The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are exhaustible natural resources formed from the remains of living organisms over millions of years. Their combustion is the primary source of energy globally but is also a major driver of environmental degradation.- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The burning of fossil fuels releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to the greenhouse effect, which results in an increase in global temperatures (Global Warming), rather than a reduction.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The combustion of fossil fuels releases various harmful by-products, including oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, as well as particulate matter. These emissions are the primary cause of air pollution and contribute to respiratory ailments, acid rain, and smog.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources. They take millions of years to form, and their known reserves are limited. At current rates of consumption, these reserves are expected to last only for a few hundred years.
Key Takeaway: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources that, upon combustion, release greenhouse gases causing global warming and pollutants that degrade air quality.