There are two big problems with using fossil fuels for energy.
- Fossil fuels take millions of years to form, which means they are non-renewable resources. We are using them 100 000 times faster than they are being made.
- When we use fossil fuels to get energy we get more than just energy. Greenhouse gases and air pollution are made too.
The 3 main fossil fuels are coal, oil and natural gas.
For more info on fossil fuels check out the EcoStat "Fossil Fuels - Powering the Planet."
In 1997, about 90% of greenhouse gases produced in Canada were from energy use.
Carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is the largest source of greenhouse gases from human activities.
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere make the Earth warm enough for people, other animals and plants to live. Extra greenhouse gases we are putting into the atmosphere are causing global warming and climate change. Many scientists believe that these changes to the climate will happen faster and be bigger than any in the last 1000 years.
Climate change is the biggest environmental issue in the world today! Everyone can be part of the climate change solution!
Governments, businesses, industry and YOU need to work on using less energy and start using renewable energy sources, like solar power, wind and geothermal energy instead of fossil fuels.
The Get Energy Wise games, activities and info will help teach you about: how we use energy; where we get energy from; how energy use contributes to climate change; and most importantly, what you, your family and friends can do to help cut down on your energy use and about using renewable energy technologies.
