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

Burning fossil fuels has several significant impacts on the environment:

1. Air Pollution

The combustion of fossil fuels releases various pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter. These pollutants can lead to respiratory problems and contribute to smog formation in urban areas.

2. Climate Change

Fossil fuel combustion is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. The increase in CO₂ levels contributes to global warming, leading to climate change and its associated impacts, such as extreme weather events.

3. Water Contamination

Runoff from fossil fuel extraction sites can contaminate local water supplies with heavy metals and toxic chemicals. This poses a risk to aquatic ecosystems and human health.

4. Habitat Destruction

The extraction of fossil fuels, such as mining for coal or drilling for oil and gas, can lead to habitat destruction. This threatens biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems.

5. Ocean Acidification

Increased CO₂ levels from fossil fuel combustion also result in higher concentrations of carbonic acid in oceans, leading to ocean acidification. This adversely affects marine life, particularly organisms like coral reefs and shellfish.

6. Health Risks

The release of harmful substances during fossil fuel combustion can lead to serious health problems, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, impacting communities where fossil fuels are burned.

7. Resource Depletion

The reliance on fossil fuels for energy contributes to the depletion of finite natural resources, emphasizing the need for sustainable energy alternatives.

8. Economic Costs

The environmental damage caused by burning fossil fuels can have economic repercussions, including increased healthcare costs and the financial burden of climate-related disasters.