For over 100 years, the automobile industry has depended on gasoline as its primary fuel source. Gasoline is a colorless, highly flammable substance used in internal combustion engines. It is a fossil fuel made from crude oil, a natural gas formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals (Webster's Dictionary). Gasoline has positively influenced our lifestyle by providing convenient, on-demand transportation. It has created a global economy that moves people and goods more quickly and easily than anyone ever imagined (Povey 12). Although it is a seemingly perfect substance, it has unprecedented flaws. The enormous political, environmental and economic problems resulting from excessive gasoline consumption lead to the conclusion that the automobile industry should not continue to rely on this fuel source. Environmental Risks When considering problems related to gasoline consumption, catastrophic environmental effects are the primary concern. The automobile consumes 70 percent of the United States' oil supply and is responsible for one-third of the nation's carbon emissions (Lovins 173). This leads to pollution, global warming and health problems for people, plants and animals. The search for alternative fuels is fueled by increasingly evident environmental problems and the long-term health of the planet (Povey 17). Fortunately, reducing emissions globally is expected to have a positive effect and offset previous damage (Backer). As the years pass and the demand for gasoline increases, it is inevitable that the world's oil supply will not last forever. This idea is made increasingly clear by the evidence from peak. Peak production is the time when about half of the world's oil supply will be gone. Oil production in a given country...... middle of paper...... Africa, simply to ensure a steady supply of oil for America. Finding an alternative fuel would be much safer and much less expensive. Nor do alternative fuels finance a war against America. By paying for such large quantities of oil, America is financing both sides of the Islamic war; Middle Eastern countries use American money to fight (Hobson). Alternative fuels allow America to remain isolated and avoid conflict. Gasoline is considered a useful substance for all countries in the world. However, the negative effects are much greater than the positive effects. A diversity of clean fuels is vital to America's political, environmental, and economic health. Although gasoline is a product that the United States of America and many other countries depend on, its negative effects are unbearable, dangerous and unnecessary due to the possibility of using alternative fuels..