Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are natural sources of energy that come from the deposition of organic materials in the earth's subsoil over millions of years. These organic materials can be buried and transformed under a layer of sediments, gradually turning into fossil fuels that contain carbon and energy.

The most common types of fossil fuels include:

Coal: It is a solid fuel that is formed from the accumulation and transformation of plant residues into coal. It is an abundant source of energy in some parts of the world and is mainly used to produce electricity.

Petroleum: Is a liquid fuel that results from the decomposition and transformation of organic residues, such as algae and microorganisms, into gaseous, liquid, and solid components. Oil is mainly used as a fuel for transportation and for the production of various petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene and lubricating oils.

Natural gas: It is mainly composed of methane and other hydrocarbons and is in the form of gas. Natural gas is extracted from underground deposits and used to generate heat, generate electricity and as a fuel for households and industry.

Fossil fuels have a long history of use as energy sources for industry, transportation, and homes. Their advantage is that they have a high energy value and are relatively easily available. However, their combustion and emissions lead to the release of greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming and climate change. Therefore, it is important to search for and develop alternative, greener sources of energy with a lower carbon footprint.