We all know the feeling of dread at the gas pump as prices steadily climb. But what if I told you the price displayed is only a fraction of the true cost we pay for our reliance on oil?
Based on recent research data, I've calculated the true price of gasoline in America to be a staggering $11.89 per gallon which includes the costs of climate change pollution damages, healthcare chronic illnesses caused by toxic oil fossil fuel and oil petroleum based plastics PFAS forever toxicons. But Americans are still paying these costs in the hidden expense of higher healthcare costs and tax burdens due to the additional resources necessary.
Breaking Down the Real Cost
This figure isn't pulled out of thin air. It accounts for the hidden costs that don't show up on the gas station sign:
The Obvious:Â Â Let's start with the average gas price in the US, which was around $3.20 per gallon in October 2024, according to AAA.
The Climate Catastrophe:Â Â This October alone, Hurricanes Helene $250B and Milton $60B ravaged the US, causing an estimated $310 billion total in damages. Spread across annual US gasoline consumption (around 130 billion gallons), that adds $2.38 to every gallon we pump.
The Healthcare Burden:Â Fossil fuel pollution doesn't just wreak havoc on our climate; it poisons our air, water, and soil. This leads to chronic illnesses that cost Americans an estimated $820 billion annually in healthcare expenses. That translates to an extra $6.31 per gallon of gas.
The True Cost Equation:
$3.20 (gasoline) + $2.38 (hurricane damage) + $6.31 (healthcare) = $11.89 per gallon
Oil Based Petroleum Plastics
I would also add into toxic pollution damages equation oil petroleum based plastics which are seeping into water, food sources like fish and game, oceans, PFAS particles found in human and animal blood streams now a primary contributor to healthcare chronic illnesses. For example, many people drink plastic bottled water which is high in PFAS particles absorbed into the blood stream wreaking havoc to body organs. At least 45% of the nation's tap water could be contaminated with at least one form of PFAS known as "forever chemicals, oil petroleum based plastics" according to a newly released study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
In March 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the first federal drinking water limits on six forms of PFAS, which it estimates could reduce PFAS exposure for nearly 100 million Americans. But the important healthcare measure has not passed yet due to the lack of Bipartisan leadership in Washington D.C.
Research shows PFAS exposure cause:
Thyroid disease and dysfunction
High cholesterol
Breast cancer
Reduced response to vaccines
Liver damage
Kidney and Stomach cancer
Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
Decreased infant and fetal growth
Ulcerative colitis
Testicular cancer
The Urgent Need for Change
This shocking figure highlights the urgent need to break free from our oil dependency. We are all paying the price – literally – for the environmental and health consequences of fossil fuels like oil.
Watch Video U.S. Hurricane Helene Estimated $250B Damages 250 Deceased ...
Note source hurricane Helene damages alone cost estimates in October 2024 - Review NOAA
The Hydrogen Solution
Fortunately, viable alternatives exist. Blue and green hydrogen energy are already cost-competitive, with the potential to reduce pollution by 80-100%. Green hydrogen currently costs between $3.7 and $5.6 per kg at the pump, and that's projected to drop to $2 per kg by 2028. Imagine a future where "filling up your tank" not only costs less but also contributes to a cleaner, healthier planet that reduces hidden cost burdens. Review Hydrogen Cost Analysis ...
The Time to Act is Now
Climate change is a global crisis unfolding before our eyes. The recent devastating floods in Spain, which displaced thousands and left a trail of destruction, are a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction. Watch Video Spain Historic Flooding ...
We should urgently embrace a diverse portfolio of clean energy solutions, including hydrogen, solar, geothermal, biofuels, nuclear, and fusion. These technologies offer a sustainable path forward, unlike lithium-based batteries, which face limitations in resource availability and geopolitical concerns due to reliance on rare earth metals from China and Russia.
Investing in a robust hydrogen infrastructure may seem expensive, with an estimated cost of $150 billion. But compare that to the hundreds of billions spent on hurricane recovery and the trillions lost to healthcare costs each year. The math is clear: a clean energy future is not only possible, it's economically sound.
We have a limited window of opportunity to act before we reach irreversible tipping points. Let's choose a future powered by clean energy, where the true cost of filling up reflects a healthier planet and a brighter tomorrow. Watch Video Earth's Tipping Point - PhD, Johan Rockström
Even oil rich Saudi Arabia is getting on-board with clean energy innovations like green hydrogen. NEOM, a futuristic megacity under construction in Saudi Arabia, is making significant strides in green hydrogen production. The NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC) is building the world's largest green hydrogen plant, powered entirely by renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This ambitious project, located in Oxagon, aims to produce 600 tonnes of carbon-free hydrogen daily, primarily for export as green ammonia. With a projected annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of green ammonia, NEOM is poised to become a major player in the global hydrogen market. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its efforts to diversify its energy portfolio while contributing to global decarbonization efforts. Watch Video Details of Neom in Saudi Arabia ...
Conclusion
Transitioning away from fossil fuels offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond just mitigating climate change. It promises cleaner air and water, leading to improved public health and reduced healthcare costs associated with respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers linked to pollution. Furthermore, it fosters energy independence and geopolitical security by diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on volatile global oil markets. This shift also stimulates innovation and economic growth by creating jobs in the renewable energy sector and fostering the development of new technologies. Ultimately, moving away from fossil fuels creates a more sustainable and resilient future for both our planet and its inhabitants.
About Author
J Dean - Director, ABV ... J Dean brings over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries worldwide. He is considered by many to be a leading research expert in the energy sector, healthcare, market sector analysis, eCommerce and AI technology. Mr. Dean has been a frequent Evangelist at conferences worldwide. He is a graduate of Boston University. J Dean enjoys collecting antiques, history, travel and fitness. Email Us​
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