Mercedes Mullins
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the world's primary energy source for over 150 years. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of the global energy mix, with coal, oil, and natural gas comprising the majority of this energy production. While fossil fuels have powered economies and industries for centuries, they have also been the largest driver of global climate change, producing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions when burned. As renewable energy sources become more accessible and affordable, the world is facing increasing pressure to transition away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable energy system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global energy mix | 82% in 2023 |
| Global primary energy consumption | Hit historic highs in 2023 |
| Fossil fuels accounted for in the US in 2023 | 84% of total primary energy production |
| Fossil fuels accounted for in the US in 1978 | 49% of total energy consumption |
| Fossil fuels accounted for in the US in 2023 | 38% of total energy consumption |
| Percentage of global energy production | 80% |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels in the US
Fossil fuels are a significant source of energy in the US, but the country is also increasingly turning to renewable energy sources. In 2024, the US produced a record amount of energy, with a total energy production of over 103 quadrillion British thermal units, a 1% increase from the previous year. Natural gas accounted for about 38% of this total energy production and has been the largest source of US energy for some time.
The US has long been a major consumer of fossil fuels, and in recent years, it has also become a significant producer and exporter. This shift has reduced the country's dependence on foreign oil and has had a substantial impact on global energy markets, challenging the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) control over oil prices.
However, there is a growing recognition in the US that the environmental impacts of fossil fuels are detrimental. Greenhouse gas emissions, largely from burning fossil fuels, have severe consequences, and there is a push to reduce these emissions. The transportation, electricity generation, and industrial sectors are the leading sources of these emissions.
To address this, the US government has implemented various initiatives, including the Coalbed Methane Outreach Program (CMOP), which aims to reduce methane released from coal mining, and supporting alternative energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuel. Additionally, several US states have consistently deployed energy efficiency innovations, and more than 20 states now mandate that all electricity come from clean sources by 2050 or sooner.
The transition towards renewable energy sources is gaining momentum, with wind and solar power setting new milestones. In 2024, wind and solar power production increased by 25% and 8%, respectively, and together, they produced more electricity than coal from January to November. This shift is driven by technological advancements, such as improvements in battery technology, and policy changes, including state regulations pushing utilities to move away from fossil fuels.
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Fossil fuels globally
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the world's primary energy source for over 150 years. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of the global energy mix, with oil and coal dominating the energy consumption. The increase in fossil fuel consumption, especially coal, led to a record-high 40 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This is a 2% increase from 2022 and is the highest level ever recorded.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds safe air quality limits, and over 13 million deaths worldwide each year are attributed to preventable environmental factors, including air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change and air pollution. In 2018, air pollution from fossil fuels resulted in $2.9 trillion in health and economic costs, approximately $8 billion per day.
While fossil fuels have played a dominant role in global energy systems, the transition towards cleaner energy sources is gaining momentum. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, are increasingly being adopted. In 2019, renewable energy accounted for almost 27% of global electricity production, surpassing natural gas. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that by 2050, 90% of the world's electricity should come from renewable sources.
However, the consumption and production of fossil fuels remain high. In 2023, global primary energy consumption reached historic highs, driven by a spike in energy demand, particularly from the Global South. Oil remains a significant contributor to energy production, accounting for 190 EJ in 2019 and holding steady at 31% of the world total energy supply between 2010 and 2019. Coal, despite a slight decrease in production in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remains the dominant fuel for power generation, comprising 37% of global electricity production in 2019.
To summarize, while fossil fuels continue to play a significant role in global energy production, accounting for approximately 80% of the world's energy in 2020, the negative impacts of their consumption, such as climate change and air pollution, are driving a transition towards cleaner energy alternatives.
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Coal
On a global scale, coal still supplies just over a third of electricity generation, making it the largest source of electricity worldwide. In 2022, global coal-fired power generation rose by nearly 2%, continuing its record-breaking streak for the second year in a row to around 10,400 TWh. This growth was driven primarily by the Asia Pacific region, with China adding 11 GW of new coal-fired power plants to its grid. However, it is important to note that coal consumption has declined in most years since 2005 in the U.S., and some countries, such as Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, and Slovakia, have committed to phasing out coal or not developing new unabated coal power plants.
While coal is being gradually replaced in most countries for power generation, it remains crucial for iron and steel production until newer technologies become available. To mitigate its environmental impact, the coal industry needs to develop and deploy less polluting and more efficient technologies, including carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). As of the end of 2023, 84 countries had agreed to phase out coal or not develop new unabated coal power plants, collectively accounting for around 30% of current coal consumption for electricity generation.
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Oil
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the primary source of energy for over 150 years. In 2020, they supplied about 80% of the world's energy. However, the world is gradually transitioning to renewable energy sources, and the pace of renewable deployment is increasing.
While oil has been a significant energy source, it is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, oil combustion was responsible for 45% of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. The extraction and transportation of oil also pose environmental and safety risks, with oil spills polluting oceans, wetlands, and other ecosystems, and threatening human health.
The future of oil is uncertain as economies move towards sustainable renewable energy sources. While fossil fuel consumption has decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is expected to rebound. However, the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the decreasing costs of renewable technologies will likely impact the demand for oil in the coming years.
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$12.99 $29.95
Natural gas
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have long played a dominant role in global energy systems. In 2023, about 4.18 trillion kilowatthours (kWh) of electricity were generated at utility-scale electricity generation facilities in the United States. Fossil fuels accounted for 60% of this electricity generation, with coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases being the main sources. In the same year, fossil fuels made up about 84% of total US primary energy production.
While natural gas is a proven and reliable energy source, it also contributes to global warming and climate change. Natural gas use emitted about 7.8 billion tons of CO2 in 2020, and it accounts for about one-fifth of human greenhouse gas emissions, with this contribution growing rapidly. As low-carbon energy sources become more accessible, transitioning away from natural gas and other fossil fuels is crucial to mitigate their negative environmental impacts.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels—including coal, oil, and natural gas—have been powering economies for over 150 years and currently supply about 80% of the world’s energy. In 2023, fossil fuels comprised 82% of the global energy mix, with coal, oil, and natural gas accounting for most of the energy consumption.
The primary sources of fossil fuels are petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
The consumption of fossil fuels has changed significantly over the past few centuries, with a recent increase in consumption despite the push for renewable energy sources. In 2023, global primary energy consumption hit an all-time high, with fossil fuel consumption increasing by 1.5% from 2022.
Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. They also contribute to local air pollution, which is linked to millions of premature deaths each year.
