What is the primary source of sulfur dioxide emissions?

The combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur compounds is the primary source of sulfur dioxide emissions. When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy, they release a variety of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide. This occurs because many fossil fuels are composed of organic materials that contain sulfur. During the combustion process, the sulfur in these fuels reacts with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide gas, which is then emitted into the atmosphere.

In contrast, while renewable energy sources have a much lower environmental impact, including significantly lower emissions of sulfur dioxide, they do not contribute significantly to sulfur dioxide emissions. Similarly, respiration in living organisms does produce carbon dioxide but does not release sulfur dioxide as it does not involve sulfur-containing compounds. Lastly, natural geological processes can release sulfur dioxide, for example, from volcanic eruptions, but these emissions are generally much less significant in comparison to those produced from the combustion of fossil fuels. Therefore, the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur compounds stands out as the primary driver of sulfur dioxide emissions in the context of human activities.