Few people are aware of the true costs associated with the overuse of fossil fuels.
In reality, unchecked consumption of the finite fossil fuel reserves drives more and more exploration and extraction at a higher economic cost, and displaces more and more natural resources at a higher environmental cost. A compounding reality is that generating energy by burning coal, oil, and natural gas is a major source of atmospheric contamination responsible for global warming and climate change, acid rain, and smog. The resulting impact damages water bodies and groundwater, soils, crops, wildlife and wildlife habitat, building materials, and mankind's personal health. The combined effect is the inability to sustain life. Thus, the true cost of using fossil fuels for highly consumptive energy needs is not just the price humans pay, it is also the price the environment pays.