In the context of climate, which statement about fossil fuels is accurate?

In the context of climate, which statement about fossil fuels is accurate?

• A. Burning fossil fuels is the leading cause of global warming
• B. They are the primary way to cool the planet
• C. They have no impact on climate
• D. They cause immediate atmospheric cooling

Answer: (A)

When we consider climate, the key idea is how human activities change the amount of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels releases large quantities of carbon dioxide, a long-lived greenhouse gas, which traps more infrared radiation and warms the planet. Because coal, oil, and natural gas are such widespread energy sources, their combustion is the largest source of atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases, making it the main driver behind the recent global warming trend. There is some cooling effect from certain airborne particles (aerosols) released during burning, but this does not offset the overall warming caused by increased greenhouse gas concentrations. The other statements misstate the impact: they imply cooling or no effect, which contradicts the observed warming linked to fossil-fuel emissions.

When we consider climate, the key idea is how human activities change the amount of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels releases large quantities of carbon dioxide, a long-lived greenhouse gas, which traps more infrared radiation and warms the planet. Because coal, oil, and natural gas are such widespread energy sources, their combustion is the largest source of atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases, making it the main driver behind the recent global warming trend. There is some cooling effect from certain airborne particles (aerosols) released during burning, but this does not offset the overall warming caused by increased greenhouse gas concentrations. The other statements misstate the impact: they imply cooling or no effect, which contradicts the observed warming linked to fossil-fuel emissions.