The world has become increasingly dependent on the use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) to support consumer-driven societies and their associated lifestyles. Enormous quantities of these fuels are used daily. The fuels may be burned in a variety of vehicles to propel them down the road, through the air, or across the oceans. The fuels may be utilized to drive industrial manufacturing processes directly, such as by powering an engine, or they may be used indirectly to generate electricity to power the economy by producing the consumer products upon which we’ve become so dependent. Our ability to heat and cool our homes; grow, harvest, transport, and cook our food; provide health care and medicines; and entertain ourselves during our free time all depend on fossil fuels in one way or another. Some activities depend on burning the fuels whereas others depend on utilizing the fossil fuels as raw materials in the chemical industry. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources, however, and the supply will eventually run out. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the products of fossil fuel combustion may be causing Earth to warm beyond what is natural and desirable. It is a known fact that both carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb and trap heat radiation. It is also known that the levels of carbon dioxide and some other heat-trapping substances have increased significantly in the atmosphere over the past hundred or so years. The debate among scientists, politicians, and concerned citizens centers on whether the warming of Earth is due to the increase in concentration of these substances. If so, what will be the consequences of this warming? And is there anything we can or should do about it?
Some people believe this global warming will be good for Earth, some think it will be inconsequential, some think we will adjust to it, and some think it threatens life as we know it. Some people think there is nothing that can or should be done about this warming, whereas others feel it is imperative that we do everything within our power to halt this phenomenon. The average citizen must become knowledgeable enough about this issue to make informed decisions concerning factors affecting this global warming. Such knowledge could influence the type of automobile you purchase, the size of the house you live in, and your lifestyle in general. It could eventually influence where and how you live or, possibly, even if you live. Knowledge is power and only by obtaining, properly assessing, and utilizing this knowledge can we adjust to changing times.
Excerpted from the book
Joesten, M., et al. The World of Chemistry Essentials, 4th edition, Thomson, Brooks/Cole, 2007.
