The most accurate statement regarding the role of fossil fuels in the carbon cycle is:
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
This is because fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are primarily composed of carbon, and when they are burned for energy, the carbon they contain is oxidized, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This process contributes to the greenhouse effect, which is a key factor in climate change.