Download Historical, geographical, and political contexts have led to the

Historical, geographical, and political contexts have led to the adoption of different fuels and
related technologies to produce energy. Human activity is overloading our atmosphere with
carbon dioxide and other global warming emissions, which trap heat, steadily drive up the
planet’s temperature, and create significant and harmful impacts on our health, our environment,
and our climate.
Over 95% of the world's energy requirement is currently met by fossil fuels including coal, oil,
and natural gas. In various technologies, they release energy by the process of combustion.
Major byproducts are carbon dioxide and various residuals such as fly ash. The environmental
problems relating to fossil fuel use are described in detail in the Atmospheric System.
Environmental pollution, especially air, global climate change, and resource depletion are the
greatest drawbacks of heavy fossil fuel use. Another problem is dependence on foreign
resources. Development of oil in the Atlantic has been a response to the U.S. need for fuel
independence. Alaskan oil exploration involves destruction of pristine land and unique natural
habitats.
According to data aggregated by the International Panel on Climate Change, life-cycle global
warming emissions associated with renewable energy including manufacturing, installation,
operation and maintenance, and dismantling and decommissioning are said to be minimal.
Using more renewable energy can lower the prices of and demand for natural gas and coal by
increasing competition and diversifying our energy supplies. An increased reliance on renewable
energy can help protect consumers when fossil fuel prices spike.