Fossil fuels are hydrocarbon-based energy sources, including coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from prehistoric organic matter over millions of years. Although fossil fuels powered the Industrial Revolution and modern economic growth, now present major challenges.
Their combustion releases stored carbon, making them the primary driver of human-induced climate change. Scientific and policy initiatives are focused on transitioning to a low-carbon energy system.
Achieving global climate goals requires decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions by expanding renewables, integrating hydrogen, and advancing carbon capture technologies.
Industries are increasingly adopting non-fossil fuels such as green hydrogen and biofuels to achieve carbon neutrality. This transition is especially important for hard-to-abate sectors like steel and chemicals, where electrification is limited and low-carbon, high-density energy sources are needed to replace traditional fossil fuels.