Fossil fuels have the following, environmental effects:
(i) Air pollution: Burning of fossil fuels releases oxides and sulphides in the air and many other harmful gases like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, etc. These cause various health problems and also lead to; acid rain which further affects water and soil resources.
(ii) Greenhouse effect: On burning fossil fuels, a large amount carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This is a greenhouse gas and does not allow the sun rays reflected from the earth surface to escape into the atmosphere. Thus, increasing the temperature of the atmosphere. This is called greenhouse effect and results in global, warming.
Following steps can be taken to minimize pollution:
(i) Use of smokeless appliances.
(ii) Use of refined technology to increase the efficiency of the combustion process and to reduce the escape of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
(iii) Judicious use of energy.
