These are the five ways in which fossil fuels negatively impact Earth's atmosphere:
- Increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels
- Air pollution
- Acid rain
- Ozone depletion
- Smog formation
What are these impacts?
Increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels: When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere. CO₂ is a greenhouse gas, which means that it traps heat in the atmosphere. This trapped heat causes global warming, which is leading to rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and changes in plant and animal life.
Air pollution: The burning of fossil fuels releases a variety of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory illness, heart disease, and cancer.
Acid rain: Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide can react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acid. These acids can fall to the ground as acid rain, which can damage forests, lakes, and other ecosystems.
Ozone depletion: The burning of fossil fuels releases chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. CFCs are a type of chemical that can break down ozone in the stratosphere. Ozone is a protective layer in the atmosphere that shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Depletion of the ozone layer can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer and other health problems.
Smog formation: Air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can react with sunlight to form smog. Smog is a type of air pollution that can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other health problems.