There are over 600 million motor vehicles in the world today. |
When gasoline is burned, the carbon in it combines with oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide. Because the oxygen adds weight, the newly formed carbon dioxide weighs more than the original unburned fuel.
More People, More Cars
There are over 600 million motor vehicles in the world today. If present trends continue, the number of cars on Earth will double in the next 30 years.
It takes a pound of coal to generate the electricity to light a 100-watt bulb for 10 hours. For every pound of coal we burn, nearly three pounds of carbon dioxide go into the atmosphere.
Another Factor: Sulfur Dioxide
Burning coal and other fossil fuels also releases sulfur dioxide, polluting the air and forming a haze that blocks sunlight. This haze cools the climate, partly masking the greenhouse effect.
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