Carbon compounds may undergo combustion in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water

• The exergonic combustion of biomass is called aerobic respiration and produces chemical energy (ATP)
  

• Combustion reactions can also occur naturally within the environment as a consequence of lightning strikes
  

Combustion Reaction

Humans are using the combustion of fossil fuels to produce energy for various uses (electricity, etc.) 

• Fossil fuels form as a consequence of incomplete decomposition of biomass (due to anoxic or acidic conditions)
  

• When the biomass is compressed under sediment, heat and pressure force out any impurities and remove any moisture
  

• Peat and coal are formed from terrestrial organisms in waterlogged soils, while oil and natural gas are formed from marine organisms
  

The combustion of fossil fuels is substantially increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide within the atmosphere

• This anthropomorphic carbon flux is leading to ecological disturbances such as adverse weather conditions and climate change
  

Fossil Fuel Production