Assignment 1: Discussion—Nonrenewable Resources Today 774325

Assignment 1: Discussion—Nonrenewable Resources Today, more than any other time in history, there is growing support to move away from nonrenewable resources towards developing renewable resources to meet current and future energy needs

Throughout history, human societies have relied heavily on nonrenewable resources such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum to fuel economic growth, technological development, and daily life activities. These resources are considered finite because their formation is a slow geological process that takes millions of years, primarily originating from the decay of organic material buried and subjected to intense heat and pressure over geological timescales. Specifically, coal is formed from plant matter in swamp environments that underwent carbonization over millions of years. Natural gas and petroleum, on the other hand, are derived from the remains of microscopic marine organisms that accumulated on ocean floors, subsequently transformed through heat and pressure.

The primary reserves of these fossil fuels are concentrated in specific regions globally. For coal, major reserves are in the United States (such as the Appalachian Basin), China, India, and Australia. Natural gas reserves are abundant in the Middle East, Russia, the United States (particularly in Texas and the Gulf Coast), and Iran. Petroleum reserves are mainly located in the Middle East, Venezuela, Canada, and parts of Africa. Extraction methods vary but generally involve surface mining for coal or drilling for oil and natural gas. These processes often entail significant environmental disruption, such as habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution. For example, coal mining can cause landscape alteration and acid mine drainage, while oil drilling risks oil spills that devastate marine ecosystems.

The utilization of these nonrenewable resources for energy production is widespread. Coal is primarily used in electricity generation through combustion in power plants, while oil is refined into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for transportation. Natural gas is employed for heating, electricity generation, and as a feedstock in chemical industries. Despite their economic importance, these energy sources release greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Moreover, extraction and burning produce other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can cause smog, acid rain, respiratory problems, and environmental degradation.

Society continues to depend heavily on nonrenewable resources despite their environmental impacts because these fuels are currently more accessible, cost-effective, and established within existing energy infrastructures. The infrastructure for renewable energy—such as wind, solar, and geothermal—requires significant initial investment and technological development, which can be barriers to rapid adoption. Additionally, political interests, economic dependencies, and fossil fuel subsidies further reinforce reliance on fossil fuels. Governments' policies and geopolitical considerations often favor fossil fuel industries due to their economic importance and employment generation.

If society were to transition to environmentally friendly fuel sources, there could be profound political and economic ramifications. For example, a decline in fossil fuel demand could reduce the economic power of oil-exporting countries, destabilize energy markets, and impact global geopolitics. Domestically, transitioning would require substantial investments in renewable infrastructure, potentially leading to job creation within green energy sectors but also significant economic restructuring. Politicians and policymakers would face challenges regarding energy security, economic stability, and equitable transition. Overall, while the shift towards sustainable energy presents hurdles, it also offers opportunities for innovation, environmental preservation, and long-term economic stability (Stern, 2007; IEA, 2021). Given the urgency of climate change, global commitments and policies are increasingly aligning with renewable energy adoption, signaling a vital shift in many nations' energy strategies.

References

• International Energy Agency. (2021). World Energy Outlook 2021. https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2021
• Stern, N. (2007). The economics of climate change: The Stern review. Cambridge University Press.
• Bhattacharyya, S. C. (2013). Energy Resources and Policy. Springer.
• Energy Information Administration. (2020). Annual Energy Outlook 2020. https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo
• Hansen, J. (2011). Storms of My Grandchildren: The Truth About the Coming Climate Catastrophe and Our Last Chance to Save Humanity. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• World Resources Institute. (2019). Beyond Clean Cooking: Why electrification is critical for a sustainable future. https://www.wri.org/blog/beyond-clean-cooking-why-electrification-critical-sustainable-future
• McKinsey & Company. (2020). The Future of Oil and Gas in a Net-Zero World. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/oil-and-gas/our-insights/the-future-of-oil-and-gas-in-a-net-zero-world
• U.S. Geological Survey. (2022). Mineral Resources Program. https://www.usgs.gov/programs/minerals-information-office
• World Bank. (2020). State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2020. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/33809
• Radetzki, M. (2019). The Economics of the Oil Market. Routledge.