Which statement about energy sources and environmental impact is supported by the material?

Which statement about energy sources and environmental impact is supported by the material?

• A. Some energy sources have no environmental impact
• B. No energy sources impact the environment
• C. Fossil fuels cause substantially more harm than renewable energy sources by most measures
• D. Renewable energy always harms the environment more than fossil fuels

Answer: (C)

Evaluating environmental impact across energy sources requires looking at multiple measures—emissions during operation, air and water pollution, land and habitat effects, and overall resource use, often considering the full lifecycle from extraction to end of life. Fossil fuels release large amounts of greenhouse gases and pollutants, driving climate change and health problems, and their extraction can contaminate water and damage ecosystems. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro emit little to none during operation, and their overall lifecycle emissions are much lower, so they generally cause far less environmental harm. While renewables do have some environmental considerations—such as land use, mining for materials, and effects on wildlife—these impacts are typically smaller than the harms associated with burning fossil fuels. That’s why the statement that fossil fuels cause substantially more harm than renewable energy sources by most measures is best supported. The other options aren’t accurate because no energy source has zero impact, and renewables do not universally cause more harm than fossil fuels.

Evaluating environmental impact across energy sources requires looking at multiple measures—emissions during operation, air and water pollution, land and habitat effects, and overall resource use, often considering the full lifecycle from extraction to end of life. Fossil fuels release large amounts of greenhouse gases and pollutants, driving climate change and health problems, and their extraction can contaminate water and damage ecosystems. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro emit little to none during operation, and their overall lifecycle emissions are much lower, so they generally cause far less environmental harm. While renewables do have some environmental considerations—such as land use, mining for materials, and effects on wildlife—these impacts are typically smaller than the harms associated with burning fossil fuels. That’s why the statement that fossil fuels cause substantially more harm than renewable energy sources by most measures is best supported. The other options aren’t accurate because no energy source has zero impact, and renewables do not universally cause more harm than fossil fuels.