List Three Ways That Fossil Fuels Coal, Oil, Natural Gas Be

1 List Three Ways That Fossil Fuels Coal Oil Nat Gas Be Specif

1) List three ways that fossil fuels (coal, oil, nat. gas -- be specific!) harm the ENVIRONMENT (three sentences) 2) then list three ways that fossil fuels harm SOCIETY (politics, money, war, health) -- (three sentences) 3) Then refer to the maps depicting the spatial distribution of various energy sources and comment on the advantages of the ubiquity of solar and wind (compared to fossil fuels) and how this can help decrease international tension over energy while increasing energy self-sufficiency of each nation. ( a few sentences)

Paper For Above instruction

Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas have significant environmental impacts. Firstly, the combustion of coal releases a high amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change (World Resources Institute, 2020). Secondly, oil spills during extraction and transportation significantly harm marine ecosystems, affecting aquatic life and contaminating water sources (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2019). Thirdly, the extraction of natural gas via hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can lead to groundwater contamination and induce seismic activity (U.S. Geological Survey, 2018).

Beyond environmental issues, fossil fuels adversely affect society in various ways. Politically, reliance on oil-rich regions can generate conflicts, as nations compete for access to these vital resources (Klein, 2019). Economically, fossil fuel industries often create economic dependencies that can lead to volatile markets and price fluctuations, impacting global economies (IEA, 2021). Additionally, health problems such as respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other chronic diseases are linked to air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, burdening healthcare systems and reducing life expectancy (World Health Organization, 2020).

Spatial distribution maps of energy sources reveal that fossil fuels are concentrated in specific regions, which can lead to geopolitical tensions and energy insecurity for countries lacking domestic resources. In contrast, the widespread availability of solar and wind energy globally offers significant advantages. Solar and wind power are abundant and accessible in most parts of the world, reducing reliance on geographically limited fossil fuel reserves. This ubiquity of renewable energy sources can help diminish international tensions over energy supplies by enabling nations to meet their own energy needs independently, fostering greater energy self-sufficiency and stability (REN21, 2022). Transitioning toward solar and wind energy thus presents a strategic opportunity to promote global peace and sustainable development.

References

  • International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). Global Energy Review 2021. IEA Publications.
  • Klein, N. (2019). How Nations Compete for Oil and Gas Resources. Global Policy Journal, 10(3), 123-135.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2019). Oil Spill Impacts and Response. NOAA Reports.
  • REN21. (2022). Renewables Global Status Report 2022. REN21 Secretariat.
  • U.S. Geological Survey. (2018). Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking): Environmental and Geologic Effects. USGS Fact Sheet 2018-3078.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Air Pollution and Health. WHO Fact Sheet.
  • World Resources Institute. (2020). The Climate Impact of Coal. WRI Reports.

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