Which of the following describes one environmental impact of fossil fuels?

Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are significant environmental impacts associated with the use of fossil fuels. When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy, they release various pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These emissions contribute to air quality deterioration and are major drivers of climate change due to the greenhouse effect.

Increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat, leading to global warming and associated climate impacts like severe weather events and changes in ecosystems. This highlights the direct link between fossil fuel consumption and broader environmental challenges, making it essential to understand and address these impacts in discussions about energy sources and sustainability.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent potential outcomes of fossil fuel usage; for instance, soil fertility may not be directly related to fossil fuels, habitat destruction may often be increased due to fossil fuel extraction activities, and energy efficiency pertains more to practices and technologies rather than the inherent properties of fossil fuel combustion.