I'm reading a new book: 365 Ways to Save the Planet by Nergiz De Baere. It starts by discussing some of the basics about our world and sustainability. Since 'creating conversations' is one of the best ways to bring others on the journey, I thought it best to share some of the snippets of information in small enough chunks to be read whilst enjoying a mid-morning coffee or tea.
First topic: Energy
What fuels are we currently using?
In 2023, our biggest global source of energy was oil, closely followed by coal and then natural gas. Renewable energy sources nearly make up 14% of global consumption.
Essentially, renewables are increasing, but still have a long way to go to catch up with their big brothers.
How are Fossil Fuels created?
Coal
Coal takes millions of years to form, hence it's not renewable any time soon. It's created by dead plants being compressed under layers of dirt, rock and water. Heat and pressure is created by the layers on top of the dead plants, turning them into coal. When burnt, coal releases the most amount of carbon dioxide as well as mercury, arsenic and soot pollution.
Oil
In a similarly long process to coal, oil is created through the compression of marine animals and plants, this time by sand, water and rock. The heat and pressure breaks down the organic material turning it into petroleum.
Fun Fact: Petroleum actually means 'rock oil'
Natural Gas
Natural gas is created at the same time as coal and oil, but collects in porous rock formations, and is mostly made up of methane. It is regularly found near deposits of petroleum, and often found as a byproduct of drilling for crude oil.
Why is Energy so important?
The burning of fossil fuels for energy contributes to 90% of global CO2 emissions, and nearly 75% of our total greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions essentially trap the sun's heat within our atmosphere, redirecting them back to Earth and creating global warming.
Energy consumption and therefore the burning of fossil fuels is therefore by far, the biggest contributor to global warming.
What can the individual do?
Energy currently fuels our society. They're burned to heat our homes, light rooms, power televisions and telephones, create clothes. Almost everything we do, burns fossil fuels.
The practical solution isn't to reverse the clock, live off grid and abandon modern technologies. Instead as individuals we can focus on a few ways of measuring and managing our energy consumption, even if that's just not wasting energy by leaving lights on or taps running. Then collectively, we can encourage the big players, like governments and big corporations to invest in and adopt renewable energy sources. And celebrate those that already do.
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