Fossil fuels are substances that are created naturally in the earth. One such naturally occurring process is the decomposition of dead organisms. Most fossil fuels are millions of years old and have high levels of carbon. Fossil fuels include petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Petroleum and natural gas are used to produce other types of fuel such as kerosene and propane. Some fossil fuels are highly volatile such as methane, while others are very stable substances such as coal.
It is estimated that in 2017, 85% of the world’s energy u
se was based on fossil fuels. Other types of fuels in use include nuclear power, hydroelectric power, and other renewable energy sources. However, the use of fossil fuels is growing year by year.
Even though fossil fuels are naturally occurring, they cannot be considered to be renewable sources of energy because they can take millions of years to form. Once the current supply is depleted we will not be able to get them back. However, the use of renewable energy sources can help to preserve what little fossil fuels we have left, also reducing the damage that is being done to this planet.