Petroleum, also known as crude oil, is a naturally occurring fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms over millions of years. It is a primary source of energy, refined into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, and is also used in the production of plastics, chemicals, and other industrial materials. While petroleum has driven industrial development and modern convenience, its extraction, refining, and use have significant environmental consequences. Burning petroleum-based fuels releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. The extraction process can cause habitat destruction, oil spills, and water contamination, while refining releases harmful pollutants into the air and water. As the world faces the urgent need to address climate change, the reliance on petroleum is increasingly seen as unsustainable, prompting a global push toward renewable energy sources.
