Produced from organic matter that has fossilized over many millions of years, fossil fuels are present in the form of petroleum (oil), coal and natural gas. Out of all three, the growing energy needs of the global population are most frequently met with the use of oil.
Fossil fuels are formed deep down beneath the surface of the earth, and are known as non-renewable resources because they take so long to form. What this means, is that when all the fossil fuels have ran out, there will be no way to make more of them; current reserves of oil are reported to be at around 50 years, a rather alarming fact. That said, this doesn’t account for oil reserves that have yet to be discovered.
However, this clearly shows that fossil fuels are not a finite and dependable resource for powering the world, and they are also incredibly harmful to the environment:
The impact extracting fossil fuels have on the environment
Extracted by mining and drilling, these processes have a significant negative impact not only on the area surrounding the extraction sites, but on the health of the workers carrying out the work, too.
Spillages and the destruction of large amounts of land to extract the resources, can lead to erosion, fires and even the deposit of harmful substances into water sources. Several major oil spillages have occurred over the course of history, and pipelines used to transport the oil have been known to rupture and contaminate the land on which they sit, affecting water, wildlife, plants and humans.
The impact of fossil fuel burning on the environment
Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere when burned, and these emissions have been linked to a variety of problems on both a local and global scale. Car and truck emissions can cause harm to humans and animals, and the cost of healthcare as a result, is estimated to be well into the billions. Additionally, these particulates increase the rain’s acidity levels, which leads to acid rain.
Carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases released when fossil fuels are burned, are also incredibly harmful for the environment, and as they become trapped in the atmosphere, they cause the planet’s overall temperature to rise. While it may seem as if such minute changes in temperature are insignificant, over time, they can have a devastating impact on plants and wildlife.
Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels with solar power
Did you know that solar energy actually decreases greenhouse gas emissions? By generating electricity with solar power instead of fossil fuels, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions – especially carbon dioxide – and reduce the demand for fossil fuels. As a home or business owner, by having a solar power system professionally installed (typically in the form of panels), you can do your bit to minimize your carbon footprint. Collectively, if nations relied more on power from natural sources such as the sun, wind and water, they could reduce global warming and help the entire planet last for future generations.
Having a solar panel system installed at your home or business is an affordable step towards saving the planet, and to do your bit to reducing the dependency on harmful fossil fuels, have a solar system installed today.
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