The two greatest threats to humanity are Covid-19, the global pandemic and fossil fuels. Many countries, established and developing, use fossil fuels for electricity generation. There has been concern that fossil fuels could contaminate the environment and cause climate change. This will have a significant impact on the lives of millions. Covid-19 has caused unimaginable pain for millions and claimed many lives in the fastest timeframe. Covid-19 and its use of fossil fuels are therefore the two biggest threats to humanity. This paper will identify and analyze factors which make fossil fuels and covid-19 a grave threat to the global environment. Then, we will discuss the role humans have in exacerbating the threat and suggest mitigation measures for the international community to reduce the worst effects.
Factors
Fossil fuels are responsible for the emissions of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere as well as environmental degradation. Transportation, power generation and industry are the main sources of greenhouse gases in America. Planes, trains, ships, trucks, and automobiles account for the majority of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. At least 90% of transportation fuel consumption will be made up by gasoline and diesel. The United States is increasingly using natural gas and other fossil fuels to generate energy (Althor 1; Ritchie 2, 2). Coal remains the main source of electricity. Coal is the primary source of energy for most American industries. There are three main sources of greenhouse gas emission in American homes: solid waste combustion, use of greenhouse gases-containing items, and burning fossil fuels to heat. Greenhouse gas emissions are largely caused by the production of agricultural soils and rice. Because of its high carbon level, coal produces the highest amount of greenhouse gas emissions. This is why it is the most popular source of energy in America and other countries. To support the American energy sector, there are many coal-mining plants. The emissions of greenhouse gasses from both coal and petroleum are virtually identical. (Karmaker 3). The emissions of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are caused by motor vehicles such as trucks and automobiles that use petrol as their fuel. The major contributor to global warming is natural gas. Producing liquefied gas has increased carbon dioxide emissions in the United States as well as other countries around the globe by approximately 24 million tonnes, which contributes to global warming.