Document43

Will Bales

Mrs. Warden

English 1020

22 March 2021

The Price of Fossil Fuels

In a world where controversy leads to many conversations, one topic has been talked about for many years. Heated conversations on the uses fossil fuels are all too common. With potential climate and environmental changes, many blame fossil fuels The benefits of these materials outweigh the potential risks due to their major role in the economy, availability to the public, and due to the difficulty people face in responding to change. It is important everyone attempts to educate themself about fossil fuels before taking a stance on the issue. Coal, oil, and natural gases are involved in everyday life, from cars and trucks to airplanes and manufacturing. These natural elements play an essential role in every individual’s life, but all while coming with a price.

The biggest reason fossil fuels override the environmental risks revolves around the economy. Millions of Americans rely on jobs that have been created over the years in order to harvest and distribute oil. If oil was no longer in the picture, unemployment rates would skyrocket and ultimately hurt the United States’ economy. In addition, alternative sources of fossil fuels are typically higher in cost and less friendly to the economy. So, even if alternative energy sources improved the cleanliness of the air, many individuals would not be able to afford it. High performing machinery and equipment is still powered by coal plants (Bast and Ferrara). If this were to be replaced, consider the amount of money that would have to be involved. Many corporations would have to rethink the way the manufacture and produce their goods. Environmentalists also claim that humans will thrive with the depletion of natural resources (Bast and Ferrara). If the quality of the air was so bad, why aren’t people suffering from many diseases and health problems from it consistently? Americans would suffer more from poverty and low wealth to afford healthcare as well as other essentials, making the overall quality of life very poor for many Americans.

DMU Timestamp: March 19, 2021 22:17