Petroleum-based Fuels

Definition

Petroleum-based fuels, also known as fossil fuels, are energy sources derived from the remains of ancient plants and animals. These fuels include gasoline, diesel, and natural gas, and they are primarily used for transportation, electricity generation, and heating.

Analogy

Think of petroleum-based fuels as the "food" that powers our vehicles and machines. Just like how we need food to provide us with energy to move and perform tasks, these fuels provide energy to power our cars, trucks, planes, and other machinery.

Related terms

Renewable Energy: Energy sources that can be replenished naturally or through human intervention without being depleted over time. Examples include solar power, wind power, and hydropower.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases released into the atmosphere through human activities such as burning fossil fuels. These gases contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual or organization. It is a measure of their impact on climate change.