What is a primary result of fossil fuel combustion?

The primary result of fossil fuel combustion is the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to climate change and global warming. When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy, they emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide, along with other pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, contributing to air pollution and exacerbating health problems.

While options like ozone depletion and heavy metals may relate to environmental impacts, they do not directly align with the combustion process itself. Ozone depletion is largely influenced by different chemical compounds, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), rather than fossil fuel combustion. Heavy metals can result from certain industrial processes but are not a primary product of fossil fuel combustion. The reduction of greenhouse gases and the increase in renewable energy sources do not represent the immediate outcomes of fossil fuel use; instead, they can be seen as potential goals in mitigating climate change as society transitions towards cleaner energy sources.