What is combustion? How might combustion affect the Earth’s temperature over time?

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Combustion is a chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen) that produces heat, light, and various products such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases. It is a common process used in engines, power plants, fireworks, and other applications.

Combustion can contribute to global warming by releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and raise the planet's temperature over time. This can affect the climate, causing more extreme weather events, melting of polar ice caps, sea level rise, and other ecological consequences. As the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases due to human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, the rate of global warming accelerates. This is why reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner sources of energy is crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change.