The world’s current fuel supply is supplied by fossil fuels, which are oil, coal, and natural gas which has formed from the remains of dead plants and animals. These remains have been buried over the course of millions of years and with pressure and heat, they are converted into what we use for energy today.

Because the main factor in creating fossil fuels is time, we are unable to create them in a timely manner in order to keep up with our consumption. There is no solution to creating more fossil fuels, as the world uses more fuel that it produces, so our supply is constantly dwindling. Our dependence on fossil fuels came about because they are so cost-effective to burn and transport. Since energy loss happens when it is transferred long distances, the ability to barrel up the fuel and send it to where it needs to be burned has been a very attractive option for several decades.

While fossil fuels are considered a non-renewable source and this is the main reason for change, the world’s reliance on fossil fuels has results in numerous accidents and the deaths of thousands of plants, animals and humans alike. Drilling for oil and transporting volatile liquids and gasses has resulted in the destruction of million of acres of ocean and land. Even in the best case scenarios, in which these fuels are handled properly, they still take a toll on the environment, releasing many pollutants which produce acid rain and smog. Carbon dioxide emissions are also high amongst fossil fuels, which creates the greenhouse effect. This trapped gas is unable to escape and has contributed significantly to global warming over many decades.

Despite these hazards and risks associated with fossil fuels, the world is reluctant to change to other sources, as it means more time and energy spent dedicated to something which could have to be changed in the future. These changes require a considerable amount of money and time be invested, as well as educating the public on the hazards of their current energy usage while encouraging them to embrace renewable sources. Even if we cannot reduce our dependence on fossil fuels immediately, lightening the load with alternative, renewable energy sources such as wind, water, and solar power can extend the life of our fossil fuel reserve until we acquire the means to reduce our dependence entirely.

While power consumption is ultimately in the hands of the government of various nations as to what they supply their citizens with, consumers are not out of the loop when it comes to providing themselves with an alternate means of energy. Many home owners have homes supplied by solar and geothermal energy, and some of these homes even produce extra electricity which can be sold to the grid.

By reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and relying more on renewable energy, we can prevent problems arising in the future in which the world has run out of power options and must rely on unstable and more hazardous methods of energy production, such as nuclear power.