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First look at what happens when we burn organic fuel such as wood. This produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. But this only replaces the atmospheric carbon dioxide that the tree had absorbed in order to grow the wood. There is no net addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

When we burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, we are also adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. But this is from carbon that has been sequestered underground for millions of years. This means there is an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and hence global warming. The extent of this can be seen when we realise that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have risen by about 35 per cent from the long-term range of 260-280 parts per million (ppm) to 380 ppm since the beginning of the Industrial Age.

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Q: Why is the combustion of fossil fuels so dangerous to the atmosphere?
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Related questions

How does the use of fossil fuels negatively impact earth's atmosphere?

When we burn fossil fuels, they undergo combustion and release unburnt carbons which pollute the atmosphere and also destroy the ozone layer.


What are the primary products of complete combustion of fossil fuels.?

Carbon Dioxide and water are the primary combustion products of fossil fuels.


How does carbon get into the atmosphere?

Carbon gets back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide through the combustion of fossil fuels, and the cellular respiration of living things.


How does the carbon in fossil fuels get into the atmosphere?

The carbon in fossil fuels is released by burning. This combustion emits carbon dioxide, water and some other pollutants depending on how complete the combustion was. This carbon dioxide, which is slightly heavier than air, become mixed all through the atmosphere by the action of the winds.


The earth atmosphere is changing due to an increase in carbon dioxide produced by?

A). combustion of coal, oil, and other fossil fuels.


What role does the combustion of fossil fuels have in the carbon cycle?

It increases the carbon dioxide in the oceans. It adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.


Which source adds the largest amount of sulfur dioxide emissions to the atmosphere?

This is the combustion of fossil fuels as coal, petroleum and derivates.


What product is released into earth's atmosphere through combustion of fossil fuels?

Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water vapor.


Does The combustion of fossil fuels releases oxygen into the atmosphere?

No on the contrary it converts oxygen imto carbon dioxide, making it poisonous.


What product is released into Earth's atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels?

Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water vapor.


What does internal combustion run on?

Fossil fuels.


Why is combustion not useful?

It burns fossil fuels