Non-Renewable Energy Sources and Jobs

Finite Resources

An example of a non-renewable resource is carbon-based fossil fuels. Carbon-based fossil fuels are produced from organic matter and converted into power through pressure and heat. These non-renewable resources are used for various energy sources—however, the resources we use to reduce the Earth’s carbon footprint. To find new non-renewable fuels, we need to understand the science behind each type of energy source.

Non-renewable energy sources are those that run out, such as coal and oil. They also produce carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. In addition, these non-renewable sources can also cause political conflict. According to the BBC, in 2014, the world would run out of oil in forty years. This means that there are fewer sources of energy to meet our global needs. As a result, we need to conserve these resources wisely.

While fossil fuels are a reliable energy source, their use is limited. Oil companies extract petroleum twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A booming oil site can produce oil for thirty years or more. However, these resources cannot be re-used and degrade into highly polluting air. Currently, fossil fuels account for 34 percent of the total human-caused emissions.

Harmful to The Environment

Fossil fuel combustion releases sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These harmful pollutants have detrimental effects on the water cycle. In particular, acid rain is created when sulfur is introduced into the atmosphere. The chemicals suspended in the air turn rain into a mildly acidic substance. Acid rain damages machinery, ruins ecosystems and is particularly dangerous for aquatic life. It also weakens forests.

While there are several ways in which non-renewable energy affects the environment, the most prominent one is the emission of greenhouse gases. These gases are contributing to global climate change. Different non-renewable energy fuels produce different levels of these gases, but all emit some greenhouse gases. Thus, it’s essential to consider the number of greenhouse gases you use and the most efficient fuel for your environment before switching to a different fuel source.

Fossil fuels release various pollutants into the air, including carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants are the main contributors to acid rain, the eutrophication of the oceans, and the vast majority of soot in the atmosphere. In addition to these pollutants, fossil fuel-powered vehicles release poisonous carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, which cause smog on hot days.

Jobs Created by The Extraction of Non-Renewable Energy Sources

The decarbonization of the economy is expected to increase employment in the energy sector. Jobs in solar power, wind power, and biofuel production could take each account for more than a third of all work. Renewable energy industries are growing at an average rate of 12 times faster than the US economy. Furthermore, the supply sector creates more jobs per dollar spent than the entire industry. The report will provide policymakers with essential details about future employment prospects.

In the United States, there were more than 1.9 million jobs in the energy sector last year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and Employment. Nearly half of all energy jobs were in the coal, oil, and natural gas sectors. However, renewable energy also created many jobs in retail, manufacturing, and installation of energy-efficient products and services. Using that information, we can see that the future of the energy sector will be dominated by renewable energy.

Although the employment impact of renewable energy policies is positive, there is some evidence of a net negative effect. The substitution effect occurs when non-renewables are replaced with renewables. The indirect effect also exists, although it is less clear. A large reduction in the use of fossil fuels in countries that depend on foreign oil could reduce employment opportunities in OPEC countries. Conversely, investments in renewables may create more jobs within the countries that import oil and natural gas.