How Can We End Our Dependence on Fossil Fuels?

There are growing concerns for the environment. Most people accept this notion. Part of the problem is that the traditional fossil fuels used to power our cars and even generate electricity in power plants are damaging to the environment.

 

Another part of the problem is that population growth has soared. Little over 100 years ago there were 1 billion people on the planet, now there are 7 billion – this rapid growth has meant that the resources of fossil fuels are increasingly in demand.

 

As a result, it is necessary to break our dependence on fossil fuels, as supplies are finite and therefore unsustainable. The world economy, currently, relies on fossil fuels very heavily – as a result if we want to continue to grow and advance as a species it is important that we move away from the status quo.

 

It’s an easy thing to say, but not such an easy thing to do. So, let’s explore some of the ways that we might be able to end our dependence on fossil fuels. It’s obviously going to be a huge challenge, but we need to rise up to it in order to create a sustainable future for humanity

One of the most important ways to break our dependence on fossil fuels is to develop alternative methods of generating power – most likely through electricity production. There are some very promising technologies on the horizon; however they will require more development before they become a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Potential technologies, perhaps used in conjunction with one another, that may help break our dependence on fossil fuels include.

• Wind Power – The wind is a natural resource with extraordinary power. It is also a renewable resource, so it makes sense that we start to make use of the energy it provides. Wind farms are springing up all over the world, including places like Texas and the Irish Sea so progress is clearly being made.

• Solar Technology – Wind power is great, however it can be inefficient in the amount of energy that is required to construct them – in addition to the fact that they are dependent on windy conditions. Solar panels thrive on direct sunlight, but can still function in cloudy conditions too.

• Nuclear Fusion – Compared to the use of fossil fuels nuclear fusion is very clean. We don’t currently possess the technology to make this possible – however continued research and development could be a crucial way of developing this technology and breaking our dependence on fossil fuels.

Technology is going to be an important aspect of breaking our dependence on finite resources, although ironically the development of these technologies is contingent on the use of these fuels. As a result it is important for us to maximise use of these fossil fuels for the development of renewable energy technology and minimise their use for things that don’t contribute to this goal.

You could say that humanity has become a little bit spoiled by the convenience that is available to us. Being able to hop into your car and drive to work is an amazing technological feat, yet if there is the slightest hitch we tend to fly off the handle in a rage without appreciating the wonders that this technology delivers.

A symptom of being spoiled in this way is that we are unwilling to compromise. However, compromising on the use of fossil fuel reliant technology is an important way to make sure that we have a chance of breaking our dependence.

Many environmentally wary communities organise car share projects that allow people to share commutes, thus reducing fuel consumption. There are also an increasing amount of electric cars available, which might not quite be affordable yet but are good alternatives for the future as the technology improves.

Many people can compromise by making use of public transport where possible.  There are very good reasons to take the bus to work if you can, including saving money as fossil fuel prices continue to scream upwards.

An aspect of technology that contributes to increased use of finite resources is the energy that is required to create and manufacture it. As a result, it is important make the best use of all of our current technology and recycle every component possible.

Electronic waste is one of the biggest modern pollutants, and the sad fact of the matter is that most if not all of the components within old televisions, smartphones or any other electronic device can be recycled and reused – thereby eliminating the need to create and manufacture new ones and limiting the need to extract the raw materials required to do so.

There are signs that we are developing new methods of recycling this relatively new form of waste, but it needs to be stepped up in order to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and ultimately replace them.

Arguably the biggest impediment to breaking our dependence on fossil fuels is the lack of awareness around the world that this is an important issue. Admittedly there are very immediate concerns with things like poverty and health, however the future of the planet depends on finding an alternative way of creating energy that is both clean and efficient – therefore word needs to be spread.

There are many green activists, and many governments are adopting aspects of green technology – although it is a case of some doing more than others. This will hopefully improve.

You can help spread the word and raise awareness yourself, but the first step is simply realising there is a problem and that something must be done.

Thank you for reading. Please do let me know what you think; I’d love to know if you have anything at all to add. Also, please look at the rest of my work on Instructables. I would recommend viewing “How Can Fashion Designers Slip Seamlessly Into The Online World?”

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