Final answer:
Natural gas, when burned, produces less CO2 and other pollutants compared to coal or oil. However, its extraction can lead to water contamination. Researchers are exploring ways to produce fuel from plant matter for lower carbon emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Natural gas, when burned, produces less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to coal or oil. It also emits less nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, and does not produce ash or toxic emissions. However, the extraction of natural gas, especially from shale deposits using the fracking process, can result in the production of large volumes of contaminated water, which needs to be properly handled and treated to avoid pollution. Researchers are looking for ways to speed up the production of fuel from plant matter to provide alternative energy sources that have lower carbon emissions.