Fossil fuels are a non-renewable form of energy that were created over millions of years as prehistoric plants and animals decomposed and were trapped between layers of rock and soil. Fossil fuels are derived inside Earth’s crust and are predominantly composed of hydrocarbons such as coal, oi, and natural gas, which are formed by the decomposition of organic matter by geological forces such as heat and pressure. Due to their heavy reliance on finite deposits, the global use of fossil fuels is responsible for tremendous environmental degradation due to the burning of these resources often releases harmful and toxic gases into the atmosphere. As we aim to move away from a carbon intensive society, transitioning to renewable, cleaner sources of energy should be encouraged as an alternative to these finite and detrimental fuels.

See also: climate change, neoliberal capitalism, late-stage capitalism, capitalist system