4. Global Warning
The energy Shinra Electric Power (actually a weapons manufacturer) wields is a liquid energy source, drawn from inside the earth. When burned it fuels cars, powers homes... and endangers the planet. A cross between oil with the added dangers of nuclear waste, most of the game's people are not unfamiliar with the risks accompanying "mako" energy. Vegetation and wildlife die in equal measure around reactors. But it's the people's bread and butter. "Thanks to Mako energy, life's pretty darn convenient. Thanks to Shinra. Don't you think?" One die hard asks, "...How would we get by without ?" Another villager asks of a rumor that Shinra has built a monster, no matter your response she replies "... either way, as long as we're using the reactor, we can't stand up to Shinra." In the blink of an eye they've become dependent on an energy source they were previously unaware of, and despite ever present toxic warning signs, like a good (and very very bad) drug, they just can't kick the habit. No matter how bad it gets. They go on. Burning through resources to the end of the line, and when the final drop is drawn, it's said, the world will fall to ruin. An apt metaphor if ever their was one. Cars, planes, rockets and the gas that fuels them, all came to us seemingly in the blink of an eye too. We too burned our way toward quickly dwindling resources with little regard for the environment. The result we're often told will eventually be climates to harsh for most of us to live in. But if you're reading this right now you know... We just can't seem to let it go. With data collected and wars begun, we look at our convenient, temporary lives and ask "Is it really wrong if things are more convenient for me right now?" Not always realizing that there are people suffering - that will suffer if nothing is done.