Why do cars produce CO2?
Carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to anthropogenic global warming, is produced when cars are run. The dependence of cars on fossil fuels is the reason they produce CO2.Burning FuelTo run, cars use engines, pistons and other machine parts that require a great deal of energy to work. This energy is provided by the burning of fossil fuels.Fossil FuelsFossil fuels, which include things like oil, gasoline, natural gases and petroleum, produce carbon dioxide when used as fuel. When a car is turned on and running, it uses gasoline and oil, which produce carbon dioxide.EffectsThe carbon dioxide and other pollutants produced by vehicles like cars, trucks, semi-trucks and motorcycles enters the atmosphere. Once in the atmosphere, carbon dioxide traps heat.Building CarsBuilding cars also takes a great deal of energy, which adds more CO2 to the atmosphere.