Machines used in the manufacturing process often run on coal, oil, or gas and some materials, like plastics, are made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels.
Mining and other industrial processes also release gases, as does the construction industry. Manufacturing and industry produce emissions, mostly from burning fossil fuels to produce energy for making things like cement, iron, steel, electronics, plastics, clothes, and other goods. Globally, a bit more than a quarter of electricity comes from wind, solar and other renewable sources which, as opposed to fossil fuels, emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air. Most electricity is still generated by burning coal, oil, or gas, which produces carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide – powerful greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the sun’s heat. Generating electricity and heat by burning fossil fuels causes a large chunk of global emissions.
