por What is the impact of fuels?
He fuel impact in the environment it can be very serious, since they are elements that burn very easily. Currently, fossil fuels (those derived from fossilized plants and animals, such as natural gas, oil, and coal) are used as energy sources.
The extraction, processing and burning of these compounds generate negative effects on the environment.
However, it is possible to put an end to the environmental deterioration produced by these elements with different solution alternatives. Alternative energies are essential for this.
Environmental implications of the use of fuels
The use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas has generated a series of adverse effects on the environment, among which are:
1. The increase in the greenhouse effect, which produces global warming and climate change
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a greenhouse gas that is released during the combustion process. This gas concentrates heat in the lowest zone of the atmosphere, increasing global warming, which means that the Earth’s temperature increases, affecting the planet’s ecosystems.
Likewise, global warming produces sudden climatic changes, such as heat waves that threaten life on the planet. In 003, for example, there was a heat wave in Europe that caused the death of around 20,000 people.
2. Sea level rise
Sea level is rising twice as fast as it did 150 years ago. Some studies carried out in the United States have shown that this is due to greenhouse gas emissions that derive from human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels.
In 1850, the average rise in sea level was 1 millimeter (mm) per year. For its part, currently the average increase is 2 mm per year, a figure that is alarming. In the worst case, it is expected that by 2100, the sea level will have risen by one metre.
3. Accumulation of solid waste
The burning of fossil fuels can generate the accumulation of solid waste, which has a negative impact on the environment.
These wastes require adequate spaces in which they can be contained and/or treated appropriately, which is why it is necessary to have financial support.
In the same way, there must be organizations that are in charge of ensuring that the waste is disposed of properly.
However, most governments do not have adequate facilities to contain solid waste, so there is a high probability that solid waste will contaminate both land and water surfaces.
This contamination directly affects the forms of life that are found in the place, both plant and animal, as well as aquatic and terrestrial.
4. Acid rain
Initially, acid rain was considered a problem that affected only the European continent and the United States.
However, in recent decades, cases of acid rain have been recorded at the poles, in the tropical forests of Asia, in Africa, in South America, in short, all over the world. In this sense, this phenomenon has gone from being a local nuisance to a global problem.
5. Health implications
The health effects of fossil fuels are endless. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some 160,000 people die each year due to the secondary effects of climate change. This figure could double in the next decade.
According to the WHO, these secondary effects appear in the form of malaria, malnutrition and diarrhea, which are consequences of floods, droughts and sudden increases in temperature.
6. Changes in the ecological balance
The extraction of fossil fuels requires the construction of large infrastructures. Because coal, oil and gas are usually found underground, these infrastructures must be capable of penetrating the earth’s crust with large drills.
On many occasions, these drills can unintentionally break the barrier between fossil fuels and underground water currents, causing contamination of the latter.
Similarly, during the transport of these fuels, it may be the case that there is a leak, contaminating other areas.
Oil spills in the water prevent these areas from being inhabited for a long period of time. On many occasions, these spills also mean the loss of plant and animal life.
Alternatives to Fossil Fuels
Currently, alternative energy sources are being implemented to supplant the use of fossil fuels. These energy sources, unlike fuels, are renewable, clean, and reliable.
Some of these alternative energies are solar, wind and wave energy.
1. Solar energy
With today’s advances in technology, creating and installing solar panels is cheaper than ever before. It is even expected that in the coming decades, these panels will improve their quality and performance.
2. Wind power
In terms of technology, the energy obtained from the wind has also made amazing progress. The great advantage of this type of energy is that the wind is available anywhere in the world.
Previously, one of the biggest impediments to the development of this type of energy on a large scale was the fact that large turrets had to be installed in order to obtain energy from the wind.
However, turbines have been developed that can catch low drafts, so turrets are not necessary.
3. Wave energy
The movement of ocean currents and waves can also be used to obtain energy. In this case, a type of technology similar to that used in obtaining wind energy is used.
The movement of the waves is constant, which represents an advantage for the development of this technology.
The only impediment is that you need to be in a coastal area to be able to harvest energy from the oceans.
References
Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels. Retrieved from conserve-energy-future.com.
Environmental problems with coal, oil, and gas. Retrieved from phyast.pitt.edu.