In the first place, the projected reserves are on the order of a century (some think 3 centuries), not five years. In the second place, not only does modern drilling pose nearly zero risk, but the structures provide habitat for a wide variety of sea life. In the third place, the development of alternatives (1) has an uncertain "finish line" (2) requires a vibrant economy as a foundation and (3) needs a safe place to proceed; we need a robust, reliable, secure energy base to create the future's robust, reliable energy base.We're going to run out of oil sooner or later anyway. So we buy 5 years by drilling in environmentally sensititive areas and risk destroying what few pristine areas we have left. Why not develop alternatives now, rather than waiting until after we destroy the reefs?
In other words, we need to drill now so we can forego drilling in the future.
There won't be any "alternative development" in a dhimma.
Rick