What is the cleanest burning fossil fuel that produces the least pollutants?

Natural gas is recognized as the cleanest burning fossil fuel because it consists primarily of methane, which has a higher hydrogen-to-carbon ratio compared to other fossil fuels. When burned, natural gas emits significantly lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter than coal or oil. This characteristic makes it a more environmentally friendly option among fossil fuels.

Additionally, the combustion of natural gas produces only trace amounts of pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and virtually no ash or soot, reducing the overall impact on air quality. Its lower emissions profile is essential in the context of addressing climate change and improving public health by decreasing harmful air pollutants.

In contrast, other options like coal and kerosene produce more pollutants when burned, contributing to environmental degradation and air quality issues. Coal is the dirtiest among these options, generating the most CO2 and various other harmful substances, while kerosene, although cleaner than coal, still releases higher amounts of pollutants compared to natural gas. Nuclear energy, while not a fossil fuel and not applicable to this context, presents its own set of challenges related to waste disposal and environmental impact but does not contribute to air pollution like the other fossil fuels listed.