155
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
D. J. Soeder, Fracking and the Environment,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59121-2_9
Chapter 9
Fossil Fuels and Climate Change
Burning fossil fuels for energy produces waste gases known as “combustion
products,” which are, with few exceptions, released directly into the atmosphere
through smokestacks, chimneys, and exhaust pipes. The most prominent among
these combustion products is carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), a clear, odorless gas. Levels of
CO 2 in the Earth’s atmosphere have been rising steadily since continuous
measurements began in 1957 at Mauna Loa in Hawaii. This increase appears to be
caused primarily by the human combustion of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide absorbs
infrared radiation and traps heat. Elevated concentrations of CO 2 are warming the
atmosphere, which has disrupted the global climate.
Although this is a simple description of a complex phenomenon, it captures the
essence of the link between fossil fuels and climate change. The effects that carbon
dioxide levels in the atmosphere have on the climate are numerous and obvious. The
physics of this are very well understood, and have been for centuries. The geological record shows clear examples of climate change in the past that correlate with
changes in concentrations of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases in the
atmosphere. Despite the denials of “climate contrarians,” the science is clear, the
evidence is unequivocal, and the linkages are very apparent.
Human activities are adversely affecting the Earth in many ways. Global climate
change resulting from fossil energy use is just one example. Human modifications
to the landscape from timbering, agriculture, mining, and urban development have
changed drainage and runoff patterns, affecting streamflow, groundwater recharge,
and degraded both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The over-use of groundwater
resources has resulted in net aquifer drawdowns that exceed recharge. Runoff of
chemical fertilizers from agricultural fields is dumping excessive plant nutrients
into streams and waterways, leading to choking algal blooms and creating anoxic
“dead zones” in bays and coastal oceans. Excess carbon dioxide dissolving into
seawater has caused acidity levels in the oceans to rise, adversely affecting marine
life, especially shelled creatures. Heavy pharmaceutical usage from prolific medical
prescriptions and especially in livestock production has introduced drugs and endocrine disrupting chemicals widely in surface streams, leading to intersex fish,
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
D. J. Soeder, Fracking and the Environment,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59121-2_9
Chapter 9
Fossil Fuels and Climate Change
Burning fossil fuels for energy produces waste gases known as “combustion
products,” which are, with few exceptions, released directly into the atmosphere
through smokestacks, chimneys, and exhaust pipes. The most prominent among
these combustion products is carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), a clear, odorless gas. Levels of
CO 2 in the Earth’s atmosphere have been rising steadily since continuous
measurements began in 1957 at Mauna Loa in Hawaii. This increase appears to be
caused primarily by the human combustion of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide absorbs
infrared radiation and traps heat. Elevated concentrations of CO 2 are warming the
atmosphere, which has disrupted the global climate.
Although this is a simple description of a complex phenomenon, it captures the
essence of the link between fossil fuels and climate change. The effects that carbon
dioxide levels in the atmosphere have on the climate are numerous and obvious. The
physics of this are very well understood, and have been for centuries. The geological record shows clear examples of climate change in the past that correlate with
changes in concentrations of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases in the
atmosphere. Despite the denials of “climate contrarians,” the science is clear, the
evidence is unequivocal, and the linkages are very apparent.
Human activities are adversely affecting the Earth in many ways. Global climate
change resulting from fossil energy use is just one example. Human modifications
to the landscape from timbering, agriculture, mining, and urban development have
changed drainage and runoff patterns, affecting streamflow, groundwater recharge,
and degraded both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The over-use of groundwater
resources has resulted in net aquifer drawdowns that exceed recharge. Runoff of
chemical fertilizers from agricultural fields is dumping excessive plant nutrients
into streams and waterways, leading to choking algal blooms and creating anoxic
“dead zones” in bays and coastal oceans. Excess carbon dioxide dissolving into
seawater has caused acidity levels in the oceans to rise, adversely affecting marine
life, especially shelled creatures. Heavy pharmaceutical usage from prolific medical
prescriptions and especially in livestock production has introduced drugs and endocrine disrupting chemicals widely in surface streams, leading to intersex fish,