Fossil Fuels (i) Name two fossil fuels - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B. - 2013

Burning fossil fuels has several significant environmental impacts:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Burning fossil fuels releases large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, which is a major greenhouse gas. This contributes to global warming and climate change.

2. Air Pollution

The combustion of fossil fuels releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter into the air. These pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, acid rain, and various health issues.

3. Water Contamination

Fossil fuel extraction processes, such as fracking, can lead to water contamination. Chemicals used in these processes can seep into groundwater, affecting drinking water supplies.

4. Habitat Destruction

The extraction of fossil fuels often results in habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. This can occur through oil spills, mining activities, and deforestation to create infrastructure.

5. Ocean Acidification

The increase in CO₂ levels also leads to ocean acidification, which can harm marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons like coral reefs.

6. Resource Depletion

The reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and leads to the depletion of finite resources, impacting future generations' ability to meet their energy needs.

7. Climate Extremes

The effects of climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions can lead to more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, affecting ecosystems and human populations.

8. Loss of Ecosystems

The impacts of burning fossil fuels contribute to the degradation of ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide.