HARMFUL EFFECTS OF COAL AND PETROLEUM

1. Coal
A. Air Pollution - Burning coal releases a variety of pollutants into the air, including sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen oxides, mercury, and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, smog
formation, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
B. Global Warming - Coal combustion is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly
CO2. The release of CO2 contributes to global warming and climate change, leading to adverse
impacts such as rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.
C. Acid Rain - Sulfur dioxide emissions from burning coal can react with water vapor and atmospheric
oxygen to form sulfuric acid, contributing to the formation of acid rain. Acid rain can damage forests,
soil, aquatic ecosystems, and infrastructure, and it can also harm human health.
D. Water Pollution - Coal mining and coal ash disposal can contaminate water bodies with pollutants
such as heavy metals, arsenic, and selenium. Water pollution from coal mining operations can harm
aquatic life, affect water quality, and threaten human health.
E. Destruction of Habitats - Coal mining activities can lead to land degradation, including
deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Surface mining techniques such as mountaintop
removal can result in the destruction of forests, ecosystems, and wildlife habitats.
F. Land Pollution - coal ash from coal power plants is the greatest contributor to land pollution.
G. Climate Change - the emissions from coal-fired power plants are one of the most significant
contributors to greenhouse gases for planet earth that impact climate change. In fact, coal-burning
power plants produce a fifth of global greenhouse gasses which is more than any other source.

2. Petroleum
A. Air Pollution: Burning petroleum products releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen
oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and
smog formation.

B. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Petroleum combustion is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions,
primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), which contributes to global warming and climate change.

C. Oil Spills: Oil spills contaminate water bodies, coastal areas, and marine ecosystems, causing harm
to aquatic life, disrupting ecosystems, and damaging coastal habitats.

D. Water Pollution: Petroleum extraction and production activities can lead to water pollution
through spills, leaks, and runoff.

E. Soil Contamination: Spills and leaks of petroleum products can contaminate soil, leading to soil
degradation and reduced fertility.

F. Habitat Destruction: Petroleum exploration and extraction activities often involve habitat
destruction and fragmentation. Habitat loss can threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and
endanger vulnerable species.