What are the environmental consequences of using fossil fuels? Suggest the steps to minimise the pollution caused by various sources of energy including non conventional sources of energy.

Some environmental consequences of using fossil fuels as they are formed from the remains of dead plants and animals.

1. They cause air pollution by burning. which increases the carbon dioxide in the air.

2.  Global warming

3. Acid rain

4. Oil spills

Various steps that can be taken to control pollution caused by burning fossil fuels are as follows:

(a) By using catalytic converters in vehicles, air pollution from the burning of petroleum fuel in vehicles can be reduced as it converts harmful gases into harmless gases. 

(b)  By scrubbing and washing acidic gases with smoke in the water, air pollution caused due to burning of coal in thermal power plants can be reduced.

(c) Also, by installing electrostatic precipitators in the chimneys of thermal power plants the air pollution can be reduced, as the unburnt carbon particles and fly ash get deposited in the chimneys before the exhaust gases from the power plants are released into the air.