Environmental Concerns on Fossil Fuels

The use of fossil fuels in the United States and abroad has garnered increased attention, as modern environmentalists have raised concerns over the impact fossil fuels have on the environment. As such, action groups have called for the use of clean energy like solar power, as opposed to the use of coal, oil, and natural gas citing an increase in global warming and pollution as a result of fossil fuel usage.

Global Warming

• Global warming is the most ubiquitous concern associated with burning fossil fuels, an action which releases carbon dioxide and traps heat within the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in the gradual increase in temperature. The concern with global warming centers around temperature fluctuations which can lead to heat waves, coastal floods, longer droughts, wildfires and higher energy bills. Additionally, weather patterns may shift, causing extreme weather phenomena. Continuing to release excessive carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will result in significantly higher Earth temperatures.

Air Pollution

• Cars and trucks that burn fossil fuels also help contribute to environmental pollution. Vehicles release carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide into the environment, causing headaches, respiratory and heart complications in the population. These chemicals are visible in the form of smog--a brown haze that appears in the sky. Hydrocarbons released by vehicles also contribute to smog. Sulfur oxide, on the other hand, leads to acid rain and is released when coal is burned.

Water and Land Pollution

• The mere production and transportation of fossil fuels can cause water and land pollution. Oil spills, for example, leave immeasurable damage on the oceans. Likewise, coal mining produces solid waste during both the mining and cleansing process. Pollution of this sort leaves the surrounding area uninhabitable for a period of time, forcing animals and organisms out of their habitats. Additionally, water pollution may leave water unsuitable for human consumption or use of any kind.

Thermal Pollution

• Thermal pollution occurs when heated water enters lakes, rivers and oceans and disrupts the aquatic ecosystem. This occurs when factories that use fossil fuels to produce energy are left with excess heat, which is released into the air or water for cooling. When the water is filtered back into the ecosystem, it causes thermal pollution.