Fossil Fuels: Our Societys Dependency :: essays research papers

Fossil Fuels Our Societys DependencyOur society has become dependent on fossil fuels for energy. That seemsfine for now considering the fact that everyone is principally happy in thepresent situation. Fossil fuels are relatively inexpensive and seem to be doingthe trick right now. Using fossil fuels arise much(prenominal) issues as global warming,rising costs of scarce resources, and shortages of raw materials. None of theseproblems leave alone draw full attention until the acquire is needed, its the oldsupply and demand scenario. Although my opinion may seem pessimistic if you go steady at past events it points to the supply and demand scenario.During World War II rubber supplies were cut rack up to the western worldand we began to work on a heighten that was a synthetic rubber. We succeeded insupplying the demand and now that same synthetic compound is used today. Mytheory is that the same thing will happen with such things as plastic, which ismade from fossil fuels. Someon e will either come up with a synthetic plastic orcome up with something to substitute for plastic. The person who comes up withthe solution will become and instant millionaire and everyone will be happy.There is one draw back of this way of solving problems, I mean sure its greatto wait until the demand but we should still hit the books from our mistakes. We shouldlearn to plan ahead and see what the consequences could possibly be.We still have other demands to meet, there are three major demands offossil fuels and they are heating, merchant vessels, and industry. Althoughtransportation is taken care of, we may not like the thought of a solar car oran electric car but there are solutions out there. Frankly the oil companiesdont want to lose their monopoly in the transportation industry and that bringsus into the whole economy issue. If we run out of fossil fuels what will happento the economy? Will it suffer? These are just a few questions that are askedeveryday, but for now we ar e just going to look at solutions for demands onfossil fuels. This chart below illustrates the demands and the possiblesolutions.Energy Demand Alternative Energy Sources and Practicesheating - solar heating, heat pumps, geothermal energy,biomass gas, and electrical from hydro andnuclear plantstransportation - alcohol/gasohol and hydrogen fuels, andelectric vehicles- mass transit, bicycles, and walking- solar energy, nuclear energy, andhydroelectricity- improved efficiency and waste heat recoveryIn conclusion I dont think the need for a substitute for fossil fuels will