Issues in Society: Fossil Fuels (PDF)

Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources which form over millions of years. Global reserves are being depleted faster than new ones are being made. Aside from diminishing availability and rising costs, the production and use of fossil fuels raises environmental concerns. As a major producer of coal, oil and gas, Australia is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which have underpinned Australia's energy and industrial sectors for the past century. Growing household energy consumption is an important contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly because of Australia's reliance on coal for electricity generation. While coal and gas are the lowest cost fuel sources for electricity in Australia, they have much higher greenhouse gas emissions than renewable energy sources. What steps is Australia taking to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency and sustainability? This book examines Australia's non-renewable and renewable energy resources and production, and energy consumption and costs. What is the controversial role of coal seam gas in our energy mix? Will "peak oil" force the globe to eventually adapt to petroleum-free alternatives such as hydrogen for transport fuel? What is the future of fossil fuels, and how is Australia going to power itself through to the next century? Also includes: Worksheets and activities ; Fast facts ; Glossary ; Web links ; Index.