Question

Place the following energy states in order of their least net carbon dixide emission into the atmosphere, where 1. = lowest net carbon, and 5. = highest net carbon.

In your calculation, take into account:

1. How much carbon dioxide (or CO2 equivalent) is emitted per unit energy generated.
2. If the source is renewable, how much carbon dixide (or CO2 equivalent) is removed from the atmosphere each year by that resource.
3. How much energy is needed to produce and deliver that energy source.

Oils. Petroleum fractions, plant oils, and similar viscous substances, ccommonly combined with lighter distillates to form diesel fuels for truck and rail engines.   

Gaseous. Hydrocarbons, hydrogen and carbon monoxide mixtures present in gaseous state at room temperatures which, when combined with oxygen (burned) release heat and/or light.   

Solid fuels. Fossil carbonates (coals and peat), carbonized woody materials (coke, charcoals, and biochars), and lignite (woody) fuels including wood, pelletized grasses, etc. burned directly in their solid state.  

Distillates. Highly flammable liquids (liquid at room temperature) distilled from petroleum (gasoline), fermented plant starches (ethanol) and plant oils ("green" kerosene), used in both turbine (jet) and internal combustion engines.

Answer 1

Almost all fuels mentioned here have a high net carbon value as well as the emission of carbon dioxide is maximum by burning these type of fuels by automobiles or power plants or when used during household activities like heating room at colder places and cooking etc.

oils and the subordinates have high net carbon value but on comparing with solid fuels they produce lesser carbon dioxide than them. hence it can be placed at number 4

Gaseous hydrocarbons as compared to oils have lesser carbon dioxide emission thus rendering it more useful than oil or solid fuels like coal etc.

hence it can be placed at number 3

Solid fuels are the main deteriorating nuisance of environment. They not only deteriorate the environment by adding dust particles but injecting greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide is causing global warming too.

Hence it should be put at number 5

Distillates like Highly flammable liquids (liquid at room temperature) distilled from petroleum (gasoline), fermented plant starches (ethanol) and plant oils ("green" kerosene), used in both turbine (jet) and internal combustion engines have low carbon net value compare to oils and solid fuels and they have low carbon dioxide emission capacity.

Hence it can be put at number 3