What is it really going to take to get the world to stop burning fossil fuels?

Question

There are plenty of good ideas for alternative fuel sources, some of which we've known about for decades. Why haven't any of them gotten off the ground yet? (especially for cars) And what are we going to have to do to make it happen?

Answer 1

I would suggest that we can't just wait for economics to reverse the inexorable rise in emissions of CO2 from burning fossil fuels. It may be far too late if we do this. However it is a very big problem and it makes sense to do what we can do easily first.

Whilst hydrogen, biofuel or electric cars are not yet sufficiently developed/available the individual can offset his carbon emission by buying relatively cheaply into a neutral carbon scheme which finances an equivalent carbon reduction elsewhere.

We can become carbon aware consumers, householders and voters. Governments in developed countries are already subsidising research and development in new technology and in some cases helping with carbon reduction projects/energy efficiency etc. They do much more when they know their voters are behind them.

Incidentally using fossil fuels is not always bad for the environment. The carbon dioxide produced can be sequestered rather than emitted into the environment.

Answer 2

When it runs out. Of course, once it is more expensive than other forms of energy--e.g. hydrogen fuel cell, solar power, wind power, etc., people will use it a lot less. Also, fossil fuel has very good energy density so portable power needs will use it a bit longer. If you can find an energy source that is cheap, portable, and abundant by tomorrow, the world will stop burning fossil fuel starting tomorrow.

Answer 3

What is the problem with fossil fuels,most have a completely cycle . The wood u burn produces CO2 ,which the trees breath in and breath out oxygen. That is a complete cycle,the tree that takes care of our CO2 problem produces more wood. What wrong with that. Our green friends are recycling it so fast that u cant measure any increase in CO2 even with us, the world producing billions of cf. of CO2 .

Answer 4

It will take finally running out of fossil fuels before the narrow-minded politicians, economists and even scientists to explore other renewable sources of power.

Sorry for the lack of optimism.....

Answer 5

it's a matter of cost.
i think other sources of energy, specially the renewable ones, cost a lot more than regular fuel.

more development is required in order to reduce costs, not only in engineering, but in all fields. i mean, sometimes development in other areas pushes a lot.. maybe some biological discovery helps, or a new mathematical algorithm or new rocks on the moon.. anything!!

Answer 6

There are NOT good alternative fuel sources.

There is nothing cost effective. Once there is a cost effective source then it will be used.

Fossil Fuels will be here for all of our lifetimes.

Answer 7

there are several options to make us stop using fossil fuels: if it becomes more expensive than other energy sources, if it is proved beyond any doubt that the damage they cause is too much, if we all suddenly cease to exist

Answer 8

Simple economics. When someone can make a profit selling an alternative, it will happen without further incentive. Until then, no incentive is sufficient.

Answer 9

You have to stop driving cars, motorcyles, flying in aircraft, using LPG, and stop using plastics.

Answer 10

Time and necessity (which is the mother of invention). When it get's too expensive to burn gasoline, we'll burn something else. However, will we respond to global warming soon enough?