Fossil fuels and climate change. Both of these topics often stir up angst amongst people but they are inextricably linked. Fossil fuels are a finite and precious energy source that the world desperately needs to continue functioning. In fact, according to a recent BP review, it was found that fossil fuels still provide for a whopping 84% of the world’s energy!
One downside that comes with the use of fossil fuels is the damage to the environment which is incurred when the fossil fuels are burnt. According to ClientEarth.org, when fossil fuels are burned they release huge amounts of carbon dioxide. With the release of this greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, it traps heat thereby increasing global warming. While the terms global warming and climate change are used interchangeably, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) posits that global warming is just one facet of climate change.
Climate change refers to a whole host of changes that occur on the planet like increasing sea levels, the destruction of ice caps in Greenland, the Arctic and Antarctic, a loss of flora and fauna biodiversity and extreme shortages of food. Listed below are some facts about fossil fuels and climate change.
1: Just How Severe Is The Impact Of Fossil Fuels On Our Earth?
Did you know that a study by Science Advance found that if we burn all the fossil fuels on Earth, it would lead to a catastrophic disaster; the melting of all the ice in Antarctica. If that were to happen, sea levels would increase by a staggering 200 feet or about the height of a 20 story building. The drastic increase in sea levels would leave most cities underwater!
While that’s one of the worst case scenarios we could potentially face, there are other less sizable impacts. According to ClientEarth.org, coal is one of the several forms of fossil fuels responsible for the 0.3C of the total 1C hike in worldwide temperatures. ClientEarth.org posits that the burning of oil is responsible for a third of the globe’s carbon emissions.
While a single degree celsius increase in global temperatures might sound inconsequential. However any change in global temperatures can lead to impacts on the world’s ecological systems and subsequently on the lives of the people on Earth. It can be viewed as a domino effect.
One example are marine ecosystems. According to NASA, with just a 1.5 degree celsius increase in warming, there will be catastrophic changes and damages in marine life. For example, species may migrate to different parts of the world. This can impact humans and our ability to fish and farm seafood.
2. How The World Has Stepped Up
In 2015, world governments came together to sign the famous Paris Agreement. Part of the agreement saw over 192 countries and the European Union (EU) agreeing to slash carbon emission. These agreements involved the use of less fossil fuels and the replacement of fossil fuels with greener and more renewable energy sources. The goal of the Paris Climate Agreement was simple; to ensure that global warming is below 1.5C.
3. A Move To Green Energy
While the effects of climate change seem unavoidable there are ways in which we can stave off the effects of this environmental catastrophe. It could be summed up into two words: Energy Transition. Steps need to be taken to foster energy dependence on greener and more sustainable energy sources like solar or wind. These sources of energy are infinite and freely available.
More About Winson Oil
With over half a century of experience in the energy industry, Winson Oil is one of Asia’s leading energy trading companies. Winson Oil has a variety of offices in various parts of the Asiatic continent including Hong Kong, Bangalore and the Philippines.
Winson Oil Trading Pte. Ltd operates oil trading, bunkering services, and supply chain services such as onshore oil tanks, vessels, shipping service distribution, and logistic planning.
With over 50 years of experience in the industry, we are more than capable of offering steadfast end-to-end supply chain solutions to our clients. We are focused on guaranteeing excellent service to our clients with a promise of customer satisfaction. We will always work on fostering long term relationships with our business partners by validating their efforts and undeniable contributions.
With a strong partner network, a fortified position in the market and a deep sense of customer needs, we are zealous in offering the best services and solutions to our clients. Winson Oil is proud to carry out operations ethically, while minimising any potential environmental damage through the effective use of world-class technology and other resources. We hope to spread our reach to other regions. In fact, we have plans to open offices in countries like Australia and New Zealand.
