Fossil Fuels

Definition

Fossil fuels are hydrocarbon-rich deposits formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. They include coal, oil, and natural gas and are a major source of energy on Earth.

Related terms

Non-renewable Resources: Natural resources that cannot be replenished within a human lifespan once they are consumed.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product.

Climate Change: A long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional and global climates. It is largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.