How does the burning of fossil fuels affect the environment?

Answer 1

Burning fossil fuels, especially coal, is a dirty process. Incomplete combustion of coal and oil produces particulate matter. Heavier particulates produce an annoying dirty grit, and lighter particulates can be inhaled deeply and become a health hazard. In addition to the desired combustion of organic molecules, impurities such as sulfur also burn and produce potentially dangerous oxides. Since the air is made of 80% nitrogen, nitrogen is combusted along with the fuel at high temperatures, releasing nitrous oxides. Since fossil fuels are composed mainly of carbon by weight, all fossil fuels produce carbon dioxide when burned. In the atmosphere, the sulfur and nitrous oxides produce sulfuric acid and nitric acid, respectively, which can lead to acid rain. The carbon dioxide helps trap heat in the atmosphere - contributing to the potential warming of the earth. In this lecture-discussion we will examine major local, regional, and global environmental effects of burning fossil fuels. These are respectively particulates, smog and acid rain, and global warming. The importance of particulates has long been acknowledged, and major particlulate emissions control measures have been launched in many countries. Evidence for acid rain is readily available, and the effects from impact on forests and lakes to crumbling ancient Greek structures have confirmed its presence, but its overall environmental/economic importance remains a matter of controversy. It is now widely accepted that human activities have contributed to a noticeable average global warming trend in the twentieth century. However, there are differential impacts of this global trend on regional climate, agriculture, storm damage, and other effects in different parts of the world. This complicates both the assessment of global effects of atmospheric emissions and international negotiations over requisite changes in fossil fuel use.

Answer 2

It makes extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which contributes to the Green House Effect. Although Fossil Fuels fuel our transportation and heat our homes, we have to think of the bigger picture. If we continue using Fossil Fuels at the rate we're using them at, there won't be any left in the future. It takes millions of years to create fossil fuels, and we're burning them at 100 000 times that rate.

Fossil Fuels let out harmful gases and elements that are bad for both the environment and for life.

The price of using fossil fuels just aren't Worth what it leaves behind.

Answer 3

Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas damages the environment because it releases a harmful gas, carbon dioxide, which adds to the other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, traps more of the sun's heat, and causes global warming which is driving climate change.

A:Burning fossil fuels produces "greenhouse gasses" which contribute to the buildup of heat in the atmosphere. A:Also important are the issues of acid rain and other toxins introduced into our atmosphere through the use of fossil fuels.

Acid rain is a known issue with known consequences. Lower PH levels in our rain our blamed for the destruction of certain species of trees, the accelerating decay of statues and many deformities in fish.

Low level ozone increases, as well as smog, are a direct issue associated with the use of fossil fuels. Increased health costs and higher mortality rates can also follow these increases.

Answer 4

Petrol is a fossil fuel. It gives out enormous amounts of Carbon-dioxide on combustion. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is causing global warming and climate change.

Burning petrol in your car with a working catalytic converter will produce water, CO2, and a small fraction of unburnt hydrocarbons. The unburnt hydrocarbons will contribute to photochemical smog, while the CO2 will contribute to global warming. Nitrogen is also emitted, and may change into NO2 or NO due to the heat of the chemical reactions taking place within your car. Also SO2 can be released.

Burning petrol in your car without a working catalytic converter will produce a higher amount of unburnt hydrocarbons, and is significantly worse for the environment.

Petrol is also burnt in heating systems and thermal power stations - with the same problems for pollution and greenhouse effect.

Answer 5

Fossil fuels contain a massive amount of carbon that has been trapped in the crust and kept out of the atmospheric cycle for millions of years. When fossil fuels are collected and then burned, all the carbon from the fossil fuels ends up in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is a greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the atmosphere. Because burning fossil fuels adds to the total amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it increases Earth's temperature above where it ought to be. Even a slight increase in average temperature can cause major problems, for example, melting the ice sheets and glaciers in the Arctic, or causing droughts all over the world.

Burning fossil fuels release carbon dioxide to atmosphere. It is a green house gas that traps heat inside earth. It also releases several oxides of nitrogen and suphur that cause pollution.

Answer 6

Fossil fuels contain a massive amount of carbon that has been trapped in the crust and kept out of the atmospheric cycle for millions of years. When fossil fuels are collected and then burned, all the carbon from the fossil fuels ends up in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is a greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the atmosphere. Because burning fossil fuels adds to the total amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it increases Earth's temperature above where it ought to be. Even a slight increase in average temperature can cause major problems, for example, melting the ice sheets and glaciers in the Arctic, or causing droughts all over the world.

Answer 7

Burning fuels adds CO2 in the environment which is cause of global warming which is cause of increasing sea level and so on ...

Answer 8

Burning fossil fuels release carbon dioxide to atmosphere. It is a green house gas that traps heat inside earth. It also releases several oxides of nitrogen and suphur that cause pollution.

Answer 9

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