The Environmental Impacts Of Fossil Fuels - 1417 Words

In recent decades, energy needs have seen unprecedented growth. Everyone is using more electricity. Currently, around 80% of the worlds’ energy consumption is supplied by fossil fuels, which include petroleum, coal, and natural gas (â€Å"Our Energy Use in Numbers†). Generally, these resources are cheap and readily available. They are arguably one of the most stable sources of energy and release high amounts of heat upon combustion, thus giving them a high calorific value (â€Å"Fossil Fuels - IER†). Unfortunately, the environmental impacts using fossil fuels are overwhelmingly negative. For example, the 900 million tons of coal burned in the US every year release nearly a trillion tons of carbon dioxide and five million tons of various nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, leading to widespread temperature increases and acid rain (â€Å"Fossil Fuels†). Often times, extraction of these resources can destroy entire ecosystems, poisoning water supplies and le aving areas uninhabitable from landscape destruction. Oil spills can leak millions of gallons of oil, devastating aquatic life for generations to come. Furthermore, this model of energy production is not at all sustainable since fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources — most researchers estimate that by the end of the 21st century, known crude oil reserves will be completely depleted, with natural gas and coal deposits following shortly thereafter (â€Å"The End of Fossil Fuels†). This will invariably lead to rising fuel and electricityShow MoreRelatedEssay on Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuels518 Words   |  3 PagesEnvironmental Impact of Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels cause pollution, smog, and the greenhouse effect. Fossil fuels really do negatively impact our environment, especially when it comes to global warming, Although there is controversy over whether or not fossil fuels are causing the planet to warm, or whether it is warming naturally, there is significant research that supports the former hypothesis. When fossil fuels are burned, they emit different levels of carbonRead More Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use Essay606 Words   |  3 PagesEnvironmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use One of the main issues involved with fossil fuels are the environmental impacts that occur from their use. These problems; such as acid rain, oil spills, climate change, global warming, etc., are not only occurring with fossil fuel usage, but are also increasing due to the increase in the use of fossil fuels. This essay will vaguely explain the area of environmental impacts from fossil fuel use, and will attempt to change, or further increase your understandingRead MoreEssay about Energy and the Environment: Fossil Fuels511 Words   |  3 Pagesthe Environment: Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels are one of the most important things on this planet to the human race. Without fossil fuels we wouldnt have todays current means of transportation, we would have less heating for the general population, energy uses would be more expensive, and overall the economy and the world would not be able to sustain themselves. Even still, the fact that fossil fuels are on this planet will never change, but how we use them and what impacts their use has willRead MoreThe Sources Of Fossil Fuels1429 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper will discuss the three main fossil fuels which are oil, coal, and natural gas. This research shows how the fossil fuels are formed, where they could be found, and explain how they were formed over millions of years. This paper will show the numerous advantages of fossil fuels compared to the disadvantages and how they are hurting the Earth. Fossils fuels are critical to the function of everyday life. The world would be a different if fossil fuels and thei r uses were not to of use. Read MoreFossil Fuels And Renewable Energy Essay1121 Words   |  5 Pagesdebate are at fossil fuels and renewable energy. Energy efficiency is arguably the most dire concern facing the planet, because it significantly impacts all areas of everyday life. Common ground can be found in this controversy because both parties do agree that humans have a responsibility to future generations. That responsibility is to preserve the resources of the Earth, while offering this generation energy that is affordable and accessible. Many people contend that fossil fuels, while beingRead MoreFossil Fuels : The Source Of Energy1709 Words   |  7 Pagessociety fossil fuels are the primary source of energy for most of the industrialized world. Utilizing fossil fuels has been vital to the industrialization development. Throughout industrialization of many parts of the world, energy has been needed at a much higher density then before and fossil fuels have fulfilled that need. Coal, gas, and oil are the three major sources of fossil fuels in the world. Despite other means of energy, such as wind power, hydroelectric power and so on, fossil fuels are stillRead MoreAnalysis Of Renewables Or Bust And Its Effects On Our Health And Environment?1503 Words   |  7 Pageswhat are the impacts on our health and environment?† (Fischetti). The average amount of energy consumed per person has dramatically increased over the past several hundred years (Christensen, 482). The prevalence of fossil fuel use in our world is a primary cause of these hazy conditions as well as increased pollutants in the environment which has leads to increased illnesses in humans (Fischetti). The prevalent usage of these types of fuels are the leading cause of many environmental and economicalRead MoreHow Can The United States Lessen Its Dependence On Fossil Fuels?1302 Words   |  6 PagesHow can the United States lessen its dependence on fossil fuels? Joan Milton Western Governor’s University How can the United States lessen its dependence on fossil fuels? Introduction The U.S obtains more than 84% of its energy from fossil fuels including oil, coal and natural gas. This is because people rely on it to heat their homes, power industries, run vehicles, manufacturing, and provision of electricity. It is apparent that the country’s transportation industry highly depends onRead MoreThe Drilling Of The Oil922 Words   |  4 PagesPetroleum is made into various products such as gasoline/ diesel fuel, home heating oil, fertilizers, and plastic products (Energy Quest 2012). 74 percent of our oil is used for transportation including, trucks, buses, cars, and planes (Energy Quest 2012). Drilling of the oil is a costly process and has severe effects to the environment. Drilling on land requires a lot of space, disturbing the natural animal habitats, while drilling at sea impacts surrounding marine life (ELI 2015). Petroleum is toxic andRead MoreAlternative Energy Sources Of Fossil Fuels1701 Words   |  7 Pages the world has run on fossil fuels. Fos sil fuels are critical to global energy infrastructure due to their inherent advantages and generate significant economic value as a result. However, the negative economic and environmental implications of fossil fuels demands a permanent transition towards alternative energy. The world will continue to investigate alternative energy sources and must commit to them to avoid long-term environmental degradation. Ultimately, fossil fuels are on the way out, but