Question

What are the disadvantages of burning fossil fuels?

Answer 1

The burning of fossil fuels leads to release of harmful products into the environment. An increase in the consumption of fuel leads to harmful effects on the environment. Following points will clearly depict these effects:

1. Carbon fuels such as wood, coal, petroleum release unburnt carbon particles in the environment. These particles are very dangerous pollutants and cause respiratory diseases for example asthma.
2. When fuels are incompletely burnt, they release carbon monoxide gas into the atmosphere. This gas is very dangerous as it is poisonous in nature. If we burn coal in a closed room, then the person sleeping in that room will be killed by the action of carbon monoxide.
3. The combustion of fossil fuels also releases a large amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas which is responsible for global warming. Global warming is a rise in the overall temperature of earth’s surface. This leads to melting of polar caps and rise in the sea level and further results in flooding of coastal regions.
4. Burning of coal and diesel releases sulphur dioxide gas. This gas is extremely corrosive and suffocating in nature. Petrol gives off oxides of nitrogen. The oxides of sulfur and nitrogen get dissolved in rainwater and form acids. This is known as acid rain. This water is very harmful to plants, animals, and various monuments.