Problems

Perceived Problems

Since before the dawn of man, living things have been dependent on carbon for food and energy. As our population grew, the demand for food and energy has skyrocketed in a hockey stick curve. The industrial revolution has put pressure on these industries. As a result, industries have turned towards fossil fuels. These fossil fuels have strained politics, the economy, and the environment ever since.
Oil has been the driving force for many wars and treaties, as shown by the OPEC oil embargo in the 70’s. The countries with oil and energy have the most influence.
Oil dependence also strains the market. GDP rests in the hands of the fluctuation of oil supply demand. Foreign dependence takes the control out of our hands.
CO₂ emissions have risen to 400 parts per million. More fuel is needed to supply a growing demand. If a replacement for fossil fuels is not found within the foreseeable future, then environmental destruction will only accelerate. Greenhouse gasses are altering the biosphere in many negative ways, whether it is the melting of the ice caps or the increasing toxicity of various environments. For these reason, the development of renewable, clean fuel is an incredibly important task.