How does the burning of fossil fuels contribute to global warming?(1 point)
Responses
Burning fossil fuels introduces carbon dioxide to parts of the atmosphere that never had it.
Burning fossil fuels introduces carbon dioxide to parts of the atmosphere that never had it.
Burning fossil fuels adds greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere.
Burning fossil fuels adds greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere.
Burning fossil fuels removes oxygen and other gases from the atmosphere.
Burning fossil fuels removes oxygen and other gases from the atmosphere.
Burning fossil fuels removes carbon dioxide and other gases from the atmosphere.
Burning fossil fuels does not remove carbon dioxide and other gases from the atmosphere.
The correct response is: Burning fossil fuels adds greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere.
The correct answer is:
Burning fossil fuels adds greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere.
To understand how the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming, we need to understand the concept of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, creating what is known as the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon is necessary for maintaining Earth's temperature and supporting life. However, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, contain carbon that has been stored underground for millions of years. When these fuels are burned for energy production, carbon in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the atmosphere. This additional CO2 forms a thick layer in the atmosphere, trapping more heat from the sun and preventing it from escaping back into space. As a result, the Earth's temperature rises, leading to global warming.
Therefore, burning fossil fuels adds greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere, contributing to the ongoing issue of global warming.