Environmental impact of fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are those that come from plant remains and other organisms which were buried millions of years ago due to natural phenomena, the action of microorganisms and large cataclysms, under specific conditions of pressure and temperature. Currently the most used are mineral coal, natural gas and oil and their derivatives. However, we must also add the tarry sands and the bituminous shales.

These fuels are a valuable resource because they are The largest energy source usedbut both the fossil fuel extraction As their use have great harmful effects on the environment. In addition, they are part of non -renewable resources due to its great extraction speed.

In this other post we talk more about what fossil fuels are and how they formed.

The use of fossil fuels and climate change are related, that is why it is important to ask. How do oil derived products affect the environment? What are the Fossil fuel damage? Next, the impacts derived from the extraction and transport of fossil fuels, as well as its use in combustions.

To produce energy all these fossil fuels are subjected to combustion, thus releasing gases such as benzopyrene, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. These gases are emitted towards the atmosphere as a consequence:

• The greenhouse effect is enhanced.
• Acid rain.
• There is an increase in the average temperature of the planet (global warming).
• Takel in polar caps and increased sea level.
• Increase in torrential rains.
• Higher hurricanes frequency.
• Increased droughts and floods.
• Pollution of the soil, air and surface and underground waters.

Look for Alternatives to the use of fossil fuels It is very important because they can reduce all the impacts that these are producing. In addition, by reducing the use of oil, the question of When oil will end in the worldsince it is something that worries worldwide and it is known that if so in a few years there will be enough oil reserves to meet the demand.

Keep in mind that natural gas within all fossil fuels is the one that emits the least pollutants. However, the Alternative fuels to fossil fuels They can be:

• Ethanol from corn or other crops, this produces less greenhouse gas emissions.
• Biodiesel that is obtained from animal fats and vegetable oils producing less pollutants than those based on oil.
• Hydrogen, although it occurs from fossil fuels such as coal, or also through hydroelectric or nuclear energy, when used in vehicles, it does not emit pollutants.
• In addition, another option for energy generation is to opt for renewable resources and thus make use of solar, wind or hydraulic energy.

In addition, other solutions that are in the daily life of the population is to reduce the use of energy and thus be responsible with its use. As for the use of vehicles, use them when it is really necessary and choose public transport or bicycle when possible.

The Advantages of ending the use of fossil fuels There are many, not only for the environment but also for people’s health.

• The emission of greenhouse gases is reduced and, therefore, it helps to stop climate change.
• Reduction of air pollution, soils and bodies of water.
• The territories in which these fuels are found, that is, natural areas are stopped exploiting.
• The extraction of these resources brings wars among countries for their control. End the use of this could be the trigger to end many of the conflicts.
• The health of people would also benefit since all the contaminants generated end up arriving at these being harmful to health such as, for example, with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, among others.

If you want to read more articles similar to Environmental impact of fossil fuelswe recommend that you enter our pollution category.