Oil spills foul beaches and shallow water plants that many animals eat. Companies reduce accidents by carefully planning their oil operations and training their employees. Some companies build tankers with double hulls to make them stronger in case of accident. Burning oil also causes environmental impacts Burning oil releases sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide into the air. The first two combine with water vapour to create acids, which fall to the Earth in rain and snow.
Acid precipitation harms forests, soil, and lakes.
Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming. Not all the gasoline in vehicle engines gets burned. Some fumes escape unburned. They react with nitrogen and sunlight to cause smog. Oil is politically important Because oil is so valuable as a vehicle fuel, it is an important natural resource.