How does the burning of fossil fuel pollute the environment?

Answer 1

Burning a fossil fuel also gives off smoke, gases, and other by-products. These pollute the environment.

Answer 2

The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) in industry, transport and the generation of electricity releases carbon dioxide (CO2). This is the main greenhouse gas that is causing global warming. Global warming is affecting the environment in many ways:

• Desertification
• Heat waves
• Rising sea levels
• Altering the habitats of birds, animals and insects, from the polar bear to the pine bark beetle.

Answer 3

Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas releases carbon that has been stored away for millions of years. It is this extra carbon dioxide that is causing climate change.

The most basic concept is that our atmosphere is capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, but it can absorb only around half of what we (the entire earth) produce. So, there has been a build up of CO2 in the upper atmosphere, but it is at a much higher level than the air we breathe. This added CO2 results in trapping more of the sun light rays, and overall, the average temperature of the earth has been going up.

Part of the problem is that the Arctic polar caps are melting. Since the ice masses reflect light, while the sea water absorbs light (and heat), any loss of ice accelerates the melting process.

Answer 4

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. It also releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which cause air pollution, respiratory issues, and damage to ecosystems. Additionally, the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels can lead to habitat destruction and oil spills, further harming the environment.

Answer 5

Fossil fuels releases a great deal of heat as they burn