The Spooky Truth About Fossil Fuels

Oct. 04, 2021

Oil, coal, and natural gas—oh my! Fossil fuels are scarier than any of the ghosts and goblins you’re likely to run into this spooky season. Keep reading to learn the spooky facts about fossil fuels and how renewable energy can help replace scary fossil fuel emissions.

 

What Are Fossil Fuels? 

Fossil fuels are formed from the fossilized remains of carbon-based plants and animals that died millions of years ago. They create carbon-rich deposits which are extracted from the earth and then burned as fuel. We use fossil fuels to produce electricity, usable fuel for cars and planes, plastics, and more. 

 

Why Are Fossil Fuels Bad for the Environment?  

According to Nasa Research, the leading cause of climate change is due to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily linked to the burning of fossil fuels. 

“Human activities (primarily the burning of fossil fuels) have fundamentally increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere, warming the planet.”

Scary, right? So when we burn fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas, carbon dioxide is released into the air. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. This causes global temperatures to rise, which can lead to: 

  • Rising sea levels 
  • Extreme storms and weather 
  • Loss of biodiversity 
  • Species extinction 
  • Air and water pollution 
  • Land degradation 

 

What Will Happen If We Continue to Burn Fossil Fuels? 

Fossil fuels are unsustainable and nonrenewable—once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. If we continue to burn fossil fuels at the rate we currently are, the environment will be irreversibly damaged. If we are going to prevent catastrophic climate change, we need a mass switch from fossil fuels to clean energy. 

The good news is, there are alternatives. Clean energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal are gaining popularity and, over the past decade and more, we’ve made strides toward a cleaner energy future through technological advancements. 

 

Solar Energy vs. Fossil Fuels 

In the United States, the burning of fossil fuels for power and transportation accounts for almost three quarters of all carbon emissions. This means that the switch to renewable energy sources like solar power is absolutely imperative. 

Solar is a clean, renewable energy source that allows us to power our homes and buildings and charge electric vehicles without burning fossil fuels. And with new developments in solar battery technology, we have the means to store solar energy for later use, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels across the residential and commercial sectors as well as helping to reduce the demand on the electricity grid. 

What’s more, solar energy is more affordable now than it was 5-10 years ago. This, coupled with state and federal incentives like SMART, net metering, and the solar tax credit, puts solar on track to more affordable energy source than fossil fuels for the long-term. As we continue to reduce energy demand, grow renewable energy sources, and electrify transportation and our homes, we may be able to scare away fossil fuels for good.   

 

There’s Nothing Scary About Solar! 

When it comes to solar and fossil fuels, solar energy is the clear winner. If you’re interested in going solar for your Massachusetts home or business, Boston Solar is here to help. We are the number one Massachusetts-based solar installer,  installing over 4,500 solar energy systems! Our team is proud to be a part of the fight against climate change and would be happy to answer any questions you have about solar energy. 


Get ready to ghost fossil fuels! Call Boston Solar at 617-858-1645 or contact us online to schedule a solar consultation.  

The Spooky Truth About Fossil Fuels

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