The global rise in atmospheric temperature and its implications in the form of rising sea levels, melting glaciers and extreme weather conditions is of grave concern across the world.Burning fossil fuels such as coal is one of the primary causes of global warming as it increases the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, trapping heat and contributing to climate change.
The combustion of coal produces carbon dioxide, which is considered the most important greenhouse gas causing global warming.In the United States alone, the burning of coal accounts for about 75% of its total publicly-controlled greenhouse gas emissions.Furthermore, it releases large amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide, two pollutants that can have an adverse effect on health and the environment.Both pollutants are toxic to humans and animals, damaging air quality and contributing to acid rain.In addition, other toxic pollutants, such as mercury and lead, are released from coal burning and their accumulation in the environment poses a significant risk to human health.
In the short-term, burning coal reduces air pollution; however, in the long-term, it contributes to global warming.This is because it produces large amounts of carbon dioxide which remain in the atmosphere for thousands of years, trapping heat and amplifying temperatures.According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global temperatures are likely to continue to rise for many centuries due to the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.Not only does this affect the Earth’s climate, it can also have a host of knock-on effects in the form of increased risk of species extinction, disruption of food and water supplies and extreme weather events.
Although it may produce some short-term benefits, burning coal is a hugely destructive process with far-reaching consequences.This is particularly concerning given its widespread use in many countries as a source of energy.Research has shown that in order to keep temperatures within manageable levels, humans must transition away from coal and towards renewable energy sources.In addition to improving the environment, a shift towards renewable energy sources would reduce dependence on finite resources, create jobs and improve air quality.
Despite the environmental hazards of burning coal, the demand for it is still high and continues to rise.Governments and policy makers must take action to transition away from fossil fuels and towards more sustainable sources of energy.Efforts must also be made to reduce reliance on coal by investing in renewable energy sources and efficient energy saving technologies.Ultimately, a concerted global effort must be taken by all countries in order to combat climate change and the potentially catastrophic consequences of burning coal.
The combustion of coal produces carbon dioxide, which is considered the most important greenhouse gas causing global warming.In the United States alone, the burning of coal accounts for about 75% of its total publicly-controlled greenhouse gas emissions.Furthermore, it releases large amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide, two pollutants that can have an adverse effect on health and the environment.Both pollutants are toxic to humans and animals, damaging air quality and contributing to acid rain.In addition, other toxic pollutants, such as mercury and lead, are released from coal burning and their accumulation in the environment poses a significant risk to human health.
In the short-term, burning coal reduces air pollution; however, in the long-term, it contributes to global warming.This is because it produces large amounts of carbon dioxide which remain in the atmosphere for thousands of years, trapping heat and amplifying temperatures.According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global temperatures are likely to continue to rise for many centuries due to the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.Not only does this affect the Earth’s climate, it can also have a host of knock-on effects in the form of increased risk of species extinction, disruption of food and water supplies and extreme weather events.
Although it may produce some short-term benefits, burning coal is a hugely destructive process with far-reaching consequences.This is particularly concerning given its widespread use in many countries as a source of energy.Research has shown that in order to keep temperatures within manageable levels, humans must transition away from coal and towards renewable energy sources.In addition to improving the environment, a shift towards renewable energy sources would reduce dependence on finite resources, create jobs and improve air quality.
Despite the environmental hazards of burning coal, the demand for it is still high and continues to rise.Governments and policy makers must take action to transition away from fossil fuels and towards more sustainable sources of energy.Efforts must also be made to reduce reliance on coal by investing in renewable energy sources and efficient energy saving technologies.Ultimately, a concerted global effort must be taken by all countries in order to combat climate change and the potentially catastrophic consequences of burning coal.
