Fossil Fuels: Formation, Uses, and Environmental Impact

Fossil fuels are made from ancient plant and animal remains held under pressure for millions of years. Oil, coal and natural gas are types of fossil fuels used for energy and to make products such as plastics.

Function

• Fossil fuels cannot be reused, nor are they renewable within our lifetimes. As fossil fuels are burned, they release energy in the form of heat that can be used for transport, electricity generation and heating. Since they are burned, or combusted, there is no trace of fossil fuels left to be reused.

Solutions

• Although fossil fuels cannot be reused, they can be recycled. Unused and waste motor oil can be recycled into new lubrication products for the petroleum industry. Used frying oil or grease can also be recycled to make alternative fuels or green energy.

Considerations

• The best way to manage fossil fuels is by reducing the amount used for energy and recycling products made from fossil fuels. Reducing also helps the environment by lowering the amount of carbon dioxide produced as fossil fuels are burned.