Category: Fossil Fuels

Every organism requires energy to function (Concepts of Biology, n.d.). The technological inventions made throughout history require energy as well. In the era of advances and improvements, the life of every individual becomes more comfortable; however, the environment suffers. Nowadays, the vast majority of people have a car, and the level of air pollution is impressively high. The primary purpose of the paper is to compare and contrast biofuels and fossil fuels and to evaluate whether biofuels can be considered as the alternative source of energy.

Global warming and the greenhouse effect are the consequences of the adverse impact on the environment. It should be stressed, that car are one of the most dangerous sources of air pollution (Concepts of Biology, n.d.). Fossil fuels and biofuels are commonly discussed nowadays. The vast majority of people tend to believe that biofuels are the alternative to fossil ones that do not contribute to environmental pollution. However, is it so? Ethanol and biodiesel can be considered as two options to fossil fuels. Corn is used for ethanol production. Although it is made of plants, it does not reduce the emissions to the minimum as it is usually mixed with gasoline for a better economy. The mixed substance is called E85 (because there will be 85 percent of ethanol). The price of fossil fuel is bigger; however, an individual that uses biofuel will fill the car more often. E85 produces less carbon dioxide that is more beneficial for the environment.

Biodiesel is another alternative to fossil fuels. The advantage of this type of alternative energy is that the car can run on the fuel made by vegetable oil. The level of emission is comparatively low. The price is cheaper than fossil fuels and E85. The major drawback regarding the usage of biodiesel is that it requires fields to grow plants that will be used for fuel production.

In contrast to the E85 and biodiesel, fossil fuels are made from oil, coal, and gas. Fossil fuels are not renewable. The deposits of oil and coal are limited, and it takes a lot of time for the planet to produce more. According to recent researches, the deposits of coal will last for up to a hundred years. The society has a century to innovate the sphere of energy. The usage of fossil fuels is a challenge for the environment, and that is, something should be changed. The development of biofuels is a good alternative to the substitution of fossil fuels. Nevertheless, biofuels also pollute the environment and are beneficial until the time humanity will invent something more environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, it should be pointed out that the adverse impact on the environment demands an urgent solution. It is worth stating that surroundings react to human activity by climate change and shifts. It consequently leads to the fact diseases and natural phenomena become more severe. The level of air pollution because of car emissions is impressive. The sphere of environmental protection should receive priority. Although nowadays biofuels are not so widespread, it should be stressed that it can be a good option in the future. However, society should direct all the forces for the innovation of the environmental saving technologies and alternative energy sources as biofuels are better than fossil fuels but still pollute the environment.

There are several environmental effects associated with non-renewable mineral resources, and all of them are of a harmful nature. These are water, air, and soil pollution, radioactive and solid wastes (Miller and Spoolman 309). Moreover, the use of non-renewable minerals generates noise and heat (Miller and Spoolman 309). All this leads to safety and health hazards for people. These issues raise the question of how to utilize this type of recourses more efficiently.

More Sustainable Usage

Humanity has developed several methods of using non-renewable mineral resources with greater efficiency. It includes industrial measures such as recycling and reuse of mineral resources in the same processes or as raw materials for others and production optimization to make it cleaner (Miller and Spoolman 312). Socioeconomic methods are mining subsidies minimization and additional taxation of those goods associated with environmentally harmful production practices (Miller and Spoolman 312). It is worth noting the state financial support for the recycling of non-renewable mineral resources.

The Earth’s Major Geological Hazards

It is no secret that the Earth is a place full of dangers. One of the earth’s major geological hazards is an earthquake (Miller and Spoolman 303). Interestingly, it gives rise to two hazardous phenomena, which are tsunami and landslides (Miller and Spoolman 303). It is necessary to mention the volcanic eruption that is another large-scale dangerous happening. Despite all its technologies, humanity still cannot fully defend itself against these natural disasters.

Total U.S. Energy Consumption and the Nominal U.S. Gross Domestic Product

The numbers show how strongly people, mostly from countries with advanced economies, depend on fossil resources. It has to be noted that the numbers are given in the British thermal unit (BTU). U.S. Energy Information Administration claims that in 2000 the total U.S. energy consumption was 98702.224 BTU while in 1979, it was 80811.788 BTU. Therefore, it means that consumption increased by 17890.436 BTU over 21 years. In the abovementioned 2000 and 1979, the nominal U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 10252.3 and 2627.3, respectively (U.S. Energy Information Administration). The country’s GDP increased by 7625 billion dollars. The ratio between the second variable and the first is 1:2.34628668852; rounding up the result gives 1:2.3. One can conclude that fossil fuels are badly needed for the growth of the U.S. economy and that American society is overconsuming.

New England’s Liquid Natural Gas Ports

All four Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ports are concentrated in New England. They are located in “Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont” (U.S. Energy Information Administration). Such a density of LNG ports is conditioned by frequent and cold winters in the region (U.S. Energy Information Administration). U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that “LNG imports help to meet natural gas demand in New England because the region currently has limited pipeline interconnections with the Northeast and U.S. natural gas producing regions.” Even though the U.S. is known as producer and exporter of natural gas, some of its territories lack this necessary resource.

Electricity Pricing in Different Countries and Renewable Energy

The taxation system varies from country to country, and electricity pricing is no exception. As of 1995, the nominal average retail price of electricity in the U.S. was 6.89 cents per kilowatt-hour (U.S. Energy Information Administration). It is significantly lower than in Germany and Japan, but higher than in India and China. For renewable energy to become not only a trend but also a standard in the energy industry, it needs cheap technologies that would make the consumption of renewable energy economically feasible for most of the world’s population.

Fossil fuels have served as the primary source of energy for the past century, helping man to achieve a previously unprecedented level of development. This source of energy has been harnessed to power industries and fuel transportation means therefore helping in the growth of the modern civilization.

However, the ability of fossil fuels to continue playing a central role in fulfilling the energy demands of mankind has been called into question due to a number of reasons. The great industrial expansions experienced all over the world and the exponential population growth have put an enormous strain on fossil fuels.

Addition to the concern about the possible exhaustion of fossil fuels, this energy source has been blamed for negative environmental impacts. Because of these concerns, there have been calls for more focus on renewable energy sources, which currently make a minor contribution in the global energy supply.

While the development of renewable energy sources promises to enhance global energy security and mitigate the negative effects of fossil fuels, this alternative has not been received universal approval.

There has been opposition to these means with some people viewing fossil fuels as the only reliable source for satisfying the global energy needs renewable energy as unfeasible. This paper will argue that fossil fuels have no future and the world needs to develop renewable energy sources to satisfy the energy demands of the world.

A Case for Developing Renewable Energy Sources

Fossil fuels are nonrenewable sources of energy, which means that there is a finite amount of fossil fuels on earth and the current fuel reserves will one day end. The world can therefore not afford to depend primarily on a source of energy that cannot be expected to last indefinitely. A report by the oil giant BP reveals that the world’s crude oil reserves are currently at 1,200 billion barrels (Issitt and Warhol 1).

With an annual consumption rate of 30 billion barrels, the current oil reserves will only last for the next 40 years. The revelation that the life span of the fossil fuel reserves on the planet is not that long should push the world to seek alternative energy means. If renewable energy sources are not pursued, the world will face energy crisis once the fossil fuel reserves run out since fossil fuels are the primary energy sources for the world today.

Renewable energy sources can such as solar energy can be relied upon since it will last for as long as the sun shines. The future energy supply for the world will therefore be guaranteed through such a source. The early development of renewable energy sources will also reduce the current strain on fossil fuels. This will enable fossil fuels to last longer even as the world makes the gradual move to alternative sources of energy.

Fossil fuels have an adverse effect on the environment due to the greenhouse gases emitted when these fuels are burnt. The greenhouse gases have resulted in many adverse environmental impacts including global warming and acid rains. The global warming phenomenon has especially caused environmental issues to take a center stage in global affairs. World leaders, policy makers, and scientists have tried to come up with a way to mitigate global warming which is mostly blamed on fossil fuels (Gurmit 34).

Since the world needs energy to sustain its development, the only way to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of fossil fuels is by coming up with an energy source that has reduced or zero negative impacts on the environment. Renewable energy sources present a feasible way to produce energy without the negative environmental impacts attributed to fossil fuels.

Alternative energy source such as wind energy and solar power are clean sources that do not emit any harmful gases to the environment. Solar energy uses the sun to generate clean energy with little or no green house gas emissions. Wind energy uses the wind to turn turbines with zero carbon emissions.

The overreliance on fossil fuels by the world has decreased the energy independence of most Western nations, which do not have their own fossil fuel reserves. The nations have been forced to increase their dependency on oil producing nations, which have immense power because they possess this valuable resource.

For example, the United States relies heavily on imported fuel to satisfy its energy needs. Issitt and Warhol document that 80% of US oil is imported from the oil producing nations (4). This is a very significant amount of oil considering the huge energy demands by industries and citizens in the US. The high dependency on foreign nations to supply a countries energy needs can be risky.

To begin with, such a situation places the oil-producing nation’s great political power. This is best elaborated by the oil embargo placed by the Arab producing nations on the US in 1967. This embargo was placed in reaction to the United States support for Israel during the Arab-Israeli war. The restriction led to a shortage of fuel in the US and a rise in oil prices therefore affecting the economy.

Renewable energy sources would ensure the self-sufficiency of a country since it would be able to produce its own energy in a sustainable manner. Renewable energy sources will also save non-oil producing nations money since their foreign spending will be drastically reduced if they do not have to import fossil fuels.

Renewable energy sources will help preserve the natural environment since energy will be harnessed with little damage to the environment. Fossil fuels have also contributed to the degradation of the natural environment.

As demand for these fuels has increased, oil companies have had to expand their operations to new areas that are natural habitats. The American government is considering engaging in drilling operations in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in order to produce more and cheaper fuel for the American population (Moselle 79).

As the current oil reserves dwindle, nations are expanding their explorations in an unsustainable manner. Renewable energy sources would serve as a more permanent solution to the energy demand problem that the world faces. These sources if well exploited would provide man with an unlimited amount of energy for an indefinite period.

Arguments against Renewable Energy

Opponents of renewable energy sources assert that these alternative means cannot satisfy the immense energy needs of the country. These proponents of fossil fuels contend that while fossil fuel reserves are decreasing, it would be impossible to replace them and a more feasible solution would be to look for more energy efficient ways to make the fossil fuels last longer (Bowman and Marcus 11).

To support these arguments, these opponents of renewable energy observe that alternative energy sources are inefficient and very expensive. This assertion is true since fossil fuels are comparatively cheaper and the most efficient energy form. However, it should be noted that fossil fuels technologies have been developed for decades, which is why they are so efficient. If renewable energy sources are given the time to develop, they will become as efficient (Talal and Steven 2217).

Increase in use will also reduce the cost of renewable energy so that they are eventually at par or even less than fossil fuel prices. Governments and technology companies should therefore invest more in alternative energy source research and development in order to accelerate this.

Renewable energy source development is taking long and this has led opponents to question the feasibility of these alternative energy sources. Western governments including the US have been engaged in research efforts for the past 4 decades with billions of dollars invested in the development of feasible replacements for fossil fuels.

Bowman and Marcus document that in its efforts to promote renewable energy production in the past 4 decades, the US government has lost billions of dollars and continues to loss more as additional money is dedicated to these efforts (1).

Proponents of fossil fuels argue that this money could be better used advancing research in the improvement of efficiency in fossil fuels or exploration of new fossil fuels reserves. While it is true that significant amounts of money have been used in trying to develop feasible renewable energy technologies, the effort has not been in vain.

Renewable technology such as solar power has made great developments and plans for wide scale production of electricity in some regions have already been implemented (Moselle 152). While renewable technology is not yet as matured as fossil fuels, this should not be used as an excuse to abandon an energy source that will ensure sustainability.

Conclusion

This paper set out to argue that fossil fuels have no future in the world and as such, renewable energy sources need to be developed and used in place of fossil fuels. The paper begun by noting that fossil fuels are a finite non-renewable resource predicted to run out soon, and when this happens, the world will face an energy crisis if it does not have an alternative.

The paper then articulated the negative environmental impacts of fossil fuels and the dependency that these fuels create as non-oil producing nations are forced to rely on the oil producers. The paper has admitted that renewable energy technology is still in its development stage and therefore inferior to fossil fuel technologies.

However, considering the significant benefits that renewable energy will bring, additional investments should be made to improve this technology and lead to a wider embrace of these alternative energy sources. By doing this, the energy security of the globe will be ensured and the negative environmental impacts currently caused by fossil fuels mitigated.

The Earth. It is a home to thousands if not millions of different species of all kinds of organisms that live in various types of environments. This Earth responds to change very readily, so what happens when one Industry interrupts the Earths environments and starts to use/produce materials that deteriorate said Earth? Change. Devastation. These are only a few of the consequences that these actions cause, and the entirety of the fault can mostly be thrown onto one industry; The Fossil Fuel Industry. Since its beginning, the fossil fuel industry has been greatly changing and impacting environments around the world, bending them due to the harmful byproducts like CO2 produced as a result of their products; Fossil fuels, which are a group of energy sources that were formed from ancient plants and organisms approximately 360 to 286 million years ago. (Energy.Gov) These actions however have taken a very large toll on the Earth’s environmental health and could be catastrophic if left unchecked. The Fossil Fuel industry has greatly impacted the Earth and its environment and is significant because it is a large part of our everyday life, even so most of it is indirect, supplying us with the materials needed to produce electricity, gasoline, heat, and various other products like plastics. This industry however has various adverse effects on our environment that we reside in which, in turn, directly affects us so it is imperative to understand what is happening to the environment, with things like environmental destruction, global warming, and problems related to them such as coral bleaching and glacial melting which adversely affect the Earth in the long run by irreversibly changing environments.

Effects of the Fossil Fuel Industries products

The Industrial Revolution was one of the biggest leaps in human advancement in history. This revolution saw the rise of electricity, automation, and the coming of various inventions. This revolution also brought upon the basis of modern-day technology and society as it sparked a whole new era of knowledge, and was fueled by many industries, the most prominent the Fossil Fuel Industry. While not noticeable at the time of its beginnings, this Industry has also set rise to some of the worst environmental devastations facing man today, a few being global warming, glacial melting, and destruction of environments. A major use of the products produced by the Fossil fuel Industry is used for electricity, which is made through the burning of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, natural gas, and crude oil to power lights, electronics, etc. The burning of these resources though causes Carbon Dioxide to be released into the atmosphere at a faster rate than it can be absorbed which acts as an insulator in the atmosphere, absorbing more heat, which accumulates over time, and this is known as global warming. As the years progressed, the excessive burning of fossil fuels added CO2 to the atmosphere much faster than the Earth’s natural system could remove it. Prior to the Industrial Revolution (Before the prominence of burning Fossil Fuels), atmospheric carbon levels remained constant at around 280 parts per million (ppm). (Casper, 2010) This meant that the natural carbon sinks were balanced between what was being emitted and what was being stored. After the industrial revolution began and CO2 levels began to increase—315 ppm in 1958, to 383 ppm in 2007, to 409 ppm in 2017, this threw off the environments natural way of dealing with carbon dioxide through carbon sinks as they became overloaded according to Julie Kerr Casper, a doctorate Biologist, in her book “Global Warming Cycles”. This buildup of Carbon Dioxide in turn causes Earths average temperature to rise, which it has about 0.9 degrees Celsius in the past century, which seems insignificant but has disrupted many sensitive environments (Casper, 2010). One such environment would be the Great Barrier Reef as an example, which has suffered great losses due to the warming of the sea temperatures, mostly due to coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is caused by stresses induced by changes in environmental conditions such as elevated sea temperatures. (Smith, 2006) The coral usually recovers under cooler conditions but if too many algae are lost it may die. Widespread bleaching events occurred on the Great Barrier Reef off Australia in 1998 and 2002 (when temperatures over much of the reef were more than 2°C above normal for more than two months)” (Smith, 2006). Along with the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, another environment, glacial ones, have been subjected to Global Warmings’ onset, as in recent decades many glaciers have been shrinking in size, and they are a good indicator of this because of how responsive they are to climate change caused by the Fossil Fuel Industry. For example, the Alaskan glaciers are losing approximately 6 feet of thickness per year, and the glaciers in the Alps are expected to be gone by the end of the 21st century. (Casper, 2009) This references the temperature changes caused by the Industry and its products, and their impact on earths environments.

Impact of the Fossil Fuel Industry on coastal and oceanic areas

Going along with the trend of environmental damage as a result of the Fossil fuel Industry brings in two more problems caused by said industry, and these are Global sea level rising and oil spills. Among the Fossil Fuel industries, they use various methods of transportation to move their products from where they’re harvested to factories/power plants and a common method of the transportation of oil, especially when importing it, is through massive oil tankers, or boats that store large amounts of different types of oil like crude. These methods are relatively inexpensive and for the most part reliable, but when that reliability waivers, it can severely impact oceanic environments in the wake of oil spills. The severity of an oil spill depends on where its spilled (Shallow or deep waters), and the type of oil spilled. According to the NOAA, the most susceptible oceanic environment to oil is Mangrove Forests, and when in an experiment when Mangrove seedlings and saplings were exposed to weathered crude oil, 96% died compared to 0% in the unsoiled group, which further shows how oil spills can affect oceanic environments. Also observed in this experiment was the death of bird, fish, and invertebrates in the area of experimentation within the oiled group which shows that oil spills not only affect environments but the species that reside within them. (Hoff, Michel, Hense, Proffitt, Delgado, Shigenaka, Mearns, 2014) Along with oil spills affecting the ocean, Global warming caused by the byproducts of the Fossil Fuel Industry has also led to another problem involving the ocean, Sea level Rising. Sea level rising is when sea levels rise above their normal measurements and stay above that normal and continue to raise from there. Since 1880, it has been observed that global mean sea level has risen around 8-9 inches with a third of that occurring in the last 2 decades with most coming from glacial melting and thermal expansion of seawater due to global warming. (Lindsey, 2019) The effects of this global sea level rising are concentrated more heavily on coastal areas where a wide range of effects has been observed. With higher background water levels one observable effect on the environment is higher and more dangerous storm surges, and more frequent high-tide flooding, which both can destroy coastal town environments taking a toll on its inhabitants. This rise in sea level creates stress on coastal ecosystems that provide recreation, protection from storms, areas that provide habitats for local organisms, and the raising saltwater levels contaminate coastal freshwater aquafers. (Lindsey, 2019) All of this can be tracked back to the Fossil Fuel Industry and the byproducts created by the industry’s products and itself, which amplifies global warming that then branches off into other various problems in the environment.

Conclusion

The Fossil Fuel Industry since its beginning has bent the environment with its various products and their byproducts with various consequences to the world around them including Global Warming, Glacial melting, Coral bleaching, Oil spills, and rising sea levels, which are both devastating and destructive with no clear end in sight to them as the use of Fossil fuels is still growing at an exponential rate. The information here could possibly be used to raise awareness about how humans take care of their surroundings and how it would be in humanity’s best interest to save the Earth before something irreversible happens. Overall the Fossil Fuel Industry has had a massive impact on the environment since its beginning and will continue to do so until a solution is made or implemented.