Mercedes Mullins
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the primary energy source for over 150 years, currently providing about 80% of the world's energy. However, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, making it the largest driver of global climate change. As a result, there is a growing movement to transition to renewable energy sources and reduce investments in fossil fuels. This shift is evident in the increasing popularity of websites and organizations dedicated to providing information, data, and tools to support the transition to a fossil-free economy. These websites offer valuable insights, analysis, and resources to individuals, policymakers, and investors seeking to align their actions with sustainable and ethical practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Website Focus | Fossil fuels |
| Website Type | gov, org, edu |
| Website Topics | Fossil fuel consumption, production, and reserves, climate change, renewable energy, nitrogen pollution, fossil fuel alternatives |
| Data Sources | Vaclav Smil, BP's Statistical Review of World Energy, International Energy Agency, IPCC, Carbon Tracker, Global Energy Monitor |
| Data Visualizations | Interactive charts, indicative charts |
| Data Licensing | CC-BY-SA |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel consumption
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the primary source of energy for over 150 years, currently supplying about 80% of the world's energy. The burning of fossil fuels for energy began around the Industrial Revolution, and fossil fuel consumption has changed significantly over the past few centuries. In the past half-century, global fossil fuel consumption has increased by around eight times since 1950 and roughly doubled since 1980.
The consumption of fossil fuels varies across countries. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for about 20% of U.S. electricity generation, while oil constituted about one-third of U.S. energy consumption. Oil is the largest source of U.S. energy-related carbon emissions, with natural gas close behind. In 2020, oil combustion was responsible for 45% of U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. In the same year, coal supplied 19% of U.S. energy consumption, a decrease from previous years due to the declining cost of natural gas and renewable energy. Wyoming, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Kentucky lead coal production in the United States.
On a global level, fossil fuel consumption is not evenly distributed across countries. The largest consumers use more than ten times the amount of fossil energy than some of the smallest consumers. While coal production is a critical metric, it is also important to consider consumption, as many countries consume coal energy without having coal reserves for production. Coal is the largest source of electricity globally, but its share is decreasing as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources.
As low-carbon sources of energy, such as nuclear and renewables, become more readily available, the world needs to rapidly transition away from fossil fuels. Several options exist to facilitate this transition, including hydropower, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar energy. Improving energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles, and industrial processes is another immediate and cost-effective way to reduce fossil fuel consumption and cut emissions.
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The negative impacts of fossil fuels
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. However, they also have several negative impacts.
Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. This leads to an excess buildup of these gases, causing dramatic changes to Earth's climate. In 2019, fossil fuels accounted for 74% of US greenhouse gas emissions, with oil being the largest source of energy-related carbon emissions in 2020. The burning of fossil fuels is the largest driver of global climate change and has led to a 30% increase in ocean acidity since the Industrial Revolution. Ocean acidification impacts marine life by reducing the availability of calcium carbonate, a substance used by many organisms to form shells. It also affects coastal communities, with rising sea levels causing more frequent flooding and saltwater intrusion.
Fossil fuels are a major contributor to air pollution, which has significant health impacts. Globally, fossil fuel pollution is responsible for one in five deaths, with 350,000 premature deaths in the US in 2018 attributed to fossil fuel-related pollution. Air pollution from fossil fuels can cause asthma, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Additionally, the combustion of additives in gasoline produces cancer-causing ultra-fine particles and aromatic hydrocarbons.
The extraction and transportation of fossil fuels also pose major environmental and safety risks. Mining operations generate toxic airborne particulate matter, and drilling can release giant carbon stores held naturally in wild areas, such as Canada's boreal forest.
As low-carbon sources of energy, such as nuclear and renewables, become more readily available, a rapid transition away from fossil fuels is necessary to mitigate their negative impacts on the environment and human health.
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Transitioning away from fossil fuels
The burning of fossil fuels has been a fundamental driver of technological, social, and economic progress since the Industrial Revolution. Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—have powered economies for over 150 years and currently supply about 80% of the world's energy. However, they are also the largest driver of global climate change and are major contributors to air pollution, which is linked to millions of premature deaths each year. As low-carbon sources of energy, such as nuclear and renewables, become more readily available, transitioning away from fossil fuels is crucial to mitigate their negative impacts. Here are some key aspects of this transition:
Renewable Energy Sources:
Hydropower, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar energy are reliable sources of renewable energy that have been increasingly adopted by many countries. These sources provide clean and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
Nuclear Energy:
Nuclear energy is another zero-carbon option, but it comes with challenges such as high costs and the production of long-lasting radioactive waste that is dangerous and costly to manage.
Energy Efficiency Improvements:
Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles, industrial processes, appliances, and equipment is a crucial aspect of the transition. By reducing energy consumption and demand, we can lower our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate their environmental impact.
Policy and Government Intervention:
Government policies and interventions play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. This includes incentivizing investments in renewable energy projects, streamlining regulatory processes, and providing clear and robust policies that support the development and adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Phasing Out Fossil Fuels:
There is a growing recognition, as evidenced by the discussions at COP28, that a phase-out of fossil fuels is inevitable. However, this process must be just and equitable, ensuring that developing countries receive adequate financial support during their transition to renewable energy.
Addressing Subsidies:
Shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy initiatives is essential. This not only reduces emissions but also promotes sustainable economic growth, job creation, improved public health, and increased equality, particularly for vulnerable communities worldwide.
In conclusion, transitioning away from fossil fuels is a complex and global challenge. While progress has been made, a more rapid and comprehensive shift is needed to address the urgent issue of climate change. By embracing renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing supportive policies, we can accelerate this transition and work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
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Fossil fuel production
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been a dominant energy source for over 150 years, currently supplying about 80% of the world's energy. They are non-renewable resources that formed from the carbon-rich remains of animals and plants over millions of years. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, making it the largest driver of global climate change and contributing to local air pollution. Oil, for instance, was responsible for 45% of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2020. Additionally, the extraction and transportation of oil pose significant environmental and safety risks.
The production and consumption of fossil fuels have changed significantly over time, with a recent shift from solely coal towards a combination with oil and natural gas. While coal consumption is declining globally due to the increasing adoption of natural gas and renewable energy sources, oil and gas consumption continue to grow. In 2020, coal supplied 19% of US energy consumption, and oil constituted about one-third. However, the future of oil beyond 2050 is uncertain as economies transition towards sustainable renewable energy sources.
To address the negative impacts of fossil fuels, there is a growing movement towards alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy, and the implementation of environmental regulations to limit emissions. Hydropower, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar energy are increasingly being adopted as reliable sources of renewable energy. Additionally, capturing methane from landfills and livestock production can prevent methane release into the atmosphere. While nuclear energy is a zero-carbon alternative, it is expensive and produces long-lasting radioactive waste. The transition away from fossil fuels is expected to have significant economic consequences due to the heavy integration of the fossil fuel industry into the global economy.
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Fossil fuel subsidies
> "...any government action that lowers the cost of fossil fuel energy production, raises the price received by energy producers, or lowers the price paid by energy consumers."
These subsidies can take the form of tax breaks on consumption, such as a lower sales tax on natural gas for residential heating, or subsidies on production, such as tax breaks for oil companies exploring for new sources of oil. They can also be seen in the form of free or cheap negative externalities, such as air pollution or climate change due to the burning of fossil fuels.
The total amount of fossil fuel subsidies depends on the definition used. Under a narrow definition, fossil fuel subsidies totalled around $1.5 trillion in 2022. Under a broader definition, they totalled around $7 trillion. In the United States, fossil fuel subsidies totalled $757 billion in 2022, including $3 billion in explicit subsidies and $754 billion in implicit subsidies. Globally, fossil fuel subsidies were $7 trillion or 7.1% of GDP in 2022, a $2 trillion increase since 2020 due to government support and surging energy prices.
There are several proposals and attempts to reduce fossil fuel subsidies. For example, the Biden-Harris Administration's FY 2024 budget request would eliminate 13 fossil fuel tax preferences and credits, such as the tax credit for oil and natural fuel extracted from marginal wells. The End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2023 (R.1483) would also repeal fossil fuel tax breaks. The International Institute for Sustainable Development has called for G7 countries to reveal their subsidies every year under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 12.c.1 (fossil fuel subsidies).
The removal of fossil fuel subsidies would have several benefits. It would reduce the health risks of air pollution, reduce global carbon emissions, and limit climate change. Removing subsidies would also reduce energy security concerns related to volatile fossil fuel supplies. Additionally, removing subsidies would free up government money that could be spent on other things, such as better targeted social spending, reductions in inefficient taxes, and productive investments.
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