How connected are fossil fuels to the infrastructure of human civilization?

Relationship between Fossil Fuels & Human Civilization

The advancement of humanity’s civilization has been dependent on fossil fuels throughout its history. The vast majority of energy we use today comes from fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. This is true right through the industrial revolution. These fossil fuels have allowed us to develop technology, build infrastructure and expand our economies in ways we wouldn’t be able without them (Tilley & Dowlatabadi (2018). Fossil fuels are still a vital component of infrastructure supporting human civilisation as the world’s population grows and the energy demands rise. With the emission of greenhouse gases resulting in climate change, fossil fuels have had an enormous impact on our environment. Despite this, fossil fuels still account for up to 80% of the world’s energy supply. It is also slow and costly to transition to renewable energy sources. Some believe that fossil fuels will continue to be a part of human civilization’s energy mix in the future (Tilley & Dowlatabadi (2018)).