Could We Continue to Use Fossil Fuels as Energy Source?

“Fossil fuels” is the term we use to describe coal, oil and natural gas. We extract these substances from the Earth to create energy from them. After being extracted, the products are then refined. This process changes them into unable forms like petroleum gas. This gas powers vehicles like cars and airplanes, and other machines in factories. It can also be used to create electricity. Consequently, fossil fuels are an extremely valuable natural resource. However, many environmentalists condemn their use because it has a negative impact on the environment.

For years, environmentalists have argued that gas emissions from industry cause global warming. These gases, like carbon dioxide, build up in Earth’s atmosphere and prevent heat from radiating into space. The heat remains trapped like in a greenhouse, and the world grows warmer. Therefore, this phenomenon is called “the greenhouse effect”. The US is responsible for almost 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, the US government refuses to sign the Kyoto Protocol. This is an international treaty designed to cut down on emissions. The US government contends that increased temperatures are a natural phenomenon, not a man-made one. “Emissions” from car exhaust such as carbon monoxide are very harmful to our health. Some scientists think the emissions cause global warming. Using computer models, satellites, and data from buoys, they conclude that up to 90% of the warming caused by greenhouse gases is absorbed by the world’s oceans. Seven million recordings of ocean temperatures from around the world support this contention. Scientists and politicians argue about continuing to use fossil fuels.

The fact is, we have no economical alternative to fossil fuels. We also have an abundant supply. Observers estimate that at our present rate of consumption, our reserves of fossil fuel should last 300 years. Many countries rely on the income generated from the sale of their oil reserves.

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