Fossil Fuels

Essay by Sean FalconerA+, January 1997

download word file, 2 pages 4.3

Natural Resources Report

Our society has become dependent on fossil fuels for energy. That seems fine for now

considering the fact that everyone is generally happy in the present situation. Fossil fuels

are relatively inexpensive and seem to be doing the trick right now. Using fossil fuels

arise such issues as global warming, rising costs of scarce resources, and shortages of raw

materials. None of these problems will draw full attention until the demand is needed,

it's the old supply and demand scenario. Although my opinion may seem pessimistic if

you look at past events it points to the supply and demand scenario.

During World War II rubber supplies were cut off to the western world and we

began to work on a compound that was a synthetic rubber. We succeeded in supplying

the demand and now that same synthetic compound is used today. My theory is that the

same thing will happen with such things as plastic, which is made from fossil fuels.

Someone will either come up with a synthetic plastic or come up with something to

substitute for plastic. The person who comes up with the solution will become and

instant millionaire and everyone will be happy. There is one draw back of this way of

solving problems, I mean sure it's great to wait until the demand but we should still learn

from our mistakes. We should learn to plan ahead and see what the consequences could

possibly be.

We still have other demands to meet, there are three major demands of fossil

fuels and they are heating, transportation, and industry. Although transportation is taken

care of, we may not like the thought of a solar car or an electric car but there are

solutions out there. Frankly the oil companies don't want to lose their...