Fossil Fuel

A fuel such as coal, oil or natural gas that was formed through the decomposition of ancient plant and animal life. Fossil fuels are generally burnt to release the energy stored in the chemical bonds of the hydrocarbons. A side effect of this combustion is the release of gases such as carbon dioxide, which has been linked to global warming through the Greenhouse Effect.

Fossil fuel reserves are also finite.

See also: Coal, Coal Tar, Fossil Fuel Emissions, Oil.