Why are conventional fuels considered environmentally harmful?

Conventional fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are considered environmentally harmful primarily because they are finite resources that, when burned for energy, release significant amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. This includes not only carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to climate change, but also sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, all of which can cause serious health issues and environmental damage. The process of extracting and utilizing these fuels also contributes to environmental degradation, including habitat destruction and oil spills. Thus, the limited availability of these resources, combined with their adverse effects on the environment, underscores why they are viewed as harmful.