The US dependency on foreign oil and other fossil fuels has been a controversial subject over the years, as well as in the last presidential campaign. Various scientists and public figures have advocated for both more off-shore drilling and the development of alternate energy sources and biofuels. And while the latter is most appealing, to both environmentalists and the environment itself, in that it tackles climate change, it is also the most wasteful option available, due to a factor we took for granted since forever – water.
 

Producing biofuels consumes about 20 times more water than manufacturing gas, simple calculations show. Nuclear plants consume vast amounts of water as well, for cooling purposes. So, while we can't always rely on fossil fuels, they now seem to be the best option, as far as water consumption goes. On the other hand, we can't exactly continue to heat the planet and pollute the air and the oceans with any more carbon dioxide either.
 

So it would appear we are stuck between a hammer and a hard place, so to speak. Those who support more drilling should keep in mind that, apart from the money, there is no gain in this solution; it's only postponing the inevitable. But, while limited coal and oil deposits are being exploited, considerable damage is done to the environment and to various animal and plant species worldwide.
 

On an individual level, switching to electric hybrids may provide the planet with a breath of air, literally, but then the strain placed on the electrical grid will cause even more fossil fuel-powered electrical plants to come on-line. And if they can't cope with the demands, then new nuclear power plants will be built, which will consume even more water. And water supplies are short these days, due to pollution.
 

Among the first signs of climate change were acid rains. These rains, pouring down on the ground all the chemicals they collected from the atmosphere, caused drastic changes in the pH of the soil, killing vegetation and depriving animals of their natural habitats. These rains ensured that portions of forests and fields could not be cultivated for years to come.

 
And, while these rains were caused by pollution, they also take away our water supply. No matter means little room for maneuver, as far as selecting new power sources go. And that means even more pollution, which further fuels this vicious circle. So, the question is whether we want to trade our dependency on foreign oil for our own water shortage or not.