The idea of unlimited economic growth is killing reserves.
Explosive demand for natural resources like coal, oil and natural gas means that we are rapidly running out of these finite sources of energy. But it's not just fossil fuels that pose a problem, as even our water resources are running out. So how much do we really have left? And what alternatives can we use instead?
Natural gas
Although natural gas consumption fell 2.3% in 2020, this finite fossil fuel is running dangerously low. If things continue like this, we may only have 53 years of gas left. Nuclear power is believed by many to be the best alternative to fossil fuels such as natural gas, since it releases very little carbon and other pollutants into the air. It's also a very efficient source of energy, using only a small amount of uranium to produce a lot of energy, and it's relatively cheap to build a nuclear power plant.
Coal
Primarily used as a fuel to generate electrical power, coal has the largest reserves of any remaining natural resource. According to the World Coal Association, there are still approximately 1 billion tons left. This gives us about 132 years before it runs out. The coal is burned so that its heat can turn water into steam, which then spins a turbine, leading to the production of electricity. There are several renewable options for coal, but the best is thought to be geothermal energy, which can create the same effect without depleting the earth's reserves. Geothermal energy consists of extracting heat from the core of the earth to convert water into steam.
Petroleum
Oil consumption fell in 2020 to its lowest levels since 2011 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This meant that supply was falling by a staggering 9.1 billion barrels a day. But while this drop in demand may have bought us a little more time (current estimates suggest we have 50 years of oil left), we are already at a critical point. We depend on oil not only to power our cars, but also to make different plastics and synthetic materials. Electricity is becoming the most popular alternative fuel for cars running on gasoline or diesel. Electricity is most often produced from coal, which currently accounts for 37% of global production.
Sweet water
Half of the world's population could be living in areas that are not guaranteed fresh water by 2030. Fresh water only accounts for 2.5% of the planet's total water, with the rest being non-potable salt water. To make matters worse, 70% of fresh water is permanently in the form of ice and snow. It is not only for drinking that we need fresh water, but also for washing and producing food. High demand means it could soon sell out. Desalination plants may be the solution.
