By Andres Romero

Petroleum is a nonrenewable resource that is formed from the dead remains of animals and plants. The remains are covered by layers of sand and silt then the heat and pressure from those layers make petroleum. Petroleum is a yellow-to-black liquid and is usually found underground.

We use petroleum in many different ways which make our lives easier. We mostly use oil as fuel for trucks, cars and jets. Not only is it use for fuel, but it also used for products such as ink, crayons, deodorant and other products. Although this uses benefit us, they’re also consequences to these benefits.

When petroleum is produced, found and moved it harms the environment by air and water pollution. It releases carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and many other pollutants. Carbon dioxide creates greenhouse gases which causes global warming. Not only does it harm the environment but it also harms organisms. When petroleum is burned, it causes acid rain which harm plants and animals that live in water. It also affects humans by causing respiratory illnesses and heart diseases.

An actual incident that occurred by petroleum was the 2010 BP oil spill that had devastating effects on the environment and the economy. The oil spill was caused by an explosion during an offshore drilling. It was in the Gulf of Mexico and was releasing 5,000 barrels of oil per day. Thousands of plants and animals died because of the oil spill.

Coal is a brownish-to-black rock that is mostly made of carbon. Like petroleum, it takes millions years to form and is very similar to how petroleum is formed. People use giant machines to remove the coal from the ground. It is then processed by cleaning the dirt and unwanted material from the coal. Once its processed, it is then transported by barge, ships, trucks and trains.

There are many uses for coal but the major two are for generating electricity and the industry. Coal generates electricity for almost half of the united states. Coal power plants burn coal to make steam and the steam turn turbines to make electricity. Industries use coal as heat and by-products such as plastic, fertilizer and even medicine.

Like any nonrenewable resource, coal releases harmful pollutants in the environment. Coal is linked to cause acid rain and contributes to global warming. Not only does coal harm humans and animals with illnesses, but it also cause neurological and development damages to organisms. If coal is not properly cared, it can damage the ecosystem of organisms.