Final answer:
Fossil fuels are not expected to last for thousands of years due to rapid consumption, and while nuclear power has a longer potential lifespan, it faces significant challenges and cannot replace all fossil fuel uses. We must transition to sustainable energy sources for long-term survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to existing knowledge, it is widely believed that fossil fuels and nuclear power will not be able to last for thousands of years. A significant portion of our initial reserves of fossil fuels has been consumed in just 200 years, indicating that in 10,000 years, these resources will likely have been exhausted. While nuclear power, particularly from breeder reactors and potentially fusion in the future, could offer a more long-term energy solution, it also comes with its own set of challenges and is not a direct replacement for liquid fossil fuels used in transportation.
Continuing with our current levels of consumption without a transition to alternative energy sources is unsustainable. The steady annual decline of natural resources cannot be ignored. Efforts to replace our energy system with renewables like solar and wind face significant hurdles in terms of energy storage and infrastructure challenges. The stark realization is that our dependency on fossil fuels must eventually come to an end, with a transition to sustainable energy necessary for long-term survival.