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Fossil Fuel Risks

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Fossil Fuel Risks
Worldwide dependency on fossil fuel and increased consumption in the 20th century has resulted in a negative impact on the earth’s atmosphere and presents many risks to society.
The consumption or burning of oil emits carbon dioxide while burning coal releases nitrous oxide. The emitted carbon dioxide is “considered to be the largest contributing factor to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. (McLamb, 2011) Other risks to society include air pollution, water pollution, solid waste, and human illness. (essortment.com)
Humans can suffer in many ways as a result of the consumption of fossil fuels. Coal miners can develop black lung disease while others can suffer from asthma or other respiratory diseases as a result of exposure to the air pollution from fossil fuels. (uscusa.org)
The United States’ dependency on oil not only creates the environmental and health issues mentioned previously, it gives us the problem of integrating national security with our need for oil. We have been faced with protecting the oil of foreign nations to reassure our ongoing supply. An example of this was the Persian Gulf War. (uscusa.org)
Greenhouse gases contribute to the effects of global warming. These effects are evident in countries around the world. For example, “in the Antarctica, warmer temperatures may result in more rapid ice melting which increases sea level and compromises the composition of surrounding waters.” (essortment.com) “During the 20th century, the average temperature of Earth rose 1 degree Fahrenheit (1°F).” (ecology.com)
Due to the risks connected with the consumption of fossil fuels, we must increase our efforts to develop other forms of energy. Sun, wind and water are three sources that are not only viable but renewable. “Essentially, these renewable energy sources create their own energy. The object is to

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