Katerina Swanson
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, have been used to power economies for over 150 years and currently supply about 80% of the world's energy. In 2019, world energy production amounted to 617 EJ, an increase of 2% from 2018. Fossil fuels accounted for more than 81% of this production, with oil as the most produced form of energy at 190 EJ. This article will explore the amount of energy produced by fossil fuels per day and the ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global energy production by fossil fuels in 2019 | 81% |
| Percentage of global energy production by fossil fuels | 80% |
| Percentage of U.S. primary energy production by fossil fuels in 2023 | 84% |
| Percentage of U.S. primary energy production by fossil fuels in 2020 | 60% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption by oil in 2020 | 33% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption by coal in 2020 | 19% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy-related carbon emissions by oil in 2020 | 45% |
| Percentage of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by natural gas in 2020 | 36% |
| Percentage of global electricity production by coal in 2019 | 37% |
| Percentage of global electricity production by renewables in 2019 | 27% |
| Percentage of global electricity production by natural gas in 2019 | 24% |
| Percentage of global electricity production by nuclear in 2019 | 10% |
| Percentage of global electricity production by oil in 2019 | <3% |
| Percentage of U.S. electricity generation by renewables in 2020 | 20% |
| Percentage of U.S. electricity generation by fossil fuels in 2023 | 60% |
| Percentage of U.S. electricity generation by nuclear energy in 2023 | 19% |
| Percentage of U.S. electricity generation by renewable energy in 2023 | 21% |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels' contribution to global energy production
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the primary source of energy for over 150 years. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of the global energy mix, with coal, oil, and natural gas comprising 82% of energy consumption. Oil and coal accounted for a third and a quarter of the world's energy consumption, respectively. In 2019, fossil fuels accounted for more than 81% of global energy production, with oil as the most produced form of energy at 190 EJ.
While the consumption of fossil fuels decreased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels in the coming years. In 2020, oil was the largest source of energy-related carbon emissions in the United States, followed by natural gas. Coal's share of energy production has been declining due to the increasing adoption of natural gas and renewable energy sources. Despite this, coal remains a significant contributor to energy production, especially in electricity generation, where it accounted for 19% of U.S. energy consumption in 2020.
The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, making it the largest contributor to global climate change. It is responsible for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of carbon dioxide emissions. In 2018, air pollution from fossil fuels resulted in $2.9 trillion in health and economic costs, approximately $8 billion per day. As a result, there is a growing trend towards transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as renewables and nuclear power.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, offer a way to reduce import dependency and promote economic growth, new jobs, and poverty alleviation. The cost of renewable energy technologies has been decreasing, making them a more attractive and affordable option for many countries. Additionally, improving energy efficiency and reducing energy demand through public transit and alternative transportation methods can further contribute to the transition away from fossil fuels.
While fossil fuels still dominate the global energy landscape, the shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources is gaining momentum. The International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency have both advocated for a transition to renewable energy sources, with the latter estimating that 90% of the world's electricity should come from renewables by 2050.
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Fossil fuels' role in climate change
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are the largest contributor to global climate change. They account for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. When burned, fossil fuels release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming and climate change. The average global temperature has already increased by 1°C, and global temperatures passed the critical 1.5°C milestone in 2024. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions must be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. This involves transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable and alternative sources of energy.
Fossil fuels have dominated the energy mix in the United States for over a century, but this is changing. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for about 60% of electricity generation in the United States, while renewable energy sources contributed about 21%. Oil constitutes about one-third of US energy consumption, with the transportation sector accounting for most of its use. Coal supplied 19% of US energy consumption in 2020 and is primarily used to generate electricity. However, coal usage has been decreasing due to the declining costs of natural gas and renewable energy, making coal less competitive. As a result, carbon dioxide emissions from coal have also decreased significantly.
The burning of fossil fuels has harmful effects on the environment and human health. In addition to carbon dioxide, coal-fired power plants generate mercury, sulfur dioxide, and soot emissions, contributing to air pollution and acid rain. Fossil fuel-powered vehicles emit poisonous carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, causing smog and respiratory illnesses. Moreover, the extraction and transportation of oil pose significant environmental and safety risks. The ocean has become 30% more acidic since the Industrial Revolution due to absorbing carbon emissions, impacting marine life and coastal communities.
To address climate change and mitigate these negative impacts, a transition to clean and renewable energy sources is necessary. Renewable energy sources, such as hydropower, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar power, are becoming more accessible and affordable. They provide economic benefits, drive inclusive growth, and create more jobs than the fossil fuel industry. Additionally, improving energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles, and industrial processes is an immediate and cost-effective way to reduce energy use and emissions. While carbon capture and storage technologies can help mitigate the effects of climate change, they should not be relied upon as a justification to continue burning fossil fuels unabated.
In summary, fossil fuels play a significant role in climate change due to their high carbon dioxide emissions and other harmful pollutants. To combat this, a shift towards renewable and clean energy sources is imperative, along with improving energy efficiency and reducing overall energy demand.
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Fossil fuels' impact on air pollution
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are the largest contributor to global climate change. They account for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. In 2019, fossil fuels accounted for 74% of US greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly 25% of emissions coming from fossil fuels extracted from public lands. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for about 60% of US electricity generation.
The burning of fossil fuels has significant environmental and health impacts. It releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and mercury. These emissions contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain, which have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 99% of people globally breathe air that exceeds healthy air quality standards, and more than 13 million deaths worldwide each year are attributed to avoidable environmental causes, including air pollution.
The health risks associated with air pollution from fossil fuels are significant. Exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM 2.5, from burning fossil fuels has severe consequences. A recent study published in Environmental Research estimates that air pollution from fossil fuels causes approximately 8.7 million premature deaths globally each year, primarily from respiratory and cardiovascular issues. This figure is more than twice the previous estimate and exceeds the combined death toll of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The combustion of fossil fuels releases additives such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, which produce ultra-fine particles and aromatic hydrocarbons known to cause cancer. Additionally, air pollution from fossil fuels can lead to asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory infections, particularly in children.
The impact of fossil fuel air pollution disproportionately affects certain communities. In the United States, for example, Black and Hispanic Americans are exposed to significantly higher levels of particulate matter pollution than the general population. Furthermore, the economic costs associated with the health impacts of fossil fuel pollution are substantial. In 2018, the health and economic costs associated with air pollution from fossil fuels were estimated at $2.9 trillion globally, approximately $8 billion per day. In the United States alone, the annual cost of health impacts from fossil fuel-generated electricity was estimated to be up to $886.5 billion in 2018.
Transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources is crucial to address the air pollution and health crises caused by fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air and are becoming increasingly cost-effective. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and investing in renewable alternatives, we can improve air quality, mitigate climate change, and create a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.
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Fossil fuels' consumption by country
Fossil fuels—including coal, oil, and natural gas—have powered economies for over 150 years. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of the global energy mix. While this figure has remained relatively stable over the years, there are some indications that the world is beginning to move away from fossil fuels. For instance, in Europe, fossil fuel consumption fell below 70% for the first time ever, and in the US, which is the world's third-largest consumer of coal, consumption has halved in the last decade.
The US is the largest oil consumer, with over 19.1 million barrels per day consumed as of 2022. In the same year, the US consumed 32.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, about 1.6 trillion cubic feet more than in 2021. Oil constitutes about one-third of US energy consumption, and in 2020, oil combustion was responsible for 45% of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
Russia is another major player in the oil market, producing roughly 11.28% of the world's oil in 2021. In the same year, Russia consumed 3.67 million barrels daily, accounting for 4% of the world's total consumption. Russia is also one of the largest consumers of natural gas, with 408 billion cubic meters consumed in 2022.
Japan, despite its relatively small territory, is the fifth-largest consumer of fossil fuels globally. In 2022, Japan consumed over 151 million metric tons of oil and imported 180.3 million tons of coal. Oil is also the primary energy source in Korea, which imported 960 million barrels of crude oil in 2021, along with around 126 million tons of coal.
Canada, another large consumer of fossil fuels, used upwards of 98 million metric tons of oil in 2022. The country also consumed 390 petajoules of coal and 101 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the same year.
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Fossil fuels' alternatives
Fossil fuels—including coal, oil, and natural gas—have been the world's primary energy source for over 150 years, currently supplying about 80% of the world's energy. In 2022, they accounted for approximately 79% of total energy consumption in the United States, with oil constituting about one-third of that. However, there is a growing movement to reduce reliance on fossil fuels due to their environmental and geopolitical risks.
Solar Power
Solar energy is one of the most popular alternatives to fossil fuels. It harnesses sunlight to generate electricity through photovoltaic (PV) panels or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. Solar energy is renewable, abundantly available, and reduces energy costs for consumers in the long run. Additionally, solar energy does not cause any direct emissions. However, it is dependent on sunlight, which isn't always available, and installation costs and space requirements are substantial. Solar power currently generates about 4-5% of the globe's electricity.
Wind Power
Wind energy uses wind turbines to convert wind power into electricity. Like solar power, it is renewable, clean, and does not produce direct emissions. Wind energy is rapidly deployable, but it depends on variable wind patterns and may have visual and land impacts. The intermittent nature of wind energy means it cannot be the sole replacement for fossil fuels. A single wind turbine has a capacity of 2-3 megawatts and can produce over 6 million kilowatt-hours of energy per year.
Hydropower
Hydropower is another renewable energy source that has been growing in recent years. While it did not increase in 2019, it remains an important alternative to fossil fuels.
Nuclear Power
Nuclear power is considered a clean and efficient alternative to fossil fuels. It provides a low-carbon way of generating energy with minimal waste compared to sources like coal. However, nuclear fuel is a finite resource that can only be mined in certain places, and the waste created can last for thousands of years. Events like the Chernobyl accident in 1986 have made the prospect of nuclear power psychologically challenging to accept for many. Nevertheless, countries like France have embraced nuclear power, with almost 70% of its electricity generated through this source.
Biofuels
Biofuels have been around for a long time but became less prominent with the introduction of cheap gasoline and diesel. They are still a great form of energy due to their natural and unlimited origins. Biofuels can be made through various processes, usually involving certain chemical reactions, sugars, fermentation, or other molecules in plants. They can power cars and other vehicles.
While fossil fuels remain the dominant energy source globally, the transition to renewable energy sources is gaining momentum. As research and development in this area progress, renewable alternatives are becoming more economically viable and common.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels produce a significant amount of energy, but there are no precise figures for daily production. However, in 2019, world energy production was 617 EJ, with fossil fuels accounting for over 80% of that production.
Fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the carbon-rich remains of ancient plants and animals.
Fossil fuels are burned to generate electricity and heat.
Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global climate change, producing high levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. They also contribute to local air pollution, causing millions of premature deaths annually.
Yes, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, and nuclear energy are viable alternatives. These sources are cleaner, more sustainable, and can help address climate change and air pollution.
