What would happen to our world if our energy unexpectedly disappeared? Fossil fuels are very important to our world because they provide the vast majority of the world's energy. So, what happens when they run out? This research paper approaches this question with a balanced view, attempting to address the question of which sources could provide energy in the future and come to an objective conclusion. As the world enters a new century, new energy sources such as wind, solar and hydrogen power need to be developed to help the world keep firing on all cylinders. With the development of these new energy sources, our world would become a cleaner place and the energy crisis would resolve itself. Global Energy: Facts and Figures The world uses a surprising amount of energy today. Whether it's unleaded gas from the local gas station or electricity from the local coal-fired power plant, the truth is that most energy comes from a non-renewable source. “When it comes to types of fossil fuels, oil provides nearly 40% of the energy used in the world. Coal is the world's other major energy source, providing nearly 30% of the world's energy consumption. Most coal is burned in power plants to produce electricity. The remaining 30% of the world's energy is produced by other sources, such as nuclear energy and hydroelectric energy” (Mathewson, 1999, p. 277). As you can see here, nearly 70% of our fossil fuel use comes from oil and coal. Modern culture seems to care little about the amount of energy used and the effects it might have on the environment. Per capita energy consumption has been increasing since the early 1900s. “In 1990, the average American used 11.2 short cards… half… until the twenty-first century. In any case, the world must start focusing on clean and renewable alternatives to provide energy. Furthermore, cleaner energy sources need to be found and the whole world needs to start saving more energy to improve the situation, especially countries that emit larger quantities. But to reap the benefits of renewable energy we need to invest more money in technology and research. If research does not focus on new energy sources, the world will descend into total chaos when current energy sources run out. To avoid a period of economic free fall, it is necessary to implement new sources of clean and renewable energy as soon as possible. This way, when the time comes when fossil fuels are no longer a source of energy, the world will already be using the energy of the future, renewable energy..