How does burning fossil fuels affect the carbon in the atmosphere?
Robert Miller
Updated on February 08, 2026
When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere, causing global warming. Already the average global temperature has increased by 1C.
What happens to the atmosphere when we burn fossil fuels?
When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere, causing global warming.
Can carbon be produced from burning fossil fuels?
When fossil fuels are combusted (burned), oxygen combines with carbon to form CO2 and with hydrogen to form water (H2O). These reactions release heat, which we use for energy. For example, for the same amount of energy produced, burning natural gas produces about half of the amount of CO2 produced by burning coal.
How much carbon dioxide does burning fossil fuels produce?
Pounds of CO2 emitted per million British thermal units (Btu) of energy for various fuels
| Coal (anthracite) | 228.6 |
|---|---|
| Coal (subbituminous) | 214.3 |
| Diesel fuel and heating oil | 161.3 |
| Gasoline (without ethanol) | 157.2 |
| Propane | 139.0 |
How much does burning fossil fuels contribute to global warming?
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have significantly increased since 1900. Since 1970, CO2 emissions have increased by about 90%, with emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes contributing about 78% of the total greenhouse gas emissions increase from 1970 to 2011.
Why is coal bad for the environment?
Several principal emissions result from coal combustion: Sulfur dioxide (SO2), which contributes to acid rain and respiratory illnesses. Nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and respiratory illnesses. Particulates, which contribute to smog, haze, and respiratory illnesses and lung disease.
Why can’t we stop using fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels cause local pollution where they are produced and used, and their ongoing use is causing lasting harm to the climate of our entire planet. First and foremost, damaging the world’s economy is not the way to deal with climate change.
How much does coal contribute to global warming?
Coal is the single biggest contributor to anthropogenic climate change. The burning of coal is responsible for 46% of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide and accounts for 72% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the electricity sector.
What contributes most to global warming?
Most come from the combustion of fossil fuels in cars, buildings, factories, and power plants. The gas responsible for the most warming is carbon dioxide, or CO2.
