Fossil fuel is a non-renewable source of energy produced from decomposed carbon-filled organisms that are extracted from the earth’s crust. Burning fossil fuel for energy causes carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that negatively impact the environment.
What is the Origin of Fossil Fuel?
Andreas Libavius (1597) and Mikhail Lomonosiv (1757) both theorized that fossil fuel came from fossils of dead plants after being exposed to the pressure and heat in the earth’s crust. Caspar Neumann, a German chemist, officially coined the term “fossil fuel” in 1759.
What are the 3 Kinds of Fossil Fuel?
Crude oil aka petroleum is a liquid fossil fuel found in underground reservoirs, sedimentary rock, and tar sands. Petroleum is obtained through drilling and strip mining and then brought to refineries by supertanker, truck, train, or pipeline. Petroleum is the source of kerosene, gasoline, propane, jet fuel, paint, and plastics.
Coal is a solid fossil fuel most abundant in the U.S. states of Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. Coal is the richest in carbon among all fossil fuels.
Natural gas is mostly methane which can be conventional (obtained by standard drilling) or unconventional (obtained through fracking). Natural gas is used to provide heat and electricity in for industries and establishments.
What are the Environmental Effects of Fossil Fuel?
The following are the harmful effects of fossil fuel on health and the environment:
- Release dangerous pollutants in the air when burnt
- Heightens global warming due to carbon emissions
- Destruction of land including natural wildlife through extraction processes
- Toxic spills and runoffs to large and small bodies of water
What is Being Done in the U.S. to Address the Harmful Effects of Fossil Fuel?
Through the years, local, state, and federal policies have pushed for a cleaner energy economy by exploring renewable energy sources like solar and wind to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In addition to this, actions toward energy efficiency and energy conservation are continually being promoted to keep the economy alive while fighting climate change.
