Section 1:  Energy Resources and Fossil Fuels

Chapter 17 Section 1 Presentation
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Key Terms:
  • fossil fuel
  • electric generator
  • petroleum
  • oil reserves
Main Ideas:
  • Most of the world's energy needs are met by fossil fuels, which are nonrenewable resources.
  • Coal is abundant in North America and Asia.  In the United States, coal is used primarily to produce electricity.
  • Petroleum can be refined into fuels to power vehicles and machines.  Petroleum can also be used to manufacture many other products.
  • Natural gas is often found above oil deposits.  In general, burning natural gas releases fewer pollutants than burning coal or oil.
  • The extraction, transportation, and use of fossil fuels cause many environmental problems, including air and water pollution and habitat destruction.
  • Calculations of fossil fuel reserves predict that oil production will peak and then decline in the early 21st century.