What was one of the primary drivers for the shift to fossil fuel consumption?

The primary driver for the shift to fossil fuel consumption was industrialization. During the industrial revolution, which began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, there was a significant increase in manufacturing processes that required large amounts of energy. Fossil fuels, particularly coal, became the dominant energy source because they provided a more efficient and powerful means of fueling machinery compared to traditional sources like wood or water power. This transition allowed for mass production and facilitated the growth of cities and economies, leading to an unprecedented transformation in how societies operated and consumed energy.

The reliance on fossil fuels continued to expand with advancements in technology and infrastructure, further entrenching fossil fuels as the primary source of energy in the 20th century. While other factors like economic conditions and globalization have played roles in energy consumption patterns, industrialization stands out as the critical factor that initiated the widespread adoption of fossil fuels as a primary energy source.