Final answer:
Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, followed by oil, then natural gas, with biomass being the least. So, the order of CO2 emissions from most to least is: Coal > Oil > Natural Gas > Biomass. Regulatory and public pressure on carbon emissions has prompted a shift from coal to the cleaner-burning natural gas, especially in electricity generation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the order of fuel CO2 emissions from most to least, it is accurate to say that coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, followed by oil, then natural gas, with biomass generally being considered the least carbon-intensive. This is due to the higher carbon content and lower energy density of coal, which leads to a higher rate of CO2 emissions per unit of energy produced compared to other fossil fuels. As such, the correct order of fuel CO2 emissions from most to least would be:
- Coal
- Oil
- Natural Gas
- Biomass
Considering the information provided, it’s clear that coal emits roughly twice as much CO2 per unit of delivered energy as other fossil fuels, emphasizing its carbon intensity. A shift from coal to natural gas in electricity generation, as observed in the current trends, due to regulatory and public pressure on carbon emissions, can reduce CO2 emissions significantly as natural gas produces less CO2 per energy unit.