The effects of burning fossil fuels

Though fossil fuels are great sources of energy; there are many negative side effects from burning them for energy. For one thing, fossil fuels are part of a problem called global warming. Global warming is caused when fossil fuels are burned and gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are emitted. These gases are known as greenhouse gases because large amounts of them build up in the Earth’s atmosphere. The gases are actually eating away, and decreasing the Earth’s ozone layer, which is causing changes in climate and weather. The ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun. Without the ozone layer there could be a major warming of the Earth, possibly melting the polar icecaps and causing worldwide flooding. Emissions from burning gasoline in our vehicles and burning fossil fuels for manufacturing is causing harmful greenhouse gases to be released into our atmosphere.

The sun’s rays come down to the Earth and warm Earth’s surface. Some of the sun’s radiant energy is absorbed by greenhouse gases and re-emitted in the Earth’s atmosphere, warming the air.