1) There are environmental hazards present. Environmental pollution is one of the major disadvantage of fossil fuels. It is a known fact that carbon dioxide, gas released when fossil fuels are burnt, is one of the primary gas responsible for global warming. Rise in temperature of earth has resulted in melting of polar ice caps, flooding of low-lying areas and rise in sea levels. If such conditions continue, our planet Earth might face some serious consequences in near future.
2) The prices of materials are rising. Middle East countries have huge reserves of oil and natural gas and many other countries are dependent on them for constant supply of these fuels. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a group of 13 countries including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. They are responsible for 40 percent of the world’s oil production and hold the majority of the world’s oil reserves, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). OPEC constantly monitors the volume of oil consumed and then adjusts its own production to maintain its desired barrel price. This results in worldwide price fluctuations, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
3) There is a risk of acid rain (check out a case study in Pennsylvania . . . we have lots of it.) Sulfur dioxide is one of the pollutant that is released when fossil fuels are burnt and is a main cause of acid rain. Acid rain can lead to the destruction of monuments made up of brickwork or marbles. Even crops can affected due to acidification of loams. Coal mining results in destruction of ecosystems and also endangers the lives of mineworkers.
4) There are effects on human health. Pollution from vehicles and coal powered power plants can cause serious environmental hazards. Pollution related diseases range from mild to severe and can significantly affect one’s quality of life. Air pollution can result in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or COPD and lung cancer. Long-term exposure may increase respiratory infections in general population. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable to fine particulate matter and other airborne toxicants.
5) These resources are nonrenewable. As of today, fossil fuels are being extracted at an exorbitant rate to meet the gap between demand and supply and it is estimated that they will be finished in next 30-40 years. Since they are non-renewable, it is more likely that fuel expenses will face a steep hike in near future. It would take millions of years to replace coal, and oil, and this means that we will not be able drive cars anymore unless we switch to electric cars that use energy from renewable energy sources. This means once these non-renewable sources are completely used up, there is nothing more left.
6) There is an impact on aquatic life by oil spills. Fossil fuels are needed in huge reserves wherever their plants are set up. This requires them to be transported to the desired location via truck, train, ship or airplane. Often we hear of some leaks in oil tankers or ship getting drowned deep under the sea that were carrying crude oil to get refined. The impact of this is that crude oil contains some toxic substances which when mixed up with water poses serious impact on aquatic life. Transportation of crude oil via sea can cause oil spill which can pose hazard to the aquatic life by lessening the oxygen content of water.
7) Coal mining is problematic. Extraction of coal from areas that have huge reserves is not only a difficult and dangerous task but also poses a serious health hazard to the lives of several workers who work there. The coal mining destroys wide areas of land and results in ecological imbalance.
8) There is an increased need for a large amount of reserves. The coal power plants requires a huge and regular supply of coal to produce large amount of energy on a constant basis. This means that these plants need train-loads of fuel near power stations to carry out the process of generating power. This is needed as many countries are still dependent on coal as a major source for producing power.
Hope that helps.
