Info point: Fuels Read the fact file about the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels and answer the questions. 1 Do you think we should give up using fossil fuels immediately? Why? Why not? 2 Can you think of ways to make the use of fossil fuels more environmentally friendly? 3 What alternatives are there to fossil fuels? 24 a Fossil fuels have revolutionised life on earth, but they are non-renewable and cause untold environmental damage. Despite recent technical and political efforts, we are still heavily dependent on them. Advantages of fossil fuels ■■ Fossil fuels are highly stable in nature compared to other fuels. ■■ Coal, oil and gas are still available in large quantities. ■■ Converting them to heat energy is very efficient. ■■ Equipment for the production of energy from fossil fuels is fully developed. ■■ Transport of current liquid or gaseous fuels is relatively simple, and distribution networks are well-established. Disadvantages of fossil fuels ■■ Fossil fuels are the largest source of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, the major contributors to global warming. They can also damage the ozone layer. ■■ Fossil fuels emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide, which produce acid rain. ■■ Renewable energy sources are getting cheaper and cheaper. ■■ Extraction of fossil fuels threatens the geological balance in many areas (e.g. because of spills or the damage done by fracking). ■■ Although fuels such as oil and natural gas are still available, their exploitation has resulted in their depletion. ■■ They are non-renewable in nature. The formation of fossil fuels takes millions of years. When you finish your meeting, go back to your original group. Groups A, B, C, how was your meeting? What do you think the government will decide? Group D, what did you think about the arguments you heard? Decide where the airport should be and why. Listen to group D’s decision. Do you think it’s the right decision? Why? Why not? c d Complete the sentences with the highlighted words from 24a. 1 The disadvantages of fossil fuels outweigh the advantages when they are carefully. 2 Historically, fossil fuels had the advantage of being than cleaner energy sources, though this is no longer the case. 3 The of coal is usually done through mining. This can be either surface mining or underground mining. 4 A factory might various gases or fumes. 5 Oil is a resource, which is one of its disadvantages. 6 The largest of oil are found in the Middle East. b compared 89 Language skills Extras Explore 7 Your environment Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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