ABSTRACT
This chapter intends to update the current state of knowledge on the following issues: Historical trends in exploration/exploitation of fossil fuels and inputs into the ocean; Holistic interpretation on the environmental consequences caused by accidental oil spills in marine ecosystems; Social and economic implications of oil emissions in the ocean: as overexploitation of marine living resources; loss of aesthetic and recreational ecosystem properties. Generation of electricity and heat worldwide relies heavily on coal, the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel. Globally, liquid and solid fuels accounted for 76" of emissions from fossil-fuel burning and cement production in 2009. Emissions from center production have more than doubled since the mid-1990s and now represent 4.7" of global CO2 releases from fossil-fuel burning and cement production. The Potsdam Climate Institute calculated the total potential emissions from burning the world's proven fossil fuel reserves. Ggreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) have become a concern because of their link to climate change.
