Fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil) are our main source of energy. Burning fossil fuels to release energy releases carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants which are a major cause of climate change and can also be harmful to human health.
In addition, fossil fuels have a finite life. To prepare for a time when the option of using fossil fuels is no longer there, we must address energy issues in a number of ways:
- Reduce the need for energy
- Use energy more efficiently
- Generate energy from ‘renewable’ sources
- Use more efficient technologies when burning fossil fuels e.g. Combined Heat and power (CHP)