i) Name two examples of fossil fuels - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 7C - 2020

The burning of fossil fuels significantly impacts the environment in various ways:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major greenhouse gas. Increased levels of CO₂ contribute to global warming and climate change.

2. Air Pollution: Burning fossil fuels emits pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can lead to respiratory problems and smog formation. These pollutants can also cause acid rain, harming ecosystems.

3. Water Pollution: Oil spills and runoff from fossil fuel extraction can contaminate water bodies, affecting aquatic life and disrupting local ecosystems.

4. Habitat Destruction: The extraction of fossil fuels often leads to habitat destruction, affecting biodiversity as natural habitats are cleared or degraded.

5. Soil Degradation: Fossil fuel extraction processes can cause soil erosion and degradation, which affects land productivity and local agriculture.

6. Health Issues: Increased air and water pollution can cause numerous health issues in humans, including chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular problems.

7. Resource Depletion: The extraction and consumption of fossil fuels lead to the depletion of these natural resources, posing long-term sustainability issues.

8. Climate Change Effects: The cumulative effect of greenhouse gas emissions is varied, leading to extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and changing ecosystems, which poses a risk to human and animal life.