The Environmental Impact of Oil
The environmental impact of petroleum is often negative because it is toxic to almost all forms of life. The possibility of climate change exists. Petroleum, commonly referred to as oil, is closely linked to virtually all aspects of present society, especially for transportation and heating for both homes and for commercial activities. Transforming crude oil into petrochemicals releases toxins into the atmosphere that are dangerous for human and ecosystem health, which creates air pollution, and can cause cancer.
One strategy to help governments increase or decrease the reliance on Oil
the United States could reduce consumption by both ending heating oil use and changing the mix of transportation options, such as "shifting to hybrid and plug-in-hybrid vehicles."