What are fossil fuels and when will they be depleted?

Answer 1

Fossil Fuels are all organic based substances that can be used to generate energy, be it heat or mechanical work. The parent material of fossil fuels ranges considerably but all of it was once living creatures whose remains were buried and trapped within the earth before being properly decomposed. When fossil fuels will be depleted is a question of much debate. The reserves of specific fossil fuels vary, for example coal is more plentiful than oil or natural gas. It is likely that fossil fuels will never actually be depleted because long before that happens other sources of energy (such as solar/wind/geothermal) will become much more economically viable. Unlike fossil fuels these sources of energy are sustainable and will never be depleted. Also the potential for energy production (especially solar) is much greater than any fossil fuel. This transition is inevitable, but it is impossible to say when it will happen. Over the past few years we have seen a general increase in the cost of energy (particularly oil). This is because the global demand for these resources has increased faster than the global production. Over the last few years World oil production has leveled off, but demand has continued to rise so expect the price at the pump to rise steadily with each year. Though coal reserves are much more vast it is likely that in a few decades world production of that resource will level off as well. In my opinion this will be the breaking point where green energies actually become more affordable than fossil fuels. Short answer to your question NEVER, but you'll probably stop using them in 30-40 years.

Answer 2

A fossil fuel is a fuel that cannot be replaced within a generation. They can however be replaced over millions of years.