Fossil fuels are considered non-renewable resources because they form so slowly. Petroleum, coal, and natural gas are fossil fuels. Half of the mountain peaks of southern West Virginia will be gone by 2020. Coal burning releases much CO2 which causes global climate change. Acid rain and CO2 from coal burning is an international problem.
Natural gas contains methane, propane, and butane.
The Persian Gulf region contains huge oil deposits. New exploration centers on underwater, continental shelves. Oil production may peak between 2010 and 2020. The Exxon Valdez spilled 10.9 million gallons of oil into Alaska s Prince William Sound. 30,000 birds and 5000 sea otters died.