“Pollution from the use of fossil fuels harm the people who use it, their neighbors, suppliers, and even the ecosystem of the globe.”
-Alternative Energy Institute.
Basic Facts About Fossil Fuel
There are three major forms of fossil fuel: coal, oil, and natural gas.
Fossil fuels are made up of decomposed plant and animal matter.
Fossil fuel can be found under the earth in various locations throughout the world.
fossil fuel is not renewable.
Why Seek Alternative Energy?
Research has shown that the use of fossil fuel is one the leading causes of global warming. In 1997, the world energy industry produced 5.2 billion tons of coal, 26.4 billion barrels of petroleum and 81.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. When these carbon-based fuels were consumed, their combustion resulted in emissions of 6.2 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere. Most scientists agree that the earth’s temperature has risen during the last century. The release of “greenhouse gases”, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the air traps the radiation from the sun, thus warming the earth. Furthermore, the use of oil in automobiles has been detrimental to our environment in terms of air pollution. But despite all this, technology is providing a new wave of alternative energies that has the potential to be environmentally friendly.
