By Aisi Atiti
As long as humanity exists, there will always be a need for energy. Fossil fuels which age back to millions of years have served as a means to satisfy mankind’s energy needs for over a century. Fossil fuels include most of the fuels used for both domestic, commercial and industrial purposes today, such as natural gas, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), kerosene, propane, coal etc. These fuels were formed from the anaerobic decomposition of buried organic matter over millions of years, notably since the Mesozoic era (the era of the dinosaurs).
Over the years, the use of fossil fuels has led to growth, contributed vastly to innovations, and provided energy to industries in economies around the world. Although these energy sources heralded innovation and development as never seen before, they have also been known to be disadvantageous.
The most notable disadvantage of fossil fuels is its effect on the environment and health. The burning of fossil fuels leads to the production and accumulation of very dangerous greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) which have resulted in global warming, one of the major proponents of our present climate change. The burning of these fuels also pollute the ambient environment and can affect individual health by increasing vulnerability to diseases.
The variable distribution of these fossil resources globally has also led to increased energy costs and poor energy security for many. In some countries, the cost of energy production through the use of these fuels is high, which translates into high energy tariff bills for individuals who are not able to afford it; and this contributes to energy poverty globally.
Resolving these challenges have heralded the transition to renewable energy. Renewable sources are available universally and are free. The transition towards renewable energy creation means through solar, hydro and wind clean and sustainable energy would be provided and as well as the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions into the environment. It is already happening with coal in many parts of the world. The use of coal for power generation fell among European countries by 24 per cent last year.
It is expected that the gradual adoption of clean energy solutions by governments, industries and consumers will gradually result in the decline and eventual phase-out of the use of fossil fuels. While this may not happen soon, but just like their progenitors the dinosaurs (whose organic matter decomposed to form fossil fuels), these fuels may also be destined for extinction.