Question

1a. Identify each of the following factors as being either a cost of fossil fuels or a benefit of fossil fuels.(10 points)

source of energy that works well with existing infrastructure
fossil fuels are non-renewable and will eventually be depleted
pollution from waste produced during drilling
excess greenhouse gases from burning
loss of habitat in areas where drilling takes place
drilling sites take less space than windmill farms and solar panel farms
pollution from leaks
financial benefits for employees of fuel-related businesses
fossil fuels provide source of molecules used for plastic and other products
damage to environment in areas where drilling takes place

Answer 1

Here’s the classification of each factor as either a cost or a benefit of fossil fuels:

### Benefits of Fossil Fuels:
1. **Source of energy that works well with existing infrastructure** - Benefit
2. **Financial benefits for employees of fuel-related businesses** - Benefit
3. **Fossil fuels provide source of molecules used for plastic and other products** - Benefit
4. **Drilling sites take less space than windmill farms and solar panel farms** - Benefit

### Costs of Fossil Fuels:
1. **Fossil fuels are non-renewable and will eventually be depleted** - Cost
2. **Pollution from waste produced during drilling** - Cost
3. **Excess greenhouse gases from burning** - Cost
4. **Loss of habitat in areas where drilling takes place** - Cost
5. **Pollution from leaks** - Cost
6. **Damage to environment in areas where drilling takes place** - Cost

This distinction highlights the various impacts of fossil fuel use, considering both their economic advantages and environmental drawbacks.