by Sarah Michele Ford
Photo by IBRRC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibrrc/4670207222
Within the context of the BP oil spill, we can also begin to look at environmental sociology. The question that environmental sociologists will as in reference to this event is, of course, how has the human activity of drilling impacted the environment of the Gulf Coast. With this environmental catastrophe now well into its second month, it is affecting not just the waters and animals of the Gulf but the coastline as well.
Taking a step back, we can look at the larger sociological questions that the Gulf spill has brought to light. When it comes down to it, society created the demand for oil that led to exploration and what turned out to be risky drilling activities. How did we get to this point? What social factors pushed us to the point that it became profitable for BP to extract oil from a mile below the ocean?
As much as sociology can help us understand how we got to the point of this disaster, it can also point the way forward. Environmental sociology can help us understand what social changes will be necessary to reduce society’s impact on the environment.
What social changes do you think are necessary to preserve our environment? Can those changes be made?
The Social Lens 