Question

Describe the major consequences of over-extraction of fossil fuels.

Answer 1

The major consequences of over extraction of fossil fuels are:

1.Depletion of existing reserves: The over extraction of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and petroleum depletes the Earth of its existing reserves and if this continues, we will face a severe energy crisis in the near future.

2. Over-extraction of fossil fuels has environmental consequences such as:

1. Air pollution: Burning the fuels such as coal and petroleum releases greenhouse gases into atmosphere causing global warming. Air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides are also released into the air causing air pollution.
2. Threat to the biodiversity: Coal contains toxic metals such as mercury which when released into atmosphere settle in water with the passage of time. This water enters the aquatic bodies of aquatic fauna such as fishes which in turn can harm other animals and humans who consume them.