Sloppy, vague words lead to sloppy, vague thinking.

The term “fossil fuels” is an excellent example of this.

When the average person hears “fossil fuels,” they think of a dirty technology that belongs in the 1800s.

Many believe they are burning dead dinosaurs to power their cars.

They also think fossil fuels will run out soon and destroy the planet within a decade.

None of these absurd things are true, but many people believe them.

Using misleading and vague language plays a large role.

I suggest expunging “fossil fuels” from your vocabulary in favor of hydrocarbons—a much better and more precise word.