Fossil Fuels (i) Name two fossil fuels - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 7B - 2022

Burning fossil fuels has several significant impacts on the environment:

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

   • Increase in atmospheric CO2 leads to the greenhouse effect, where heat is trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in rising global temperatures.

2. Air Pollution: The burning process emits various pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog formation and respiratory problems in humans.

   • This pollution can lead to health issues such as asthma and bronchitis, affecting public health.

3. Acid Rain: The sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides produced can react with water vapor in the atmosphere, forming acid rain.

   • Acid rain can damage forests, soils, and aquatic ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss and altering habitats.

4. Oil Spills: The extraction and transportation of fossil fuels can result in oil spills, causing catastrophic environmental damage.

   • Oil spills can devastate marine life, pollute coastlines, and disrupt local economies dependent on fishing and tourism.

5. Resource Depletion: As fossil fuels are extracted and consumed, their availability diminishes, leading to exploitation of more remote and sensitive environments.

   • This over-extraction can result in habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.

6. Climate Feedback Loops: Increased temperatures from burning fossil fuels can lead to melting polar ice and permafrost, releasing even more greenhouse gases like methane.

   • This creates a cycle that exacerbates global warming, further impacting ecosystems worldwide.