Fossil fuel infrastructure, like power plants, oil rigs, pipelines, and refineries, has a big impact on the air we breathe regularly. These structures are used to get and burn fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas. When these fuels are burned, they release gases into the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide, which is the main cause of respiratory problems and global warming.

Methane can sometimes be released, a gas that traps even more heat than carbon dioxide, making the problem worse. Pollution from these facilities can make the air dirty and unsuitable to breathe. All of these gases form around the atmosphere, trapping heat from the sun. This causes the Earth to warm up over time, and as temperatures rise, it can lead to stronger storms, hotter summers, and unpredictable weather patterns around the world.

US EPA