Question

question: why does burning fossil fuels have negative consequences for the planet? answer options: select one of four it releases so₂, causing climate change. it releases co₂, causing climate change. it releases no₂, causing climate change. it releases o₃, causing climate change.

Explanation:

Burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, gas) primarily releases carbon dioxide ($\ce{CO_2}$). $\ce{CO_2}$ is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to climate change. $\ce{SO_2}$ (sulfur dioxide) and $\ce{NO_x}$ (nitrogen oxides) from fossil fuel burning cause acid rain and air pollution, not direct climate change driving like $\ce{CO_2}$. $\ce{O_3}$ (ozone) in the troposphere is a pollutant, but fossil fuel burning doesn't primarily release $\ce{O_3}$ to drive climate change. So the correct option is the one about $\ce{CO_2}$ release causing climate change.

Answer:

It releases $\ce{CO_2}$, causing climate change.