Whale Oil: Tech Progress Isn't Always a Savior

A common narrative claims kerosene replaced whale oil for lighting, saving whales. This article challenges that. While kerosene reduced demand for whale oil in lighting, 20th-century whaling intensified dramatically, decimating whale populations. Whale oil found extensive use in lubricants and other applications, and advanced whaling technology exacerbated the problem. Only government-enforced whaling bans and the development of synthetic alternatives truly saved the whales. This story highlights that technological progress isn't always a panacea, and government intervention is crucial in environmental protection.