What Are the Causes of Burning Fossil Fuels?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "Fossil fuels -- coal, oil and natural gas -- currently provide more than 85 percent of all the energy consumed in the United States, nearly two-thirds of our electricity, and virtually all of our transportation fuels." The vast numbers mean billions of people worldwide currently rely on this technology that has been developed and refined over the past two hundred years.
Fossil fuels receive abundant press coverage due to the connection with climate change and producing other pollutants. Citizens can be more wise in their daily habits by understanding the nature and causes of fossil fuel consumption.

Energy Demands

• Fossil fuels are burned to meet the demand for energy. The majority of the world operates on electricity, which allows people to have modern conveniences. Whether it's to turn on lights, operate electronics or use dishwashers and dryers, they all require power. And fossil fuels have filled the gap for power production.
  Transportation energy demands are as big as home energy demands. Since society has grown to rely on transportation, and fossil fuels helped define the combustible engine, society's dependence upon fossil fuel has become one of survival. If people cannot drive, many of them cannot work.

Power Plants

• Energy comes from fossil fuels through a chemical process made possible by burning. To produce usable energy, different fossil fuels must be burned at specific types of power plants.
  Hydrogen and carbon are elements that create a reaction when burnt and mixed with oxygen. This reaction creates carbon dioxide and water as biproducts, and also releases heat in the process. When mechanical technology is driven by heat and powered through a turbine or generator, electrical power is produced. The produced electricity goes to homes and buildings within a relative range of the energy plant.

Alternative Energy Research

• Another cause for the continued fossil fuel use is the lack of alternative energy development. Although numerous alternative energy sources have been around for years, little research and effort have been made to expand the world's alternative energy infrastructure, as compared to that of fossil fuels.
  Many alternative energy systems are prevalent, but are not widespread due to their inefficiency. Wind turbines are one example of technology available to high-wind regions. But they cannot produce as much power as oil or coal refineries.
  Other renewable energy sources, such as solar energy and bio-fuels are rapidly being researched due to the negative environmental effects of non-renewable energy sources.