Which statement about nonrenewable energy sources is accurate?

• A. They release fewer pollutants than renewable sources
• B. They often release pollutants and CO2 during use
• C. They produce energy without any emissions
• D. They are never used for electricity generation

Answer: (B)

Nonrenewable energy sources generate most of their energy by burning fossil fuels, and the burning process releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates, along with carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. That combination of emissions during use is why this statement is accurate. Coal tends to produce the most pollutants and CO2, while natural gas burns cleaner but still emits CO2 and methane leaks can occur in production and transport. In contrast, some renewables can operate with little or no emissions during use, which is why they’re seen as cleaner options, though they aren’t completely emission-free across the full lifecycle. The other options would imply zero emissions, no use for electricity, or fewer pollutants than renewables, all of which don’t hold true for nonrenewable energy.