An Introduction to Fossil Fuels

Though there are different types of fossil fuels, coal, petroleum, oil, and natural gas are the most commonly used energy sources. These fossil fuels are easily available, and provide large amounts of energy to drive life on earth.

Different types of Fossil Fuels

The following are the common types of fossil fuels used widely around the globe:

• Coal: Of all the fossil fuels, coal is the most abundant source of energy. Formed from decayed vegetation, coal is widely used throughout the world.
• Petroleum: Also known as crude oil, this liquid fuel is also widely used. Formed from the decomposed remains of marine animals, petroleum takes millions of years to form.
• Oil: Formed from the remains of marine microorganisms on the sea floor, oil also takes millions of years to form.
• Natural gas: Like coal and petroleum, gas is also formed from the remains of marine microorganisms.

Alternatives to Fossil Fuels

As fossil fuels are considered detrimental to the environment, we are constantly on the lookout for alternative energy sources. Because fossil fuels cause greenhouse gas accumulation, air pollution, and acidification, alternative energy sources such as water, solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal, biomass, and bio-fuel energy promise a better future. However, alternative or renewable energy sources have not been developed fully, and require thorough research. Setting up new plants will require huge investment, especially since this form of energy has not been explored fully. Though renewable energy is free from pollution, the scientific community needs to do all it can to ensure renewable energy sources are indeed nonpolluting. As the world becomes concerned about the environment, renewable energy sources will continue to be developed. Though it is unlikely that fossil fuels will be completely eliminated from the face of the earth, creation of alternative energy strategies will ensure that fossil fuels, which are limited in quantity, will be rationally used.

Everybody is curious to know how fossil fuels impact the environment. The combustion of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Fossil fuels are believed to be the biggest polluters of the environment, viz. air pollution, water pollution, ozone depletion, land degradation, accumulation of solid waste, and even human illness. All these contribute to global warming, which is dangerous for our planet.

However, the Fossil Fuel Foundation shows how we can make better use of fossil fuels in the present global scenario.

Become a member of the Fossil Fuel Foundation to learn more.