Fossil fuels are natural resources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals buried under layers of earth for millions of years. The main types of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels are rich in carbon and are burned to produce energy for electricity, heating, and transportation. While fossil fuels have powered our world for a long time, their use contributes to air pollution and climate change. As we seek cleaner energy sources, many are turning to alternatives like solar and wind energy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and protect the environment.