Does The Earth Need The Oil We Use?

This may sounds like a stupid question to ask, but does our earth need the oil we are using?

Ever since the crisis started with the oil leak I have been asking myself this question. Oil is a natural substance of the the earth and we are taking it for our own personal uses.  If it is coming out of the earth, are we destroying our earth by taking the oil?

There has got to be a reason the earth has oil and it is not for our own personal use.

Another question to add to this is who gives BP and any other company for that matter the right to drill for oil. Do they buy a piece of the ocean and start drilling or is it the government giving them rights to drill for oil? These are just a few questions that have bugged me and question whether or not we are destroying the earth by taking the oil.

If you have anything to add or can help shed some light on my questions please do so.

Lonnie