How coal burning can lead to climate change?

Coal burning can lead to climate change through the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. When coal is burned, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Coal combustion also releases other greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), as well as various air pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. These pollutants can have both direct and indirect effects on the climate system.

The direct effect of coal burning is the emission of CO2, which accumulates in the atmosphere and traps heat, leading to an increase in global temperatures. This contributes to the overall warming of the planet and disrupts the Earth's climate patterns.

The indirect effects of coal burning include the formation of other greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Methane and nitrous oxide are potent greenhouse gases that have a much higher warming potential than CO2. Additionally, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form aerosols, which can affect cloud formation and alter the Earth's energy balance.

Furthermore, the release of air pollutants from coal burning can have regional and local impacts on climate. For example, sulfur dioxide emissions can lead to the formation of acid rain, which damages ecosystems and affects water quality. Particulate matter can also contribute to the formation of smog and haze, reducing visibility and impacting human health.

Overall, the combustion of coal as a major source of energy contributes significantly to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to climate change and its associated impacts such as rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.