Which of the following practices can help reduce carbon emissions in energy production?

Increasing reliance on natural gas can help reduce carbon emissions in energy production compared to other fossil fuels, primarily coal. Natural gas produces less carbon dioxide per unit of energy generated when burned, which makes it a more efficient fuel in terms of emissions. It also emits significantly lower amounts of other pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and particulates, contributing to improved air quality.

Transitioning from coal to natural gas, while still a fossil fuel, is often seen as a step toward reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions during the transition to more sustainable energy systems. This practice can serve as a bridge to greater reliance on renewable energy sources, which offer the most significant potential for lowering carbon emissions in the long run.

In contrast, the other options—using coal, burning more fossil fuels, or restricting renewable energy sources—would lead to higher carbon emissions and hinder efforts to combat climate change.