Question

Predict possible environmental consequences if carbon emissions from fossil fuels continue to rise. Read in your textbook or use other credible sources and elaborate on at least 5 aspects.

Answer 1

Answer :

When fuel burns it combines with oxygen to form oxides. If there is not much air available it forms carbon monoxide, which is very poisonous. This can cause headache, stress and heart disease.

In complete combustion it forms carbon dioxide gas. This will contribute to global warming and climate change. Coal fire power plants are major source.

Nox -from coal fired thermal power plants causes atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen to react to form Nox. This also forms nitric acid in atmosphere and add to acid rain.

Volatile organic compounds when unburned fuel escape are called VOC and are dangerous even carcinogenic.

Sulfer dioxide is also a byproduct of fuel combustion. This causes acid rain by forming sulfuric acid and photochemical fog.

These acid rain or smog alters ph in water and land. This may lead to death of aquatic and terrestrial plant, microbe population.

In addition the excavation areas of fossil fuels can derange the ecosystem. Slury causes vast damage of soil over there in addition to water sources.