Energy Resources Questions
The impact of energy resources on air pollution can vary depending on the type of energy resource used. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are major contributors to air pollution. When these fuels are burned for energy, they release pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) into the atmosphere. These pollutants can contribute to the formation of smog, acid rain, and climate change.
On the other hand, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower have minimal to no direct emissions of air pollutants during operation. However, the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure can have some indirect environmental impacts. Overall, transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy resources can help reduce air pollution and its associated health and environmental impacts.