Final answer:
Accessing the carbon in fossil fuels carries risks, including contributing to climate change through CO2 emissions and causing environmental damage such as oil spills and air pollution. The extraction and burning of these non-renewable resources are not sustainable in the long term.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of accessing and extracting fossil fuels such as coal and oil has numerous associated risks. One significant risk is the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere when these fuels are burned for energy. This release adds to the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, enhancing the greenhouse effect and contributing to climate change. Another risk involves the potential for environmental disasters, such as oil spills, which can have devastating effects on ecosystems.
Moreover, the extraction process can cause land degradation, water contamination, and air pollution. Additionally, the combustion of fossil fuels releases various harmful pollutants besides CO2, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to air quality problems and health issues.
It is also important to note that fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, which means they are not replaced at the same rate as they are consumed. As a result, the continued reliance on fossil fuels is not sustainable in the long term.