One of the primary greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels is carbon dioxide (CO2). When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy, they release carbon stored in the fuel into the atmosphere as CO2.
Carbon dioxide is significant because it traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. This effect is essential for maintaining the Earth’s temperature; however, excessive CO2 due to human activities, particularly from burning fossil fuels, leads to climate change and global warming.
Understanding the impact of CO2 emissions is crucial for addressing climate change, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, thereby limiting CO2 output.