PROBLEMS OF USING FOSSIL FUELS?

24/05/2007

There are two main problems of using fossil fuels as energy sources:1.They are finite, so will

eventually run out.2.The burning of them to

create energy produces lots of polluting gases.

Copy this speech bubble into your books:

How much longer can we depend on fossil fuels?

• Coal, Oil and Gas are created from organic matter, they are fossil fuels. These DO have a life expectancy, they are non-renewable, so will run out.

• Oil: 40-45 years left• Natural Gas: 50-65 years left

• Coal: 200-300 years leftThese are the approximate number of years left for each of these energy resources

•Oil: 42 years left

•Natural Gas: 60 years left

•Coal: 250 years left

Use this data to create a bar graph showing the number of years left for each of our non-renewable energy resources.

Who consumes the most fossil fuels?

• Rich MEDCs.• 70% of fossil fuels.

• In particular?• USA

• Who uses least?• LEDCs

• Especially African.

Fossil fuel energy

MEDC’s contain 25% of the world’s population BUT consume 70% of the

world’s fuels!

MEDC population

MEDC fuel usage

Is this fair?

• Burning fossil fuels has increased pollution in the atmosphere.

• This can lead to many health problems for people, animals and plants.

• The carbon stored in fossil fuels is released as carbon dioxide when they are

burnt – this changes the green house effect and can cause global warming.

OTHER PROBLEMS!!

http://ice-glaces.ec.gc.ca/content_contenu/images/bearours3.jpg

ACTIVITYFill in the speech bubble explaining the

following:• 1. What are the fossil fuels?

• 2. How long before they run out?• 3. Who consumes the most fossil fuels and

why?• 4. What are the problem with using fossil

fuels?Extension:You could also suggest some ways to solve the situation?