Question

What are the disadvantages of fossil fuels?

Answer 1

Hint: Any of a class of hydrocarbon-containing compounds of biological origin found within the Earth's crust that can be utilised as a source of energy is referred to as fossil fuel. Coal, petroleum, natural gas, oil shales, bitumens, tar sands, and heavy oils are examples of fossil fuels.

Complete step by step answer:
A fossil fuel is a fuel that is created by natural processes, such as anaerobic decomposition of buried dead creatures, and contains organic molecules that were formed during ancient photosynthesis and release energy when burned. These species, as well as the fossil fuels they produce, are often millions of years old, if not more than 650 million years old. Petroleum, coal, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels with high carbon content. Kerosene and propane are two commonly utilised fossil fuel derivatives. Volatile materials with low carbon-to-hydrogen ratios (like methane), liquids (like petroleum), and non-volatile materials (like anthracite coal) are all examples of fossil fuels. Methane can be found in hydrocarbon fields on its own, in conjunction with oil, or as methane clathrates.
Disadvantages of fossil fuels:
Let us take a look at some of the negative externalities, or severe environmental effects, that are felt by people who do not utilise fossil fuels:-
1. Fossil fuel combustion products are responsible for the majority of air pollution deaths; it is estimated that this pollution costs over \[3\% \] of global GDP, and that phasing out fossil fuels would save 3.6 million lives per year.
2. When fossil fuels are used, \[C{O_2}\] is released, hastening climate change. Coal, and to a lesser extent oil and its derivatives, contribute to particulate matter, smog, and acid rain in the atmosphere.
3. Sulfuric and nitric acids are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels and fall to Earth as acid rain, affecting both natural and constructed environments. Because the acids dissolve calcium carbonate, monuments and sculptures built of marble and limestone are particularly vulnerable.
4. Radioactive elements, primarily uranium and thorium, are also found in fossil fuels and are emitted into the atmosphere.
5. The gathering, processing, and distribution of fossil fuels, in addition to the effects of burning, have environmental consequences. Offshore oil drilling offers a threat to aquatic organisms, while coal mining processes, particularly mountaintop removal and strip mining, have detrimental environmental consequences. Fugitive gas emissions from fossil fuel wells can contribute to methane leakage. Oil refineries also have negative environmental consequences, such as contamination of the air and water. Coal transportation necessitates the use of diesel locomotives, whereas crude oil is often transported by tanker ships, necessitating the use of extra fossil fuels.

Note: Although fossil fuels have numerous negative consequences, they also have positive aspects. Fossil fuels are extremely important because they can be burned (oxidised to carbon dioxide and water) and produce enormous amounts of energy per unit mass.