What are Fossil Fuels?

A lot is being spoken about fossil fuels, their quick depletion, their pros and cons, and the effect they are having on the environment and human life as a whole. But what are fossil fuels? What is this power that they hold, to decide how long humanity will survive? What is the importance of fossil fuels in our lives?

About Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are naturally occurring substances that take over a million years to form. They are the result of the decomposition of plant and animal matter by their exposure to pressure and heat over years and years. Found in the top layer of the earth's crust, fossil fuels are the prime source of energy to us and our planet. All our vehicles run on the energy provided by the fossil fuels, they are used to generate electricity, and perform several other functions for us. When these fossil fuels are burned, they release energy. There are mainly three types of fossil fuels - coal, oil, and natural gas. The formation of these depends on the type of plant and animal matter, along with the amount of heat and pressure that have gone into creating them.

Concerns Regarding Fossil Fuels

Considering how fossil fuels are formed, they are a non-renewable source of energy, which is now becoming a cause for concern. We are now extremely dependent on fossil fuels for all our energy requirements. Almost 90% of our energy requirements are fulfilled by these. So why are fossil fuels running out? Because of the casual way and the rate at which we are utilizing them. Furthermore, with the amount of time they take to form, it is likely that we will not have enough left for our use in the coming years.

Another important concern regarding fossil fuels is the environmental pollution they cause. The prime component of fossil fuels is carbon, and when these are burned, they release additional carbon dioxide, which in turn results in the formation of greenhouse gases, into the air. Even when fossil fuels are extracted from the crust of the earth and processed for the purpose of use by human beings, a lot of carbon dioxide is released into the environment. This has caused grave concerns as it has led to gradual depletion of the ozone layer.

All the aforementioned processes are interrelated. The burning of fossil fuels is causing global warming, which in turn is resulting in serious climate change. The melting of glaciers and the drastic fluctuations in the climatic condition across the world are a cause for concern by environmentalists. According to them, the rate at which these conditions are affecting the planet, we are in for some disastrous consequences.

Preserving Fossil Fuels

While the importance of fossil fuels cannot be undermined, it is important to understand that an excess utilization of these resources can be extremely harmful for us. As we can see, because of their limited amounts in nature we are having to bear the brunt by paying high prices for oil and gas. Once considered a cheap source of energy, fossil fuels are now becoming extremely expensive. Because of our dependence on them, it is becoming difficult to imagine a life without them. Yet, numerous efforts are being made to find alternatives to fossil fuels so that at least some can be preserved. Some alternatives are solar power, bio-diesel, liquid nitrogen, wind power, etc. These are forms of alternative fuels that serve to provide functions similar to those of fossil fuels.

No matter how many pros and cons of fossil fuels there are, these are something we can't live without. The more we use them casually, the more we are going to have to pay for this attitude later. We can also do our bit for the conservation of natural resources such as these, to ensure that we leave at least some behind for the coming generations. Use your knowledge to make this world a better place by simply doing just your part. A cumulative effort will help us preserve these and lead a comfortable life.