Another way that energy is linked to the environment is that its production and its use can cause environmental damage. Fossil fuels are put through a burning process called combustion in order to produce energy. Combustion causes the release of various pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, which pose health risks and may contribute to acid rain and global warming. The environmental impact of fossil fuels has led many people to turn to other sources of energy when possible. Some people have bought solar panels that can be connected to their homes to convert sunlight into electricity.
Many people heat their homes with wood-burning stoves instead of gas or electricity.
Another kind of energy is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is created at power plants through a scientific process that involves splitting atoms. When an atom's nucleus is split, energy is released. This kind of energy is currently used to create electricity by boiling water to create steam that turns turbines. While nuclear power is a useful source of energy, the radiation that it produces can be harmful to people if they are exposed to high levels of it.