Unified Metrics Library - Total Fossil fuel energy consumption

Fossil fuels are natural resources formed from the fossilized remains of dead plants and animals millions of years ago. They are essentially stored solar energy, as ancient organisms captured the sun's energy through photosynthesis and it became trapped in their organic matter. The pressure and heat of Earth's crust over time transformed these remains into coal, oil, and natural gas.

These fuels are valuable because they are dense in energy and can be burned to produce heat, power engines, and generate electricity. However, they are also non-renewable, meaning they cannot be replenished on a human timescale. Additionally, burning them releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

So, fossil fuels are a powerful energy source with significant drawbacks, and their use is a complex issue with environmental and economic considerations.