Definition and Explanation of the Problem
Fossil fuels are a source of non-renewable energy that is quickly being depleted. The discussion of the use of fossil fuels brings to attention many different views and opinions, many of which are incorporated into environmental issues and concerns. Scientists and environmentalists have had an increased interest involving the usage and reduction of fossil fuels. Fossil Fuels take thousands, if not millions, of years to form. The rate of consumer consumption versus the rate of production is so increasingly unbalanced, that fossil fuels are no longer a viable source of energy. The topic has become a recent concern; the more fossil fuels that are expended, the greater the depletion of non-renewable resources there is. The two are directly related; as the consumption of these fuels increases, the amount of fossil fuels declines at an even greater percentage.
With the modernization of society comes an increased demand for energy. The only way to satisfy this demand is to create more energy, most of this energy resulting from the expense of fossil fuels. With this increase in the usage of energy from fossil fuels, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased as well, approximately thirty-one percent since 1870. Furthermore, these fuels are detrimental to the planet. In fact, they are the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. The burning of fossil fuels adds up to six gigatons (one billion tons) of carbon to the atmosphere every year. Within the atmosphere, greenhouse gases are the facet responsible for global warming and climate change. Gases, such as carbon monoxide, methane, and sulfur dioxide, are injurious to the ozone layer. These gases also have the harmful ability to produce acid rain, thus damaging crops and effecting habitats and the overall environment.
Scientists along with engineers have shown a