Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels provide around 66 per cent of the world’s electrical power, and 95 per cent of the world’s total energy demands (including heating, transport, electricity generation and other uses). In North America, combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, is the major source of power generation. The process of combustion with the purpose of generating electricity is very polluting. As an example, In the United States, more than 90% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the combustion of fossil fuels.

In addition to being very polluting, fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy. According to Wikipedia, “a non-renewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be produced, regrown, regenerated, or reused on a scale which can sustain its consumption rate. These resources often exist in a fixed amount, or are consumed much faster than nature can recreate them.”

A good example of fossil fuels is coal. Coal provides around 28 per cent of all energy, whereas oil provides 40% and natural gases provide about 20 per cent. A concern is that the fossil fuels are being used up at an increasing rate, and that they will soon run out. If these fossil fuels were to run out now there would not be a suitable replacement for them that is equally as efficient at producing the same amount of energy.

With coal as an example, there is only so much on the planet, and once we’ve used it up to generate energy, we’ll have to turn to other methods. It might not be too late to put a stop to all this if we work together. Quite simply, we have to start moving to alternative energy sources.

Greenscroll wants to encourage people to help us consider alternative options, such as wind farms and solar panels, to generate power. They are cleaner, sustainable and do not detract from the environment.

Resources and additional information:

Wikipedia: Fossil Fuels

The Depletion of Fossil Fuels

Energy Information Administration

Natural Resources Canada