last 20 years longer than the world's oil reserves but, although
cleaner than oil, natural gas is still a fossil fuel that emits
pollutants. It is also expensive to extract and transport as it has
to be liquefied.
Hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen fuel cells would provide us with a permanent, renewable,
clean energy source as they combine hydrogen and oxygen chemically to
produce electricity, water and heat. The difficulty, however, is that
there isn't enough hydrogen to go round and the few clean ways of
producing it are expensive.
Biofuels
However, studies suggest ethanol production has a negative effect on
energy investment and the environment because of the space required
to grow what we need.
Renewable energy
Oil-dependent nations are turning to renewable energy sources such as
hydroelectric, solar and wind power to provide an alternative to oil
but the likelihood of renewable sources providing enough energy is
slim.
Nuclear
Fears of the world's uranium supply running out have been allayed by
improved reactors and the possibility of using thorium as a nuclear
fuel. But an increase in the number of reactors across the globe
would increase the chance of a disaster and the risk of dangerous
substances getting into the hands of terrorists.
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