A visual reminder on the absurdity of deep sea oil drilling

1. It is not absurd at all, technology progresses. It was once believed it was absurd for a plane to break the sound barrier as the forces destroyed the plane and killing the pilot. However new technology and materials enabled a pilot named Chuck Yeager flying the X1 to surpass this barrier.
   No different than deep sea drilling, new techniques and technology plus the lessons learnt from the Gulf of Mexico reduce the dangers associated with drilling at those depths. Are there still dangers? Yes, absolutely but these can be mnimised and we should never let these dangers deter us from the opportunities if properly managed that would come about from this industry.

   • Being technologically able to drill at that depth is not in question. The problem is that accidents are always possible and New Zealand does NOT have the capability to deal with a large spill. The cost of which would far outweigh any tiny gains we might get from royalties. Why take such a stupid risk for such little reward?

     • That same argument could be applied to any ocean oil production in NZ.

   • Stephen,
     The books I have read about the Gulf of Mexico spill suggest BP’s interest in price cutting was one of the main reasons for the disaster, all the technology in the world can’t prevent human greed, stupidity or incompetence.
     Gosman,
     I don’t understand your point; are you seriously suggesting that because Warren says “New Zealand does NOT have the capability to deal with a large spill” we shouldn’t worry about drilling in even deeper waters?

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