The main pollutants are carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases (mainly CO₂ and CH₄) that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.

Acid rain forms when SO₂ and NOₓ gases from fossil fuel combustion react with water vapor in the atmosphere to produce sulfuric and nitric acids, which fall as acidic precipitation.

Exposure to air pollutants from fossil fuel burning causes respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and can lead to premature death.

Yes, through clean technologies, switching to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, enforcing regulations, and adopting green chemistry principles.