Question

What are the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels? [4 marks]

Answer 1

The harmful effects of burning fossil fuels are:

• Air pollution: The burning of fossil fuels releases smoke and harmful gases into the atmosphere causing air pollution. [1 mark]
• Respiratory diseases: The fine carbon particles released on burning fossil fuels are dangerous pollutants that can cause respiratory diseases, such as asthma. [1 mark]
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Incomplete combustion of some fuels gives carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide is a very poisonous gas. When inhaled in larger amounts, it is fatal. [1 mark]
• Global warming: Global warming is a gradual increase in the Earth’s temperature caused by the increased level of carbon dioxide and other gases (methane, water vapour and nitrous oxide) in the atmosphere. [1 mark]