What are the risks of using oil as a fuel?

Burning oil for energy can release large amounts of carbon dioxide, which can contribute to global warming. Use of high-sulfur fossil fuels such as coal and fuel oil can increase the prevalence of acid rain by adding sulfur compounds to the air.

The risk of dependence on oil as an energy source is that supplies are eventually going to be depleted. The concentration of large reserves in areas such as Alaska, Venezuela, and the Middle East can make these regions potentially unstable (politically, economically, and environmentally).