Use less energy to conserve it

(The following is an abridged form of an interesting article found in the web)
Most of our energy today comes from fossil fuels-coal, oil and natural gas. These fuels are the decayed remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago. We are using these fuels, particularly oil, about a million times faster than they are forming; consequently, we will exhaust our supply of oil within a century or two unless we reduce the rate of use. Coal resources are plentiful, but burning coal pollutes the atmosphere and most scientists recommended reducing our use of coal or finding better, cleaner ways to use it. By conserving energy we give scientists, inventors and engineers more time to develop other ways of providing energy, ways that will not require fossil fuels.It is said that 80% of the world population living in the developing countries account for only 40% of global energy consumption and more than 2 billion people in these countries have no access to electricity. Also, worldwide, humanity encounters sever problems related to the global environment, energy use and depletion of natural resources.Today, the availability and the use of energy sources is one of the most decisive factors determining the quality of life in both urban and rural households. At house, energy is needed electrical appliance (geyser, water pumping etc.) while on farms, cultivation, irrigation, transport and post harvest processing are the most energy demanding activities. Industries live on energy only that too almost 100% on fossil fuel energy with nil or negligible portion coming from other sources. It is predicted (1996 base year) that would can expect to derive oil and gas energy only for 45 and 65 years respectively and later on look for nuclear, energy (not very well accepted by all community).In another aspect, when fossil fuels burn, they release carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into the atmosphere. As a result of the large and growing use of fossil fuels during the last century, the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere has increased from 290 ppm (part per million), or 0.029 percent, to 350 ppm or 0.035 percent since carbon dioxide absorbs some of the radiant energy that passes from earth into space, scientists fear that its continued increase will cause the earth’s lower atmosphere to grow warmer. Carbon dioxide ‘traps’ energy much as do the windows in a green house consequently, this anticipated increase in atmosphere temperature due to the buildup of carbon dioxide and other gases, such as methane, is often referred to as the greenhouse effect. Reducing our use of fossil fuels decreases the rate at which CO2 is poured into the air. This, in turn, will reduce the greenhouse effect, an effect that could warm the earth, melt the polar ice caps, raise sea levels, flood coastal cities, and turn rich farmlands into deserts.Another way to reduce atmospheric CO2 is to plant trees in large numbers. Trees, like all green plants, absorb CO2 to carry on photosynthesis; however, to absorb the CO2 from one 500 MW (Mega Watt) coal – burning power plant would require 1000 square miles (2,590 sq km) of forest.In addition to above, it makes good financial sense to conserve energy because it will save money every family can cut its energy bills by reducing its heater, electrical, gasoline and other energy use. The more energy you transfer from fuels and power companies to do work in your home and car, the more your family spends. Conserving energy will reduce those costs.When most people speak of conserving energy, what they really mean is: use as little energy as possible to get jobs done. Burn only enough fuel oil to keep your well-insulated house reasonably warm in winter. Drive a car that uses as little gasoline as possible to get you from one place to another. Turn on electric lights and other appliances only when they are needed. Take short showers rather than baths and in general, use energy sources as little as possible.