The United States still leads the way in the use of fossil fuels and is reluctant to change. The reason for this is that fossil fuels are seen as necessary evils which, in fact, they are not. Fossil fuels are in no way renewable as they take millions of years to form from organic matter in the ground. Oil, natural gas, and coal are all types of fossil fuels that provide us with the bulk of our energy. This is one of the biggest problems of the 21st century and one that urgently needs addressed.



The burning of fossil fuels is the number one producer of greenhouse gases that is causing more solar energy to be trapped causing temperatures, on average, to increase. To deny global warming is to deny that carbon dioxide is, in fact, a greenhouse gas which is beyond dispute at this point in time. CO2 traps heat and we produce a lot of it so this excess CO2 traps more heat. This is not complicated. The atmospheric concentration of CO2, a greenhouse gas, is increasing every day. This raises concerns that solar heat will be trapped and the average surface temperature of the Earth will rise in response. If we make needed changes today most scientists believe that we will be able to avoid total disaster which is unavoidable if we continue our present course.

Fossil fuels are used to run vehicles as well as produce electricity. As was previously mentioned, fossil fuels take millions of years to form in the ground and are in no way renewable. Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy, so once they are used up, they are gone. As old supplies are used up, new sources are found which causes even more problems as new drilling operations create more environmental problems.

The average person in the United States consumes about 12 barrels of oil per year. That is why we are so dependent on foreign oil to meet our energy needs. While the United States does have its own supply of oil, it doesn't compare to what the Middle East has to offer. So in order to meet the demand, we have to increase the supply. The only way to do that is to buy it from other countries - usually either Venezuela or Saudi Arabia.

The increased levels of fossil fuel use in this country has given birth to the green movement urging people to start exploring alternative forms of energy to avoid depleting our fossil fuel supplies completely. The ideas behind this movement have become popular lately as there is much cause for concern. The main reason that people are suddenly concerned about the use of oil is the recent drastic increase in price. As we enter a period of economic sluggishness, oil prices continue to rise. This puts many in an impossible situation.

If we can reduce our use of fossil fuels and start looking at alternative sources of energy, we not only improve the quality of the environment, but we also reduce our dependence on other countries for our energy resources. It is entirely possible to do this, however, sadly the U.S. government stalls progress. Reducing fossil fuel use is entirely possible and will require a grass roots movement of people all over the world demanding change. This, in itself, will reduce use and also will encourage governments to act on this important issue.

Copyright (c) 2008 Mason Tanner