Why are fossil fuels bad?

Question

Julia Acosta · Accepted Answer

Consider hydrocarbon combustion. It turns biomass (i.e. fixed carbon) into gaseous #CO_2#.

It goes without saying that forests have contributed to the world's hydrocarbon reserves, which we now use to power our motors. I'll give the example of hexanes burning: #C_6H_14(g) + (13/2)O_2(g) rarr 6CO_2(g) + 7H_2O(l)# As a triatomic molecule, carbon dioxide is very efficient at storing energy (much more so than diatomic dioxygen and dinitrogen. Why? Because the linear triatom has more degrees of freedom). Our industrial society is busy replacing fixed hydrocarbon reserves with gaseous #CO_2#. Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere results in greater heat capture, and net warming of the planet since pre-industrial times. Of course, there are a ton of other subtleties and considerations (of which you will undoubtedly hear some).

Roman Acosta · Answer

undefined Fossil fuels are bad because they contribute to air pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to global warming. Additionally, extracting and burning fossil fuels can cause habitat destruction, water pollution, and health problems for humans.