Fossil Fuels Essay

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Introduction -224 words

Over the last half a century there has been a more apparent impact on the environment due to the consumption of non-renewable resources, known as fossil fuels. The non-renewable resources included under the term fossil fuels are coal, petroleum, oil and natural gas. The use of fossil fuels has exponentially increased since the industrial revolution to the present day with each new wave of innovation. These fossil fuels main uses are to generate electricity, through the burning of coal and natural gas, and the refining of petroleum and oil for the production of fuels for transport. As helpful as these resources are they come with a cost to the environment, with the mining, refining and burning of fossil fuel is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, (EPA). The use and misuse of the fuels has harmed our environment so greatly that it is now approaching a theoretical tipping point, at which the harm that is being caused will become irreversible. Along with many of these resources having already reached their peak, the United States began import oil 1970 due to its own production peaking (e), the reduction of the consumption of fossil fuels is now vital. Engineers play a role in reducing the consumption of fossil fuels through the creation of new technologies and processes, along with the updating and retrofitting of old systems.

1) The environmental impacts from the consumption of fossil fuels - 545 words

The use of non-renewable resources is rampant in our modern society the world over. These fossil fuels, petroleum, oil, gas and coal, are refined and processed into useable forms that are then used to fuel automobiles and airplanes, power electricity plants, and even heat our water and homes, (nm...

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...environmental impacts from the consumption of fossil fuels. A reduction in fossil fuel use and lowering of carbon levels, or at the least an agreement between countries on these reductions crucially needs to occur in the next decade with the potential for irreversible climate change in the next century evident. The reduction in using fossil fuels to power vehicles and generate electricity will not only help reduce climate change it will also reduce the cost of medicines, cosmetics, plastics, synthetic fabrics, and lubricants, which are also made from oil (nmoga) , by reducing the demand for fossil fuels. To assist in responding to climate change there are specific opportunities for the engineering sector to increase energy efficiency of designed systems by creation of new technologies and processes and the retrofitting of existing technology to increase efficiency.

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