Importance Our lifestyle and economy are dependent on the use of large quantities of energy to run our cars, appliances, factories, and homes. The vast majority of this energy production creates pollution, whether in the form of greenhouse gases, toxins, or radioactive waste. In fact, most air pollution comes, directly or indirectly, from the creation and consumption of energy. Perhaps the most troublesome aspect of our energy dependence is that most of our energy comes from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas that are finite and non-renewable. Economic Increases in energy prices translate quickly into higher prices for goods and services at every level.
Energy shortages have the power to plunge an economy into recession.
With so much of our energy usage, especially transportation, dependent on foreign oil sources, our economy is not as secure as it could be. Technologies that use energy more efficiently can cut our risks and expenses impressively, but most companies, homes, and government agencies do not use them. Environmental The combustion of coal, oil, or natural gas by power plants, motor vehicles, and other sources emits greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Most air pollution is the result of some kind of energy production or consumption. In addition, the extraction and use of these sources of energy can radically alter local landscapes, and sometimes leads to oil spills in the ocean or accidents at power plants.