Fossil Fuels: Why do we still use them?
Wind power, solar power, hydropower. Nuclear energy, geothermal energy, sound energy. For the past few decades, these sources of renewable energy have occupied the limelight of public attention, with many people throughout the nation eagerly petitioning for their use in place of fossil fuels. Indeed, fossil fuels have long been lambasted by the public for their effect on the environment and overall unsustainability. Meanwhile, renewable energy sources are continuing to grow in popularity, efficiency, and feasibility. Yet, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, fossil fuels are still the largest source of electricity generation, occupying 60.2% of the total (EIA). So, if fossil fuels are so harmful and renewable energy is more sustainable for the environment, why are fossil fuels still so widely used and why does it continue to be a major energy issue within the nation and beyond?
One key contributor to the prevalence of fossil fuels is that while they are finite, they are not few. Middle Eastern countries, Russia, some South American countries, and even the U.S. harbor large reserves of oil and other fossil fuels. From there, it boils down to plain economics: the greater the supply of oil, the cheaper it is for the world to consume it, making oil an economically efficient and desirable energy source. Furthermore, growing strides in fossil fuel technology make fossil fuels ever more attractive due to their feasibility and economy. Indeed, according to Samantha Gross at Brookings, “We haven’t found a good substitute for oil, in terms of its availability and fitness for purpose. Although the supply is finite, oil is plentiful and the technology to extract it continues to improve, making it ever-more economic to produce and use” (Brookings).
Another reason, albeit less important, to the dominance of fossil fuels in the world’s energy consumption is the political influence of major fossil fuel exporters. Leading oil organizations such as OPEC frequently collaborate to control oil supply, increase profits, and continue fossil fuel use. Such is its influence that oil even plays a role in world politics, such as European dependence on Russian oil deterring their involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian War. The lobbying power of these powers presents another barrier to the transition away from fossil fuels.
So, what’s next for the world’s energy consumption? Renewable energy sources are plentiful and becoming more and more efficient. Consumers should embrace these new energy sources as much as possible, replacing fossil fuels where possible. Governments throughout the world must also have responsible and climate-conscious leaders to push for renewable energy legislation and not hinder the transition toward renewable energy any more than it already is. Only then can the world defeat the technological and political obstacles hindering the way to a cleaner and more sustainable worldwide energy mix. For a closer look at a unique way to reduce the impact of fossil fuels and what companies are doing, check out the video below.
