What Biological Impacts Are We Seeing As a Result of the Use of Fossil Fuels?

Fossil fuels, including coal, petroleum and natural gas, were formed by natural processes millions of years ago. They are the primary source of energy for much of the developed world, and some of them are being depleted at an alarming rate. While a fossil fuel shortage is imminent and poses a major threat to the global economy, the biological impacts Earth and its inhabitants are suffering are far more damaging.

Pollution

• Burning fossil fuels releases excessive carbon dioxide into the air, along with carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals. These pollutants lead to the formation of ozone in the wrong layer of the atmosphere, acid rain and smog, all of which threaten all living species on Earth. In addition, particulate pollution in the air can smother plant life when it settles on delicate leaves and stems.

Global Warming

• Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, released as a result of burning fossil fuels are having a major impact on Earth's climate. These gases are trapping more heat inside Earth's atmosphere, resulting in warmer climates and melting polar ice caps. As the polar ice caps melt, sea levels are rising across the global, posing a major threat to coastal areas, including wetlands, river deltas and cities. The melting of polar ice caps is also contributing to the habitat loss of polar bears and other arctic species that use large chunks of floating ice to hunt and live on.

Land Degradation

• The retrieval of fossil fuels is responsible for a large portion of the land degradation caused by man, not to mention the damage to Earth's oceans due to oil spills. Strip mining and mountaintop removal of coal deposits has destroyed natural topography and left the surrounding topsoil too acidic. Unless the topsoil is replaced after mining is completed, nothing will grow in areas surrounding these strip mines.

Illness

• Humans are developing a wide variety of illnesses that can be directly attributed to the use of fossil fuels and the pollution it causes. Inhalation of many of the harmful gases and particulates leads to respiratory disorders, such as bronchitis and decreased resistance to respiratory infections. Asthma rates are at an all-time high due to the inhalation of so many irritants, and many of the VOCs and heavy metals in the air are known carcinogens.