Fossil fuels, electricity and pollution

Burning fuels gives us useful energy, but it also makes pollution. When coal, oil and gas burn, they make a gas called carbon dioxide and other harmful gases and smoke. In big cities, smoke from vehicles and factories can make the air dirty, which is hard for people to breathe. Some of the gases mix with water in the air and can make acid rain, which can harm trees, lakes and buildings. Carbon dioxide collects in the air and traps heat, so Earth’s temperatures slowly rise: this is global warming. The best way to lessen these problems is to use less energy. We can switch off lights and fans, walk or cycle short trips, use the bus, mend leaks and choose renewable energy where possible. So where does our fuel come from? Fossil fuels come from ancient living things, and their energy came from the Sun.