What is a fossil fuel, and what are its primary components and origins?

A fossil fuel is a flammable material containing carbon compounds or hydrocarbons, formed naturally within the Earth's crust. It originates from the buried remains of prehistoric organisms, such as animals, plants, or microplankton, through a geological process spanning millions of years.

Which three main types of fossil fuels are commonly extracted and utilized by humans?

The three main types of fossil fuels that are commonly extracted and burned for human consumption are natural gas, oil (petroleum), and coal. These are visually represented in the source material as the core examples of fossil fuels.

How are fossil fuels used to provide energy for human consumption?

Fossil fuels are used to provide energy for direct purposes like cooking, heating, or lighting. They also power heat engines, such as steam or internal combustion engines, which are used to propel vehicles, and generate electricity through steam turbine generators.

Beyond direct fuel, into what other valuable derivatives and petrochemicals are fossil fuels refined or converted?

Fossil fuels are further refined into derivatives such as kerosene, gasoline, and diesel. They are also converted into petrochemicals, including polyolefins (plastics), aromatics, and synthetic resins, which are essential for various industrial products.

Why are fossil fuels classified as non-renewable resources despite their continuous natural formation?

Fossil fuels are classified as non-renewable resources because, although they are continually formed by natural processes, their formation takes millions of years. The rate at which known viable reserves are being depleted for human use is significantly faster than the rate at which new ones are generated.

What percentage of global primary energy consumption and electricity supply relied on fossil fuels in 2023?

In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 77% of the world's primary energy consumption and supplied over 60% of its electricity. This highlights their significant role in the global energy mix.

What is the primary greenhouse gas emission resulting from the large-scale burning of fossil fuels, and what percentage of human-caused emissions did it represent in 2022?

The primary greenhouse gas emission resulting from the large-scale burning of fossil fuels is carbon dioxide (CO2). In 2022, CO2 released from burning fossil fuels constituted over 70% of the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to human activity.

How do natural carbon cycle processes on Earth cope with the increased CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, and what is the net effect?

Natural carbon cycle processes, primarily absorption by the ocean, can only remove a small portion of the CO2 released from fossil fuels. This deficiency is further compounded by terrestrial vegetation loss from deforestation, land degradation, and desertification, leading to a net increase of many billion tonnes of atmospheric CO2 per year.

Besides carbon dioxide, what other significant greenhouse gas emission is associated with fossil fuel operations?

Besides carbon dioxide, methane leaks are also a significant greenhouse gas emission associated with fossil fuel operations. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming.

What are the major environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels, beyond greenhouse gas emissions?

The burning of fossil fuels is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions causing global warming and ocean acidification. Additionally, it leads to most air pollution deaths due to particulates and noxious gases, and it generates sulfuric and nitric acids, which contribute to acid rain.

What economic cost is attributed to air pollution from fossil fuels, according to 2018 estimates?

In 2018, air pollution resulting from fossil fuels was estimated to cost US$2.9 trillion, which represented 3.3% of the global gross domestic product (GDP). This figure underscores the significant financial burden of fossil fuel-related air pollution.

What policy and activist movements have emerged in response to the negative effects of fossil fuels?

Recognition of the climate crisis, pollution, and other negative effects of fossil fuels has led to a widespread policy transition and activist movement. These efforts are focused on ending the use of fossil fuels in favor of renewable and sustainable energy sources.

Why is the transition away from fossil fuels expected to have significant economic consequences?

The transition away from fossil fuels is expected to have significant economic consequences because the fossil fuel industry is deeply integrated into the global economy and heavily subsidized. This means that shifting away from it will impact many sectors and financial structures.

What international agreements and goals are designed to facilitate the global transition away from fossil fuels?

International policy, including the United Nations' sustainable development goals for affordable and clean energy and climate action, as well as the Paris Climate Agreement, is designed to facilitate the global transition away from fossil fuels.

What critical conclusion did the International Energy Agency (IEA) reach in 2021 regarding new fossil fuel extraction projects?

In 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) concluded that no new fossil fuel extraction projects could be opened if the global economy and society aim to avoid the worst effects of climate change and meet international goals for climate change mitigation.

Who were the early proponents of the theory that fossil fuels formed from the fossilized remains of dead plants?

The theory that fossil fuels formed from the fossilized remains of dead plants through exposure to heat and pressure over millions of years was first introduced by Andreas Libavius in his 1597 work "Alchemia" and later by Mikhail Lomonosov as early as 1757 and certainly by 1763.

When was the term "fossil fuel" first recorded, and by whom?

The first recorded use of the term "fossil fuel" occurred in an English translation of the work of German chemist Caspar Neumann in 1759.

How does the Oxford English Dictionary define the adjective "fossil" in the context of "fossil fuel"?

The Oxford English Dictionary notes that, in the phrase "fossil fuel," the adjective "fossil" means "[o]btained by digging; found buried in the earth," a definition that dates back to at least 1652, predating the common 18th-century use of "fossil" to refer primarily to long-dead organisms.

Describe the geological process by which petroleum and natural gas are formed.

Petroleum and natural gas are formed from aquatic phytoplankton and zooplankton that died and accumulated in large quantities under anoxic conditions millions of years ago. Through anaerobic decomposition, this organic matter mixed with mud and was buried under heavy layers of inorganic sediment. The resulting high temperature and pressure chemically altered the organic matter, first into kerogen (found in oil shales), and then, with more heat, into liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons through a process called catagenesis.

What is the ultimate origin of the energy released when fossil fuels are combusted?

Despite the heat-driven transformations that create fossil fuels, the energy released during their combustion is still photosynthetic in origin, meaning it originally came from sunlight captured by ancient plants and organisms.

What types of fossil fuels are typically formed from terrestrial plants, and from which geological period do many coal fields date?

Terrestrial plants tend to form coal and methane. Many of the world's coal fields date back to the Carboniferous period of Earth's history. Terrestrial plants also contribute to the formation of type III kerogen, which is a source of natural gas.

What was the historical significance of peat and coal before the widespread use of petroleum?

Before recorded history, peat was used as a domestic fuel. Coal was burned in some early furnaces for the smelting of metal ore, demonstrating its importance in early industrial processes.

When did the commercial exploitation of petroleum begin, and what was its primary use in ancient times?

Commercial exploitation of petroleum began in the 19th century. In ancient times, semi-solid hydrocarbons from oil seeps were mostly used for waterproofing and embalming, rather than as a primary fuel source.

How has the perception and use of natural gas changed over time?

Natural gas, which was once flared-off as an unneeded byproduct of petroleum production, is now considered a very valuable resource. It is also the main source of helium.

What are heavy crude oil and oil sands, and why did they become more important in the early 2000s?

Heavy crude oil is much more viscous than conventional crude oil, and oil sands contain bitumen mixed with sand and clay. These materials began to become more important as sources of fossil fuel in the early 2000s, indicating a shift towards more challenging extraction methods as conventional reserves became scarcer.

Why has there been disinvestment from heavy crude oil and oil sands in the 2010s and 2020s?

Disinvestment from the exploitation of heavy crude oil and oil sands occurred during the 2010s and 2020s due to their high carbon cost relative to more easily-processed reserves. This reflects growing environmental concerns and economic considerations.

How did fossil fuels, particularly coal and petroleum, enable the Industrial Revolution?

Prior to the latter half of the 18th century, energy for work came from windmills and watermills, and domestic heat from wood or peat. The wide-scale use of fossil fuels, starting with coal and later petroleum, in steam engines was a key factor that enabled the Industrial Revolution, transforming manufacturing and transportation.

What impact did the invention of the internal combustion engine have on the demand for specific fossil fuels?

The invention of the internal combustion engine and its subsequent use in automobiles and trucks significantly increased the demand for gasoline and diesel oil, both of which are derived from fossil fuels.

What role did fossil fuels play in the Green Revolution, particularly concerning food production?

Fossil fuels provided the energy for the Green Revolution in the form of fertilizers (derived from natural gas), pesticides (derived from oil), and hydrocarbon-fueled irrigation. This energy input significantly supported global population growth, with synthetic nitrogen fertilizer alone estimated to feed almost half of the Earth's population.

What are "negative externalities" in the context of fossil fuel burning?

Negative externalities refer to harmful environmental consequences of fossil fuel burning where the effects extend beyond the people directly using the fuel. These include climate change, air pollution, and acid rain, impacting broader society and the environment.

How does the burning of coal and oil contribute to air pollution beyond greenhouse gases?

The burning of coal and, to a lesser extent, oil and its derivatives, contributes to atmospheric particulate matter, smog, and acid rain. These pollutants have direct impacts on air quality and environmental health.

What are the specific components of acid rain generated by fossil fuel combustion, and what are their effects?

Combustion of fossil fuels generates sulfuric and nitric acids, which fall to Earth as acid rain. This acid rain impacts natural areas and the built environment, particularly dissolving calcium carbonate in monuments and sculptures made from marble and limestone.

What radioactive materials are released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, and what was the estimated release from coal in 2000?

Fossil fuels contain radioactive materials, mainly uranium and thorium, which are released into the atmosphere when burned. In 2000, approximately 12,000 tonnes of thorium and 5,000 tonnes of uranium were released worldwide from burning coal.

How does the radioactivity released from coal burning compare to a notable nuclear accident?

It is estimated that during 1982, US coal burning released 155 times as much radioactivity into the atmosphere as the Three Mile Island accident, highlighting a less commonly known environmental impact of coal.

What are some environmental impacts associated with the harvesting, processing, and distribution of fossil fuels, distinct from their combustion?

Beyond combustion, the harvesting, processing, and distribution of fossil fuels have environmental effects such as negative impacts from coal mining methods (e.g., mountaintop removal, strip mining), hazards to aquatic organisms from offshore oil drilling, methane release from fossil fuel wells via fugitive gas emissions, and air and water pollution from oil refineries. The transportation of these fuels also requires the combustion of additional fossil fuels.

What mitigating efforts are being pursued to counter the negative environmental effects of fossil fuels?

Mitigating efforts include a movement to use alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy, and environmental regulations that limit emissions, for example, by preventing the release of waste products like fly ash into the atmosphere.

What concerning trend did a United Nations report highlight in December 2020 regarding government investments during the COVID-19 recovery?

A United Nations report in December 2020 stated that, despite the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, various governments were "doubling down" on fossil fuels. In some cases, they diverted over 50% of their COVID-19 recovery stimulus funding to fossil fuel production instead of alternative energy.

What strong statement did UN Secretary General António Guterres make about humanity's relationship with nature in December 2020?

In December 2020, UN Secretary General António Guterres declared that "Humanity is waging war on nature. This is suicidal. Nature always strikes back—and it is already doing so with growing force and fury." He also expressed hope for the US plan to join other large emitters in adopting net zero emissions targets by 2050.

What term describes the impact of fossil fuels on inflation, and why do economists consider energy prices a main driver of inflation?

The term "fossilflation" describes the impact of fossil fuels on inflation. Economists have pointed to energy prices as the main reason for high inflation because energy prices indirectly affect virtually every part of the economy, including transportation, food, and shipping.

According to Mark Zandi of Moody's, what historical pattern exists between fossil fuel prices and major inflation episodes?

Mark Zandi of Moody's states that fossil fuel prices have driven every significant episode of inflation since World War II, indicating a long-standing correlation between energy costs and economic inflation.

What recent global event served as a major example of fossil fuels causing inflation?

The economic impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was cited as a major recent example of fossil fuels causing inflation, demonstrating how geopolitical events can significantly influence energy prices and broader economic stability.

What argument does Gernot Wagner make regarding commodities like fossil fuels versus renewable energy in terms of price stability?

Gernot Wagner argues that commodities like fossil fuels are undesirable energy sources because they are susceptible to volatile price swings. In contrast, technologies like renewable energy are not as volatile and tend to improve and become relatively cheaper over time.

How does the Inflation Reduction Act aim to address fossilflation in the United States?

The Inflation Reduction Act seeks to make the United States less dependent on fossil fuels, thereby reducing their ability to cause inflation in the economy. While not expected to provide much short-term relief, Moody's estimates it could reduce typical American household energy spending by over $300 annually by 2030.

What are the direct health impacts on humans from inhaling particulates and air pollution from fossil fuel combustion?

Inhaling particulates and other air pollution from fossil fuel combustion can cause illness and death in humans. These health effects include premature death, acute respiratory illness, aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, and decreased lung function.

Which demographic groups are particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by fossil fuel air pollution?

The poor, undernourished, very young, very old, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory diseases or other ill health are more at risk from the health impacts of fossil fuel air pollution.

What were the estimated global air pollution deaths attributable to fossil fuels in 2018, 2019, and 2023?

Global air pollution deaths due to fossil fuels were estimated at over 8 million people in 2018 (nearly 1 in 5 deaths worldwide), 10.2 million in 2019, and 5.13 million excess deaths from ambient air pollution from fossil fuel use in 2023.

How do fossil fuels compare to modern renewable energy sources in terms of death rates and greenhouse gas emissions per terawatt-hour (TWh)?

Fossil fuels, specifically coal, oil, and natural gas, cause significantly higher death rates and greenhouse gas emissions per terawatt-hour (TWh) compared to modern renewable energy sources like hydropower, nuclear energy, wind, and solar power, which are shown to be much safer and cleaner. For example, coal has a death rate of 24.6 per TWh and 820 thousand tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per TWh, while solar has 0.02 deaths per TWh and 5 thousand tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per TWh.

How many lives are estimated to have been saved by replacing fossil fuel sources with nuclear power?

Scientists propose that 1.8 million lives have been saved by replacing fossil fuel sources with nuclear power, highlighting the health benefits of transitioning to certain alternative energy sources.

What is the definition of "fossil fuel phase-out"?

Fossil fuel phase-out is defined as the proposed gradual global reduction of the use and production of fossil fuels to zero. Its objectives are to reduce air pollution, limit climate change, and strengthen energy independence, forming a key part of the ongoing renewable energy transition.

What trend is observed in global investment in clean energy compared to fossil fuels between 2015 and 2025?

Between 2015 and 2025, investment in clean energy is projected to significantly increase, reaching approximately twice the investment in fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal) by 2025, indicating a global shift in energy financing, as shown in the provided chart on investment in clean energy.

Fossil Fuel Wiki: Deep Earth's Legacy: The Science and Impact of Fossil Fuels

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Defining Fossil Fuels

Carbon-Rich Energy Sources

Fossil fuels are combustible carbon- or hydrocarbon-rich materials naturally formed within the Earth's crust. They originate from the buried remains of ancient organisms—including animals, plants, and microplankton—over millions of years through specific geological processes. These reservoirs, encompassing coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are extracted and combusted to generate energy for various human needs.

From Organic Matter to Fuel

The transformation of organic materials into high-carbon fossil fuels is a geological process spanning millions of years. This begins with the anaerobic decomposition of dead organisms buried under layers of sediment. Over geological time, intense heat and pressure chemically alter this organic matter, first into a waxy substance called kerogen (found in oil shales), and then, with further heat, into liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons through a process known as catagenesis. Despite these transformations, the energy released during combustion fundamentally originates from ancient photosynthesis.

Non-Renewable by Nature

Due to the immense timescales required for their formation, fossil fuels are classified as non-renewable resources. While natural processes continuously form them, the rate at which viable reserves are being depleted by human consumption far outpaces the rate of their natural generation. This inherent characteristic underscores the finite nature of these critical energy sources.

Geological Genesis

Ancient Life's Transformation

The foundational theory posits that fossil fuels originate from the fossilized remains of dead plants and organisms, subjected to immense heat and pressure within the Earth's crust over geological epochs. This concept was first articulated by Andreas Libavius in 1597 and further developed by Mikhail Lomonosov by 1763. The term "fossil fuel" itself, recorded in English translation in 1759 by Caspar Neumann, refers to materials "obtained by digging; found buried in the earth."

Aquatic Origins: Oil & Gas

Petroleum and natural gas primarily form from aquatic phytoplankton and zooplankton that died and accumulated in vast quantities under anoxic (oxygen-deprived) conditions millions of years ago. This organic matter, intermixed with mud, was subsequently buried under successive heavy layers of inorganic sediment. The escalating temperature and pressure then drove the chemical alteration of this organic material, leading to the formation of kerogen and, ultimately, liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.

Terrestrial Origins: Coal & Methane

Terrestrial plants, in contrast, are the primary precursors to coal and methane deposits. Many significant coal fields globally date back to the Carboniferous period of Earth's history, a time characterized by vast forests and swamps. These terrestrial plant remains also contribute to the formation of Type III kerogen, which is a significant source of natural gas. The distinct biological origins and geological conditions lead to the different types of fossil fuels we extract today.

Global Impact

Fueling Human Development

Fossil fuels have been indispensable to human development due to their inherent combustibility and ease of use for heat generation. Historically, peat served as a domestic fuel long before recorded history. Coal was utilized in early furnaces for metal ore smelting, while semi-solid hydrocarbons from oil seeps were burned in ancient times, though primarily for waterproofing and embalming rather than energy production.

19th Century: Commercial exploitation of petroleum began, marking a new era of energy use.
Early 2000s: Heavy crude oil and oil sands gained importance as conventional crude oil reserves became more challenging to access.
Industrial Revolution: The widespread adoption of coal, and later petroleum, in steam engines powered this transformative period.
Modern Era: The internal combustion engine dramatically increased demand for gasoline and diesel, revolutionizing transportation.

Energy & Industry

Beyond direct combustion for heat, fossil fuels are crucial for electricity generation and as feedstock for the petrochemical industry. Natural gas, once a flared-off byproduct, is now a valuable resource and the main source of helium. Derivatives like kerosene, gasoline, and diesel are refined from petroleum, while petrochemicals such as polyolefins (plastics), aromatics, and synthetic resins are derived from these fuels. Tar, a residue from petroleum extraction, is also vital for road construction.

The Green Revolution's Foundation

The remarkable advancements of the Green Revolution, which significantly boosted global food production, were heavily reliant on fossil fuels. They provided the energy for manufacturing synthetic nitrogen fertilizers (derived from natural gas), producing pesticides (from oil), and powering hydrocarbon-fueled irrigation systems. It is estimated that nearly half of the Earth's current population is sustained due to the availability and use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, highlighting the profound link between fossil fuels and global food security.

Environmental Toll

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The combustion of fossil fuels is the primary driver of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), which accounted for over 70% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. Methane leaks from fossil fuel operations also contribute significantly. These emissions accelerate climate change, leading to global warming and ocean acidification. Natural carbon cycle processes can only absorb a small fraction of this, resulting in a net annual increase of atmospheric CO2.

Air Pollution & Acid Rain

Burning fossil fuels, especially coal and its derivatives, releases atmospheric particulate matter, smog, and noxious gases. These pollutants contribute to acid rain, which damages both natural ecosystems and built environments, such as marble and limestone monuments. The economic cost of air pollution from fossil fuels was estimated at US$2.9 trillion in 2018, representing 3.3% of global GDP.

Radioactive & Ash Byproducts

Fossil fuels naturally contain radioactive materials, primarily uranium and thorium, which are released into the atmosphere during combustion. For instance, in 2000, approximately 12,000 tonnes of thorium and 5,000 tonnes of uranium were released globally from burning coal. Furthermore, coal combustion generates substantial quantities of bottom ash and fly ash, materials that require management and disposal, though a portion is reused in various applications.

Extraction & Processing Impacts

Beyond combustion, the entire lifecycle of fossil fuels—from harvesting to processing and distribution—carries significant environmental consequences. Coal mining, particularly methods like mountaintop removal and strip mining, causes severe landscape degradation. Offshore oil drilling poses risks to marine ecosystems, while fossil fuel wells can release methane through fugitive gas emissions. Oil refineries contribute to both air and water pollution, and the transportation of these fuels (e.g., crude oil by tanker ships) necessitates further fossil fuel combustion.

Economic Volatility

The Phenomenon of Fossilflation

The term "fossilflation" describes the direct and indirect impact of fossil fuel prices on overall inflation. Economists frequently identify energy prices as a primary driver of high inflation, given that energy costs permeate virtually every sector of the economy. Significant price increases in fossil fuels directly translate to higher costs in transportation, food production, and shipping, among other industries.

Historical Precedent

Historical analysis reveals a consistent pattern: every major episode of inflation since World War II has been significantly influenced by fossil fuel prices. A recent prominent example is the economic impact of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which led to substantial increases in fuel prices and, consequently, broader inflationary pressures. Some economists contend that dependence on fossil fuels was a main factor in the 2021–2022 inflation spike.

Mitigating Fossilflation

Experts argue that transitioning away from commodity-based energy sources like fossil fuels, which are prone to volatile price swings, towards technologies such as renewable energy, can help combat fossilflation. Renewable energy technologies tend to improve and become more cost-effective over time, offering greater price stability. Legislative efforts, such as the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States, aim to reduce economic dependence on fossil fuels and their inflationary effects, with projections suggesting significant annual energy savings for households by 2030.

Health Consequences

Air Pollution & Mortality

Environmental pollution stemming from fossil fuels poses severe risks to human health. Inhaling particulates and other air pollutants released during fossil fuel combustion can lead to illness and premature death. Documented health effects include acute respiratory illness, exacerbated asthma, chronic bronchitis, and reduced lung function. Vulnerable populations, such as the poor, undernourished, very young, very old, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, face heightened risks.

Comparative Energy Risks

While all energy sources carry inherent risks, data consistently show that fossil fuels are the most dangerous for human health and contribute the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions. In stark contrast, modern renewable energy sources are considerably safer and cleaner. The following table illustrates the comparative death rates and greenhouse gas emissions per terawatt-hour (TWh) for various energy sources:

Energy Source	Deaths per TWh	Greenhouse Gas Emissions (thousand tonnes/TWh)
Coal	24.6	820
Oil	18.4	720
Natural Gas	2.8	490
Biomass	4.6	78–230
Hydropower	0.02	34
Nuclear Energy	0.07	3
Wind	0.04	4
Solar	0.02	5

This data clearly indicates that coal, oil, natural gas, and biomass result in significantly higher death rates and greenhouse gas emissions compared to hydropower, nuclear, wind, and solar power. Scientific estimates suggest that nuclear power alone has saved approximately 1.8 million lives by displacing fossil fuel sources.

Transition & Policy

The Fossil Fuel Phase-out

The concept of a fossil fuel phase-out involves the gradual, global reduction of fossil fuel use and production to zero. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to mitigate air pollution, limit climate change, and enhance energy independence. It forms a crucial part of the ongoing global energy transition towards more sustainable alternatives. The International Energy Agency concluded in 2021 that no new fossil fuel extraction projects should commence if global society aims to avert the most severe impacts of climate change and achieve international climate mitigation goals.

Just Transition Framework

The "just transition" concept, originating from U.S. trade unions in the 1980s, emphasizes protecting workers' rights and livelihoods during economic shifts towards sustainable production, particularly those affected by environmental regulations. This framework has gained global recognition, notably within the Paris Agreement. It advocates for equitable approaches to decarbonization that align with broader sustainable development goals, with a growing number of countries integrating just transition strategies into their climate plans.

Divestment Movement

Fossil fuel divestment campaigns seek to reduce climate change by applying social, political, and economic pressure for institutional divestment from companies involved in fossil fuel extraction. This movement, which began on college campuses in the U.S. in 2011, has rapidly grown, becoming the fastest-growing divestment movement in history by 2015. As of July 2023, over 1,593 institutions, managing assets exceeding $40.5 trillion, have committed to some form of fossil fuel divestment. Motivations include aligning investments with values, combating the fossil fuel industry, and protecting portfolios from climate-related financial risks, with research suggesting positive long-term returns for divesting investors.

Industry Dynamics

Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Fossil fuel subsidies represent financial support for fossil fuels, which can take various forms. Under a narrow definition, these subsidies totaled around $1.5 trillion in 2022, expanding to approximately $7 trillion under a broader definition. They include tax breaks on consumption (e.g., lower sales tax on natural gas for heating) or production (e.g., tax breaks for oil exploration). Additionally, they encompass the uncosted negative externalities, such as air pollution and climate change, from burning fuels like gasoline and diesel. Eliminating these subsidies is projected to significantly reduce health risks from air pollution and global carbon emissions.

Despite pledges by G20 countries to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, they continue to persist due to factors such as voter demand and concerns over energy security. The International Energy Agency notes that while high fossil fuel prices disproportionately affect the poor, subsidies are often poorly targeted and tend to benefit wealthier segments of the population.

Lobbying Activities

The fossil fuels lobby comprises paid representatives of corporations involved in the oil, gas, and coal industries, as well as related sectors like chemicals, plastics, and transportation. Given their substantial wealth and the critical role of these industries in global economies, these lobbies exert considerable influence on governmental policy. They are known for promoting climate change denial, obstructing environmental protection, and hindering climate action through disinformation, lobbying, and propaganda, often falsely claiming a lack of scientific consensus on climate change.

Public Relations Campaigns: Initiated after climate change became a public topic to undermine public understanding and block policy.
Disinformation: Actively denying and casting doubt on climate science.
Exploiting Crises: Using international crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, to roll back regulations or justify new fossil fuel development.
Retaining Subsidies: Actively lobbying to maintain existing fossil fuel subsidies.

Major companies like ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips are key players in this lobby. Their presence at global decision-making forums, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and UN Climate Change conferences, has drawn significant criticism.

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Deep Earth's Legacy

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining Fossil Fuels 💡

🔥 Carbon-Rich Energy Sources

🔄 From Organic Matter to Fuel

⏳ Non-Renewable by Nature

Geological Genesis 🔬

🌱 Ancient Life's Transformation

🌊 Aquatic Origins: Oil & Gas

🌳 Terrestrial Origins: Coal & Methane

Global Impact 🌐

⚙️ Fueling Human Development

⚡ Energy & Industry

🍎 The Green Revolution's Foundation

Environmental Toll ⚠️

💨 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

🏭 Air Pollution & Acid Rain

☢️ Radioactive & Ash Byproducts

⛏️ Extraction & Processing Impacts

Economic Volatility 💸

📈 The Phenomenon of Fossilflation

📜 Historical Precedent

🛡️ Mitigating Fossilflation

Health Consequences 🏥

😷 Air Pollution & Mortality

📊 Comparative Energy Risks

Transition & Policy ➡️

📉 The Fossil Fuel Phase-out

🤝 Just Transition Framework

💰 Divestment Movement

Industry Dynamics 🏢

💲 Fossil Fuel Subsidies

🗣️ Lobbying Activities

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Fossil Fuels

Carbon-Rich Energy Sources

From Organic Matter to Fuel

Non-Renewable by Nature

Geological Genesis

Ancient Life's Transformation

Aquatic Origins: Oil & Gas

Terrestrial Origins: Coal & Methane

Global Impact

Fueling Human Development

Energy & Industry

The Green Revolution's Foundation

Environmental Toll

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Air Pollution & Acid Rain

Radioactive & Ash Byproducts

Extraction & Processing Impacts

Economic Volatility

The Phenomenon of Fossilflation

Historical Precedent

Mitigating Fossilflation

Health Consequences

Air Pollution & Mortality

Comparative Energy Risks

Transition & Policy

The Fossil Fuel Phase-out

Just Transition Framework

Divestment Movement

Industry Dynamics

Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Lobbying Activities

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice