The dead end of the fossil fuel paradigm
The economic growth of modern industrialized society has been based on utilization of
fossil fuels - coal, petroleum and natural gas. These fuels are readily available and convenient to use. Humankind has learned to exploit them relatively efficiently to satisfy its energy needs. However, energy technologies, particularly those related to fossil fuel extraction, transportation, processing and end-use (most of which is combustion) have
harmful consequences for the environment - from air, soil and sea pollution to global warming and sea level rise - which cause direct and indirect negative effects on economy. Besides, if environmental stress does not force a shift to
a new energy paradigm, their
finite supply will eventually mandate such a change. Our civilization – which has come to rely on these fossil fuels for 80% of its energy needs - therefore faces a transition to cleaner and more reliable energy sources.
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