What is most likely going to happen if humans continue using fossil fuels as a main energy resource?

Answer 1

Immediately, there would be a massive reduction in air pollution caused by automobiles (the largest source of man made air pollution). Globally, as far as greenhouse gases are concerned, very little will change. Water vapor is the most predominant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere comprising more than 99% of all greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide production by humans is less than 11% of the world's production of CO2, which in turn is less than half of the less than 0.1% of atmospheric gases that are not oxygen or nitrogen.

Carbon dioxide however does pose a problem for the oceans, contributing to coral bleaching and acidification of natural waters. Surprisingly, most of the production of CO2 in the atmosphere comes from rain forests and jungles which provide no appreciable benefits to the atmosphere (all oxygen production in rain forests is used by the rain forests. Methane and CO2 from rotting vegetation adds to greenhouse gases). Though they do provide other benefits.

Consequently, the most notable changes would merely be the partial loss of our most abundant supply of energy, and the resultant higher cost of energy.

Answer 2

Sea levels will rise. Extreme weather events will become more and more frequent. The polar caps will melt. And economies will collapse as a result of extreme fluctuations in the prices of fossil fuels (oil prices have already begun to fluctuate since production has plateaued and begun to decline since 2008).

Answer 3

Our air quality will be so poor that we will become extinct.

Answer 4

We might:* Use less fuel in general

* Use alternatives to fossil fuels

Answer 5

Marine life would be dramatically harmed.

Answer 6

Global Warming will slow down.

Answer 7

We would have to find alternatives