The variety of fuels used to generate electricity all have some impact on the environment, some negative (Power Scorecaard.) Scientists have faced many problems that generating electricity can cause. Nuclear power plants produce large quantities of radioactive waste. Fossil fuel power plants release air pollution and require cooling water, and can ruin large lands during mining. Renewable energy plants also affect wildlife, result in hazardous waste, or require cooling water (Power Scorecard). Fossil fuel-fired plants in particular create serious environmental problems, although many electric companies have operated fossil fuel plants for decades and these plants are very profitable and easy to operate (American history). Scientists have addressed this problem many times and have now found alternatives to fossil fuel-powered plants; solar panels, wind energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy are just some alternatives to systems powered by fossil fuels (economy). Fossil fuels can harm the environment in various ways, but they also have many benefits. Fossil fuels are cheap. Although the extraction and refining process is relatively expensive, operating them is quite cheap. Innovative technology is accessible to extract fossil fuels efficiently, reducing overall costs. Many companies invest in this because it is cheaper than installing wind and solar technologies (Conserve Energy Future). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Because fossil fuels are stable, they are safe to transport. It is easy and efficient to transport fossil fuels over long distances. This is because there are many ways to transport them; they can be transported on large trucks or pumped through large pipes above and below ground. This is more efficient than transporting other forms of energy similar to nuclear energy, as it may be dangerous and risky to transport (Conserve Energy Future). Fossil fuels are reliable compared to other energy sources and have been since the industrial revolution. Solar and wind energy mainly depend on current climate conditions to produce electricity, while fossil fuels ensure a reliable energy supply (Conserve Energy Future). The use of fossil fuel-fueled plants as an energy resource opens up many jobs in finance, administration and construction. In addition to the many advantages of fossil fuels, there are also many disadvantages. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources. Non-renewable energy sources are limited and destined to run out in the future. Their supply is limited and sooner or later they will run out. Environmental pollution is one of the major disadvantages of fossil fuels. When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide gas is released, which adds to the greenhouse effect and is one of the main gases responsible for increasing global warming. When burned, oil and coal release sulfur dioxide gas which contributes to acid rain and causes breathing problems for living creatures (BBC Bitesize.). Accidents involving fossil fuels are highly disastrous and can cause extensive damage. Oil spills are very common, oil spills lead to pollution of water bodies and death of aquatic animals, as well as damaging the coastal environment.