Why ending our dependence on fossil fuels is so challenging

By Rachel Ramirez, CNN

Updated 7:00 PM ET, Mon October 4, 2021

Oil-stained sand is seen in Newport Beach, California, on Wednesday, October 6.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Oil-stained sand is seen in Newport Beach, California, on Wednesday, October 6.
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A surfer leaves the water as workers continue cleanup efforts in Huntington Beach, California, on Monday, October 11. Huntington Beach had just reopened its shoreline.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
A surfer leaves the water as workers continue cleanup efforts in Huntington Beach, California, on Monday, October 11. Huntington Beach had just reopened its shoreline.
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Workers walk by dead marine life in Newport Beach on October 6.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Workers walk by dead marine life in Newport Beach on October 6.
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Workers clean a contaminated area of Newport Beach on October 6.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Workers clean a contaminated area of Newport Beach on October 6.
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A staff member of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife examines a sanderling that was affected by the oil in Huntington Beach.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
A staff member of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife examines a sanderling that was affected by the oil in Huntington Beach.
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Members of a Coast Guard flight crew look out over the Orange County coastline as they search for oil in the water on Tuesday, October 5.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Members of a Coast Guard flight crew look out over the Orange County coastline as they search for oil in the water on Tuesday, October 5.
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Workers clean up debris in Huntington Beach on October 5.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Workers clean up debris in Huntington Beach on October 5.
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Environmental cleanup crews work in Huntington Beach on October 5.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Environmental cleanup crews work in Huntington Beach on October 5.
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A boom is used to contain the oil spill in Talbert Marsh in Huntington Beach.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
A boom is used to contain the oil spill in Talbert Marsh in Huntington Beach.
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Workers with Patriot Environmental Services clean up some of the oil that flowed into the Talbert Marsh.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Workers with Patriot Environmental Services clean up some of the oil that flowed into the Talbert Marsh.
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Beachgoers walk along the coast of Huntington Beach on October 4.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Beachgoers walk along the coast of Huntington Beach on October 4.
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A member of a cleanup crew rakes up some of the oil that washed ashore on Huntington Beach.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
A member of a cleanup crew rakes up some of the oil that washed ashore on Huntington Beach.
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Boats are seen off the coast of Huntington Beach on October 4.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Boats are seen off the coast of Huntington Beach on October 4.
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A fish is found dead in Huntington Beach.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
A fish is found dead in Huntington Beach.
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This aerial photo, taken on October 4, shows environmental response crews cleaning up oil that flowed near the Talbert Marsh in Huntington Beach.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
This aerial photo, taken on October 4, shows environmental response crews cleaning up oil that flowed near the Talbert Marsh in Huntington Beach.
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A beachgoer sits in front of a warning sign in Huntington Beach on October 4.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
A beachgoer sits in front of a warning sign in Huntington Beach on October 4.
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Oil residue mixed with sand covers part of the Bolsa Chica State Beach on October 4.
Photos: Oil spill in Southern California
Oil residue mixed with sand covers part of the Bolsa Chica State Beach on October 4.
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