Nearly 57 percent of the nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere are a result of combustion of fossil fuels for electricity production. Effects on health include irritation to lungs and lowered resistance to respiratory infection such as influenza. Sulfur dioxide emissions have declined slightly since 1970, but not nearly as much as those of particulates, lead, and carbon monoxide. Nearly 80 percent of sulfur dioxide emissions are from fossil fuel combustion of which nearly 85 percent is from electric power production. Sulfur dioxide affects breathing and causes respiratory illness and symptoms, alterations in the lungs' defenses, and aggravation of existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
Sulfur dioxides are also responsible for the formation of acid deposition.
Carbon dioxide emissions increased by 20 percent between 1970 and 1988 and the contribution of coal to total carbon dioxide emissions increased from 22 percent to 38 percent during that period. Carbon dioxide is the major man-made contributor to global climate change. Worldwide increases in temperature could alter weather patterns to a degree that would significantly affect agricultural areas and raise the sea level by heating and expanding ocean water, melting mountain glaciers, and partially melting the polar ice caps. A rise in sea revel would flood coastal areas around the world which support nearly 80 percent of the world's population. We Can Reduce Energy Consumption 1.