Everything you need to know about fossil energies

Naturally present in the earth’s subsoil, fossil energies are the type of energy most used by humans and their production represents 85% of the world’s total primary energy production, according to the International Energy Agency.

However, its use is now being questioned. Fossil fuels are blamed for climate change. Definition, origin, advantages and disadvantages, solutions, etc. Find all the information about fossil fuels in this article.

Fossil energy is produced from what is called fossil fuel and has a chemical composition that is very rich in carbon. Fossil fuel is stored underground in the form of hydrocarbons. These so-called hydrocarbons are produced by the sedimentation of organic matter. They have been buried in the ground for between 100 and 300 million years.  For example, the first mineable coals were formed 360 million years ago.

Why do we use the adjective “fossil” to define this energy? Simply because the term “fossil” refers to the slow sedimentary decomposition in the soil of living elements dating back millions of years. This process is also what allowed the constitution of the famous fossil energy reserves that we currently have. However, this energy storage takes place on a on a so-called geological, not human, time scale.. In other words, once fossil energy is consumed, it can only be regenerated for millions of years.

There are three main sources of fossil energy:

As we said in the previous paragraph, fossil fuels are hydrocarbons trapped in the earth’s core and are therefore extracted in different ways to obtain the raw material.

The main advantage of fossil fuels is that they are an excellent fuel. Fossil fuels have been so successful since the industrial age because they are so efficient, available year-round, and easy to store and transport.

However, its biggest drawback is undoubtedly its impact on the environment. Indeed, their extraction and transformation are processes that cause very large emissions of greenhouse gases, the main source of global warming. Another major disadvantage of fossil fuels is that they are a non-renewable resource and can therefore be depleted over time. Another disadvantage, more geostrategic, is that it is an unequally distributed resource in the world. This fact, added to our energy dependence, creates many economic and social conflicts between countries.

Its main use is heating and electricity. However, we are forced to recognize that today many industries, as well as transportation, use this energy source to power their industrial processes or their driving forces.  Let’s take a look at some examples of fossil fuel use.

Oil is the most well-known and widely used. Its use dates back to ancient times. Petroleum is used in all areas, such as plastics, gasoline, diesel, synthetic fabrics, etc. Natural gas is mainly used for housing.  Natural gas, on the other hand, is mainly used in the home. Indeed, it is used to heat a house, but also to provide hot water and cook. In addition, it is increasingly used in the transport industry since the first buses running on natural gas appeared in the 90s.

Finally, coal, which is the worst of all of them because it is the fossil fuel that emits the most CO2, is also used in the home for heating and cooking.

Now, we think it’s important to give some figures on the use of fossil fuels to clarify the matter.

As we have explained in the pros and cons section, fossil fuels are a finite source of energy on Earth. In other words, we are running out of fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels are the result of a long, slow process that takes place over hundreds of millions of years. Therefore, they are not renewable on a human timescale. This depletion of resources, with its undeniable environmental impact, is also a problem for our social model of extreme energy dependence.

According to estimates by the World Energy Council, the number of years left to use each type of fossil fuel is as follows:

Today, eco-septic discourses that deny the impact of the use of fossil fuels no longer make any sense, as it is demonstrated and proven. The facts are there, and they are undeniable: fossil fuels have an impact on the environment and are the cause of global warming.

They are responsible for many environmental catastrophes, such as:

These facts must lead to the awareness of all and the adoption of immediate measures to guarantee the future of the next generations. Renewable energies are the best alternative to fossil fuels and there are many solutions available to both individuals and industries and companies.