Mercedes Mullins
Fossil fuels have been key to industrialization and rising prosperity, but they have also had a detrimental impact on health and the climate. Fossil fuel production is an important metric as it helps us understand where fossil fuels are being extracted and consumed. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of the global energy mix, with coal, oil, and natural gas being the main sources. Oil constitutes about one-third of US energy consumption, while coal supplied 19% in 2020. China and India are leading coal consumption globally, with China burning more coal than the rest of the world combined. The US remains the world's third-largest consumer of coal, although consumption has halved in the last decade. To limit global warming, it is crucial to transition to sustainable energy sources and reduce emissions from fossil fuels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global energy mix in 2023 | 82% |
| Percentage of global energy mix in 2022 | 80.5% |
| Percentage of global energy mix in 2019 | 74% of U.S. energy mix |
| Percentage of U.S. energy production in 2023 | 84% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption in 2020 | 38% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption in 2019 | Exceeded total annual energy consumption |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption in 1978 | 49% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption by the transportation sector in 2023 | 89% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption by the electric power sector in 2023 | <1% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption in 2020 | 19% |
| Percentage of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 | 74% |
| Percentage of U.S. electricity generation in 2020 | 20% |
| Percentage of global renewable energy additions in 2023 | 55% (China) |
| Percentage of global primary energy production from fossil fuels | 80% |
| Percentage of global electricity production from fossil fuels | <80% |
| Percentage of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels in 2023 | 40% |
| Number of commercial CCS plants in operation in 2020 | 26 |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel consumption by country
Fossil fuel consumption varies significantly by country, with many factors influencing a nation's energy usage. Oil, coal, and gas remain the primary global energy sources, despite the increasing popularity of renewable energy. According to the United Nations, fossil fuels account for over 90% of carbon dioxide emissions, causing global warming. Here is a closer look at some of the top fossil fuel-consuming countries.
The United States is a significant consumer of fossil fuels, particularly oil. In 2022, the US consumed over 19.1 million barrels of oil per day, along with 32.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The US also recorded high coal consumption, with usage contributing to its position as one of the top global fossil fuel consumers.
China is another leading consumer of fossil fuels, especially coal. In 2023, China consumed 140 exajoules of fossil fuels, with coal accounting for 56% of global consumption. China's fossil fuel usage plays a substantial role in driving global demand for these energy sources.
Other countries with notable fossil fuel consumption include India, Japan, Russia, Canada, and Korea. India's coal consumption, for instance, surpassed the combined total of Europe and North America in 2023. Japan, despite its relatively small territory, ranked fifth in fossil fuel consumption in 2022, with over 151 million metric tons of oil and 180.3 million tons of coal consumed.
Some countries with high per capita fossil fuel consumption include Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Singapore, and Qatar. These countries consume 10 or more tons of fossil fuels per person per year, with Equatorial Guinea leading at 18 metric tons.
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Fossil fuel reserves
According to the Energy Institute's report on world energy, fossil fuels comprised 82% of the global energy mix in 2023, with oil and coal accounting for a third and a quarter of global energy consumption, respectively. This represents a 1.5% increase in fossil fuel consumption compared to 2022 and has led to record-high carbon dioxide emissions.
The consumption and production of fossil fuels vary across different countries and regions. For example, while fossil fuel consumption in Europe and the US has decreased in recent years, leading to a decline in CO2 emissions, China and India are leading the way in coal consumption, with China burning more coal than the rest of the world combined.
To transition away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable energy system, several options are available, including renewable energy sources such as hydropower, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar energy. Additionally, improving energy efficiency and reducing energy demand through public transit, walking, and biking can also help to decrease the reliance on fossil fuels.
To meet the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement and limit global warming to 1.5 °C, a sharp decline in fossil fuel use is necessary. By 2050, it is estimated that nearly 60% of oil and fossil methane gas, and 90% of coal must remain unextracted to stay within the carbon budget. This presents a challenge, as many operational and planned fossil fuel projects may become unviable, and the transition to renewable energy sources must be accelerated.
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Fossil fuel extraction locations
Fossil fuel extraction is occurring in many countries around the world, including in protected areas. These extraction sites include coal projects, oil and gas projects, and total potential CO2 emissions from impacted protected areas. An interactive map from Friends of the Earth highlights new or extended onshore fossil fuel extraction activity. This map shows sites in England and Wales, with 24 sites planning new or extended activity, including new wells, bringing existing wells back into use, or extending planning permission. There are currently 92 existing onshore oil and gas sites in the UK, each with at least one operating well, and three coal mines.
In addition to the UK, other countries with fossil fuel extraction locations include the United States, Canada, Russia, and China. For example, the United States has many coal mines and oil and gas fields located throughout the country, with major extraction sites in states like Texas, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Canada also has significant fossil fuel resources, with oil sands extraction in Alberta and natural gas extraction in British Columbia and Alberta. Russia and China are also major producers of fossil fuels, with extraction sites located in various regions of their respective countries.
Furthermore, fossil fuel extraction is also taking place in other parts of the world, including the Middle East, South America, and Australia. The Middle East is known for its vast oil reserves, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq having numerous oil fields. South America also has fossil fuel extraction locations, with countries like Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia having significant oil and gas reserves. Australia is another major player in the fossil fuel industry, with coal mines and natural gas extraction sites located throughout the country.
It is important to note that the expansion of fossil fuel extraction continues despite the deepening climate crisis and global commitments to reduce carbon emissions. The full climate impact of new developments is often ignored when planning permission is sought, and emissions from burning extracted fossil fuels are routinely disregarded in planning decisions. This has led to criticism of governments and oil and gas companies for continuing to approve and invest in new extraction projects, contributing to the global climate crisis and the destruction of biologically and culturally important regions.
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Fossil fuel alternatives
Fossil fuels have been key to industrialization and rising prosperity. However, they have a negative impact on health and the climate, and there is a growing movement to reduce our reliance on them. In 2023, fossil fuels comprised 82% of the global energy mix, with coal, oil, and natural gas being the most common types. Oil and coal alone accounted for 55% of the world's energy consumption.
Despite this, there are many alternatives to fossil fuels that are growing in use, and they have several advantages, including fewer emissions, lower pollution, and lower overall fuel prices. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient, and they are not subject to the same price volatility as some fossil fuels.
- Solar energy: Solar energy harnesses sunlight to generate electricity through photovoltaic (PV) panels or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. It is renewable, abundantly available, and can reduce energy costs for consumers in the long run. However, solar energy is dependent on sunlight, which isn't always available, and installation costs and space requirements are substantial.
- Wind energy: Wind energy uses wind turbines to convert wind power into electricity. It is renewable, clean, and rapidly deployable. However, it depends on variable wind patterns and may have a visual and land impact.
- Hydropower: Hydropower is a reliable source of renewable energy that has been growing in the US energy mix.
- Biomass: Biomass is biological material that is either living or decaying, including wood, plant, forest residues, and compost material. Some crops, such as rapeseed, are specifically grown as biofuels. Many coal-fired plants are being converted to biomass to reduce emissions. However, burning biomass still produces greenhouse gases.
- Geothermal energy: Geothermal power is harnessed from the Earth's natural sources of heat, mainly volcanic activity. It is the source of 30% of all electricity power in Iceland. However, it is restricted to areas with volcanic sources.
- Nuclear energy: Nuclear energy is considered a clean and efficient alternative to fossil fuels, but it is not renewable and is expensive. It also produces long-lasting radioactive waste that is dangerous and costly to transport and store for disposal.
- Hydrogen: Hydrogen is particularly considered an alternative fuel for heavy transport, such as ships, trucks, and aircraft.
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Fossil fuel emissions
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. The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming and climate change.
The world is warming faster than at any point in recorded history, and the average global temperature has already increased by 1°C, passing the critical 1.5°C milestone for the first time in 2024. To limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, fossil fuel emissions must be halved within 11 years, according to the IPCC.
The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions, with over 94% of the fuel used for transportation being petroleum-based, resulting in direct emissions. The second-largest source is electricity production, with 60% of electricity still being generated by burning fossil fuels, mainly coal and natural gas. The industrial sector is the third-largest source of direct emissions, with fossil fuels being burned for energy and certain chemical reactions necessary for producing goods from raw materials.
Commercial and residential emissions come from burning fossil fuels for heating and cooling buildings, with the growing demand for air conditioning, lighting, and appliances contributing to increased carbon dioxide emissions. The manufacturing industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with fossil fuels being used to produce energy for making cement, steel, plastics, and other goods.
Food production is also a major contributor to emissions, with deforestation, agriculture, and livestock digestion releasing carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels are used to run farm equipment and fishing boats, and emissions come from packaging and distributing food.
While there has been a push towards renewable energy sources, fossil fuel production and consumption remain high, with fossil fuels comprising 82% of the global energy mix in 2023. However, some regions, like Europe and the US, have seen a decrease in fossil fuel consumption, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions.
To combat climate change, a rapid transition to low-carbon energy sources is necessary, along with improved energy efficiency and a shift towards public transportation. Carbon capture and storage technologies can also help mitigate the effects of climate change, but they should not be an excuse to continue burning fossil fuels.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, global primary energy consumption hit an all-time high, with fossil fuels accounting for 82% of the global energy mix. Oil and coal made up a third and a quarter of the world's energy consumption, respectively. The world produced 4,036 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2021.
The United States is the world's top producer of fossil fuels, contributing 20% of global fossil fuel production. Texas and Pennsylvania account for 47% of its gas production.
China is the world's leading producer of coal, with 46% of the global total in 2018. India is the second-largest producer and consumer of coal.
