When we were kids, we might have impolitely called senior people ‘fossils’. This was because they did not want to adapt to modern ideas we thought were cool. As we become older, we begin to realize life is a relay and we pass the baton on. With that as background, where does the fossil fuel come from we ought not to burn for energy.
So What Are Fossil Fuels Really?
Fossils are the remains, impressions, and shadows of prehistoric plants and animals trapped in sandstone as this formed. The energy these contained when living over 650 million years ago preserves as carbon. We can release this energy by exposing it to direct heat.
The commonest fossil fuels we encounter are petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Common derivatives include kerosene, propane, methane, and anthracite. Back in 2007, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated 86% of global energy came from fossil fuel. The specifics were petroleum 36%, coal 27%, and natural gas 23%.
How It Became Necessary to Stem This Tide
Burning fossil fuel releases the carbon it contains into the atmosphere. Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide is the main driving force behind global warming, and climate change. Moreover, fossil fuel is a virtually non-renewable energy source, because it takes millions of years to replace.
Fossil fuel traveled a long journey to reach us. It began as aquatic phytoplankton and zooplankton that died, and turned to sediment after they depleted the water of oxygen. Over countless millennia other sediment piled up over it. This applied huge pressure generating immense heat.
We Should Be Careful About Releasing This Energy
We ought to tap this heat, if at all, with respect and not plunder it. There is an ancient fable called Pandora’s Box. In the story, Pandora owns a lovely box she knows she should not open. When she succumbs to temptation, she releases evil into a world that was hitherto innocent.
Our world was innocent of pollution before we began burning fossil fuel for energy. There is still a little time left to put carbon back in the box. We should not allow the opportunity to escape our grasp.
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Preview Image: Coal Mine
