Fossil fuels are hydrocarbon-based materials formed naturally in the earth’s crust from fossilized plant and animal remains and are extracted and burned for fuel. In addition to coal and crude oil, natural gas is also a fossil fuel.
Fossil fuels have been used as the primary energy source since the industrial revolution. They have been used in many different ways and are still widely used today. They are used to power cars, trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes. Coal is used for industrial (such as electricity generation) and domestic purposes. Oil is used to fuel the vast majority of transportation.
Fossil fuels are the cheapest and easiest way to produce energy. But, it comes with many negative side effects such as air pollution, climate change, and water pollution.
What are the disadvantages of using fossil fuels?
In recent years, the use of fossil fuels has increased dramatically. This is due to the fact that is easy to use and has a long life span.
However, there are many disadvantages (or cons) to using fossil fuels such as-
- Fossil fuels release pollutants into the atmosphere which can be harmful to humans and animals alike. Also, it releases greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change and global warming.
- It is important to note that fossil fuels are a finite energy source. The resources are expected to become depleted in the near future. In contrast to sunlight, water, and wind energy, fossil fuels cannot be replenished.
- As a result of oil spills, fossil fuels may cause damage to the environment. It may be caused due to an accident in transportation.
- Market manipulation and price fluctuations are common phenomena associated with fossil fuels. Middle-east countries account for approximately 40% of the world’s oil production. Other countries rely on these countries in order to meet the gap between supply and demand in their own countries. Various factors can affect prices around the world, including lower output, fear of war, and strikes by unions.
Why renewable energy is now preferred over fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource that is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and pollution.
The disadvantages of fossil fuels are many. They pollute the environment, they contribute to climate change and global warming, they are non-renewable and expensive to produce, and they can cause serious health problems. Hence renewable energy is now preferred and better over fossil fuels in order to reduce the harmful effects of fossil fuels.
Final words:
The use of fossil fuels has increased dramatically in the past century. The burning of fossil fuels is the cause of climate change.
There are many disadvantages of fossil fuels. This is not sustainable. And it contributes to global warming. Also, it causes health problems due to the emissions produced.
In order to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, we need to stop using fossil fuels as a source of energy and start using renewable resources such as solar power and wind power. We should find other sources of energy that are not harmful to the environment and healthier for human beings.
Read some related articles:
- Advantages of Fossil Fuels
- Thermal Power Plant
- Pros & Cons of Thermal Power Plant
- Pros & Cons of Diesel Power Plant
- Pros & Cons of Nuclear Power Plant
- Hydroelectric Power Plant
- Pros of Hydropower
- Pros of Windpower
He is a research scholar at Aligarh Muslim University, India. His research interests include power electronics, electric vehicles, and bio signal analysis. He loves writing, traveling, and gardening in his free time.