The Amazing Greenhouse Effect and Fossil Fuels
How do fossil fuels contribute to the greenhouse effect?
Choose the correct statement:
B) Fossil fuels exacerbate the greenhouse effect.
C) Fossil fuels are inversely related to increasing levels of atmospheric CO2.
D) Fossil fuels will decrease the average temperature of the planet.
E) Fossil fuels have no direct relationship with the greenhouse effect.
Answer:
Fossil fuels exacerbate the greenhouse effect.
Explanation:
The correct statement about the greenhouse effect is B) Fossil fuels exacerbate the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, leading to the warming of the planet.
The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy, they release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
This excess CO2 contributes to the intensification of the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.
For example, the burning of coal for electricity generation releases large amounts of CO2, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
Similarly, the combustion of gasoline in cars releases CO2 emissions, further exacerbating the greenhouse effect.