A million years ago, when dinosaurs were in existence, the earth consisted of diverse tropical trees and swamps. It was an ideal state for the formation of fossil fuels. At the time, dinosaurs died along with various plants and decomposed deep in the Earth's crust layer upon layer. The layers gradually, with time, turned into a black coloured rock-like substance we now know as coal or a thick fluid called oil or natural gas. Fossil fuels are organic carbon compounds that are natural sources of energy. They are found in large amounts several kilometers under the Earth's surface or the ocean floor in most locations around the world. Ever wondered where the electricity we use comes from? Or the petroleum our cars run on? Or what produces the different types of energy we use everyday? Coal, oil and natural gas are the major sources of energy we use everyday. Virtually all the energy produced in the world comes from these sources. For this reason, fossil fuels do not belong only to the past. In our speedily changing planet, fossil fuels give life to our human society. This essay will in brief explain the energy produced by fossil fuels, the power they generate, stability and portability of the fuels and their disadvantages. Also I will discuss alternative sources of energy, advantages and disadvantages of their usage. .
Fossil fuels release enormous amounts of heat energy when they are burnt. They are considered non-renewable sources of energy because there is no way of reproducing them after they are used. The energy released can then be transformed into any form of energy. They produce vast amounts of energy compared to alternative sources of energy. Fossil fuels are the major sources of energy in the world. About 80% of the energy we use is derived from fossil fuels (New Scientist Writer, 2005). Coal, oil and natural gas are commonly used to generate electricity in most countries. Fossil fuels have been around for many years.