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Why does fossil fuel use in agriculture contribute to air pollution and global warming?

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A row of cattle with brown and black coats eat feed from a long trough in a South African feedlot, separated by wooden fencing. — Feed Feedlot cattle eating grain in an intensive animal farm in South Africa.

The use of fossil fuels in agriculture contributes to environmental degradation through the release of harmful emissions that drive both air pollution and global warming.1

Air Pollution

The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum, releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, including sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. In agricultural settings, the use of fossil-fuel-powered equipment and the airborne drift of agricultural chemicals can further exacerbate air quality issues. These pollutants can lead to the formation of acid rain and release contaminants like hydrocarbons and organic acids, which negatively impact crop health, reduce production, and cause tissue degeneration in plants.21

Global Warming

Fossil fuel consumption is a primary driver of global warming because it releases carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. While industrial agriculture relies heavily on these nonrenewable energy sources, sustainable agriculture advocates for a transition to renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power—to mitigate these climate impacts and preserve planetary health.1