Which is an environmental concern associated with burning fossil fuels?

Burning fossil fuels is primarily associated with the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. When coal, oil, and natural gas are combusted to generate energy, carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced as a major byproduct. This increase in CO2 and other greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), significantly contributes to global warming and climate change by enhancing the natural greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse gas emissions lead to a range of environmental issues, including rising global temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and adverse effects on ecosystems. These emissions are a key driver of climate change, which has far-reaching impacts on biodiversity, sea levels, and human health.

Other options mention various environmental concerns, such as noise pollution, which affects living conditions but is not directly linked to fossil fuel combustion; deforestation, which is primarily related to land use changes for agriculture and urban development; and soil erosion, which can result from various factors unrelated to fossil fuel burning. However, greenhouse gas emissions are directly tied to the burning of fossil fuels, making it the most relevant concern in this context.