The Impact Of Fossil Fuels

America is currently at an energy crossroads. On one side, the country can lazily continue on its current path of disillusioned comfort with fossil fuels. However, oil, the fossil fuel we rely on most, has the shortest supply left and when it finally depletes it will take the country’s energy, economy, and environment. To avoid the catastrophic aftermath of the depletion of fossil fuels, the United States needs to change its path and abandon oil for a switch to clean renewable energy. The United States’ switch to renewable energy is not just the more practical option with its lower costs and greater efficiency, it is necessary to halt the global repercussions of the pollution from fossil fuels and end America’s reliance on unstable countries. Fossil fuels are leading this country on a path toward global destruction that can only be avoided if the switch is no longer delayed. Fossil fuels have many drawbacks that make them the weaker choice like cost, availability, and less energy output, but the most alarming and urgent drawback is their pollution. When fossil fuels are used in cars, factories, etc. they release toxic chemicals …show more content…
“The United States consumes a quarter of the planet’s daily output of 84 million barrels of oil” (Clynes). Up to a third of that is imported from unstable Middle Eastern countries like Iraq and Saudi Arabia. If we move away from oil, we also move away from our dependence on unstable countries, some of which we are currently fighting. Renewable energy allows for domesticated energy production with a 1991 study finding that, “Kansas, North Dakota, and Texas have enough harnessable wind to meet the entire country’s energy needs” (Clynes). This study was recently revaluated and found to be an understatement. By switching to renewable energy, we can reduce our trade deficits, enhance national security and create millions of non-exportable jobs.