Fossil fuel infrastructure deteriorates from "summary" of The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
As time passes without human intervention, the structures that support our reliance on fossil fuels begin to crumble. The pipes that carry oil and gas through vast networks across continents are no longer maintained, leading to leaks and ruptures that go unnoticed and unrepaired. Without constant monitoring and upkeep, these infrastructures succumb to the forces of nature, gradually breaking down and eventually becoming unusable. The refineries that process crude oil into various petroleum products fall into disrepair, their metal structures rusting and corroding in the absence of maintenance. Tanks and storage facilities that hold vast quantities of oil and gas begin to leak, contaminating the surrounding environment and posing a threat to any remaining wildlife. The transportation systems that move fossil fuels from extraction sites to processing plants and distribution centers slowly deteriorate, with bridges collapsing, roads breaking apart, and rail lines becoming overgrown with vegetation. Without regular maintenance and repair, these once vital arteries of the fossil fuel industry become impassable and obsolete. As the infrastructure supporting our reliance on fossil fuels crumbles away, the impact is felt far and wide. Power plants that once generated electricity from coal or natural gas stand idle, their turbines silent and their cooling towers crumbling. The energy grid that delivered power to homes and businesses becomes unreliable, leading to blackouts and shortages that disrupt daily life. In a world without us, the decay of fossil fuel infrastructure serves as a stark reminder of the temporary nature of our reliance on these finite resources. As these structures deteriorate and eventually disappear, nature begins to reclaim the land that was once dominated by the fossil fuel industry, ushering in a new era where renewable energy sources and sustainable practices take center stage.
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