Fossil fuels

Producing energy from fossil fuels is the most common source of environmental pressure. In this process, the following steps are required, each having its own impact: mining or extraction, processing, transport, conversion, combustion and waste disposal.

The combustion of fossil fuels results in emissions of CO₂, SO₂, NO_x, particulate matter and dust. CO₂ is the major contributor to global warming, while SO₂ and NO_X cause acid rain, and together with particulate matter contribute to bad air quality.

The combustion of fossil fuels, including those from transport and industry, makes up roughly 80 percent of man-made CO₂ emissions. Emissions in Europe are about 30 percent of this total. The amount of CO₂ emitted in the production of energy varies depending on the type of fuel used.

For instance, burning natural gas to generate a given amount of energy produces only half as much CO₂ gas as burning coal to generate the same amount of energy, while burning oil produces 1.5 times as much CO₂ as natural gas. The proportionate amount of CO₂ produced per unit of energy from coal, oil and natural gas can be expressed mathematically as: 2.0:1.5:1.0.

Solid fuels are the most polluting fuels to both the local and global environment.