Basically, a fossil fuel is a fuel that is formed through natural resources such as the decomposition of dead organisms which have been buried. Most organisms that have created a fossil fuel have been there for millions of years. The main sources of fossil fuels that are used to produce energy are petroleum, coal, and natural gas.
Fossil fuels are found in deposits underground left from the decay of plants and animals that are over 300 million years old. These are burned to release the energy that is stored within. This form of energy, however, is non-renewable and releases a large amount of carbon dioxide into our environment.
There are many researchers and scientists who believe that our reliance on fossil fuels have led to the problems we are facing today with global warming. There is some discussion that the damage has already been done. Due to the increasing amount of carbon dioxide that has entered our atmosphere over the past century, even if people were to completely stop burning fossil fuels we would not see the benefits within our lifetime.
Other than the environmental impact that fossil fuels have had on global warming, there are other concerns about the burning of fossil fuels. We are now dealing with more air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Many different chemicals are released into the air through smoke and soot. The particulate pollution caused by the impurities in coal gets lodged into the lungs causing an increase in respiratory issues.
Although this energy source may have had it’s time and place, it is now time to stop using it. We now know of the dangers it poses on our environment and our health. We need to continue to pursue renewable energy sources that will save our environment for future generations and leave them with clean air to breathe.