We can build new thermoelectric power stations to meet the ever increasing needs of modern societies for electrical energy.

This perspective has serious disadvantages.

- Fossil fuels were formed millions of years ago. Specific stocks of them exist, therefore the more they are used the faster they will end up.

It should be noticed here that oil and its derivatives are used as fuel in all internal combustion engines (cars, airplanes, ships and others) no alternative fuels or mechanisms has been found yet, capable to provide sufficient energy to these engines. Therefore it is preferable to save oil for that use.
and

- The burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, lignite, natural gas) releases into the atmosphere carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is harmful to the environment, because it binds oxygen which is valuable for us (breathing), and also contributes to global warming that means to the gradual warming of the earth.

What happens when fossil fuels are burned?

Other uses of fossil fuels.


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© 2003, Despina M. Garyfallidou Athens-Greece