Question

What are the two main disadvantages of petroleum as a source of energy?

Answer 1

1. High Environmental Pollution: Burning petroleum releases large quantities of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulphur dioxide (SO₂), which severely contribute to global warming, smog, and acid rain.
2. Non-Renewable and Depleting Nature: Petroleum is a finite fossil fuel that forms over millions of years. It is being utilised at a much faster rate than it can renew naturally, resulting in rapid depletion and volatile global prices due to geopolitical conflicts.