Why are Fossil Fuels Running Out

Why are fossil fuels running out?

Wait... before I attempt to answer that question, here are a few more which need to be addressed first.

Are fossil fuels running out in the first place?
Is it true that we are on the verge of running out of fossil fuels in the next 20-odd years?

The answers to the two above-mentioned questions is 'Yes'. Yes, we are running out of fossil fuels, and yes, unless we do something about it, fossil fuels running out in the next couple of decades will no longer remain a distant improbability.

Why are we Running Out of Fossil Fuels?
The answer to this question lies in the classic economics principle of 'demand versus supply'. Simply put, the demand for fossil fuels is extremely high, and its supply is comparatively less, or to be more accurate, limited (which is even worse). 'Fossil fuels' is the term that is commonly used for three major sources of energy:

1. Coal
2. Crude oil
3. Natural gas

Coal has been used as a major source of energy all over the world, for well over a hundred years. Crude oil is the basic raw material from which many petroleum products, such as gas (petrol), diesel, kerosene, aircraft fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), etc. are produced. Natural gas is widely used for a multitude of residential, domestic, commercial as well as industrial applications all over the world. There are three major reasons, why these fossil fuels are in danger of running out in the near future.

1. Per capita income
2. Population
3. Limited resources

Now, the per capita income in most countries is increasing, or should I say, getting better. This means that consequently, the standard of living of more people all over the world, is getting better with time. Purchase of new cars, bikes and other fossil fuel-consuming goods is one of the outcomes of a higher standard of living. This inadvertently has a direct impact on the demand for fossil fuels. Population is something that is increasing in nearly all the nations of the world. More people means more demand, and more demand will mean faster consumption of the existing reserves. The formation of fossils fuels is a process, which takes millions of years to complete. Therefore, from our point of view, it is as good as saying that the resources are limited. Limited resources obviously, will run out at some or the other point of time. Some experts say it will happen in 17 years, others have placed their finger on a figure of 25 years, a few others think it's 50, whereas some say it could be 70 years at the most. However, the basic point remains the same, that fossil fuels, sooner or later, are surely going to run out.

Other Reasons for Fossil Fuels Running Out
Why are oil and gas running out much faster than thought? Well, on a slightly lighter but nevertheless, equally serious note, here some other valid reasons:

• When all we need is six eggs and a loaf of bread, we prefer to drive down the two blocks to the supermarket, rather than exercise our legs and burn some much-needed calories.
• When we spot a hot chick next to us at a traffic light, we keep on gunning the engine endlessly, till the time she glances in our direction.
• After a night of binge drinking, we doze off on the couch leaving the television turned on, not to mention the computer, the home theater system, and all the lights and fans in the neighboring room.
• We insist on buying gas guzzling vehicles, like the latest SUVs, sports cars, luxury sedans, etc.
• Many of us shun public transport and opt for using private vehicles instead.

This was a brief explanation to the questions: "Why are fossil fuels running out?" or "Will fossil fuels run out?". I hope it has clarified your doubts and answered most of your questions. Remember, it is renewable energy that the world will inevitably have to turn to, sooner or later. So, you'd better start preparing early by acquainting yourself with the information on renewable sources of electricity and renewable energy sources pros and cons. Come 2020, and it may just come in handy!