Although the prices of fuels have greatly increased over the last decade or two, it is argued that further increases in fuel prices are the only way to reduce world consumption of fuel and lessen pressure on the world’s fuel resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement ?

While many feel that increasing

fuel

prices is the only way to reduce

consumption

,

this

is more of an opinion than a fact. In

this

essay, I’m going to share a core

reason

why increasing prices alone will not reduce the pressure on the world’s

fuel

resources and a few alternatives to reduce

consumption

. The primary

reason

why increasing prices will not work is because fossil fuels are integral to the growth aspirations of a country and the masses will continue to afford key resources like

fuel

that helps the economy grow.

This

can be validated historically when, despite the steep rise in

fuel

prices since 1960, the

consumption

has only increased. Expecting

consumption

to reduce by trying to hike the prices is like expecting the world to stop drinking water by increasing its price. The

second

reason

why the demand for fossil fuels will not reduce is because there is no other suitable alternative. Solar, wind, thermal and nuclear power is still not able to meet the demands of the growing countries. In the absence of a good alternative energy source, fossil fuels will continue to remain in popular demand.

However

, all is not lost. The sentiment to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels is well received and there are ways to reduce our

consumption

of

this

precious and finite resource. The

first

method is through mass education. Fossil fuels are the primary

reason

for air pollution and there is significant evidence that

this

is depleting our Ozone layer. Informing people about the long term damaging effects of the prolonged fossil

fuel

usage on human health are the way to go. Awareness can stimulate action. Improving public transport is another way for the public to reduce using fossil fuels. In summary, fossil fuels are a rare and precious commodity, but it is

also

the only commodity that many nations have to grow. We must avoid simplifying the answer and come up with creative ideas if we are going to really reduce the

consumption

of fossil fuels.