The environmental concern associated with burning coal is primarily the release of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.

Burning coal for energy is a significant environmental concern because it releases a variety of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas, contributes to global warming and climate change. Additionally, coal combustion produces nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and acid rain, and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which leads to acid rain and respiratory problems. These emissions are harmful to both the environment and human health. As a result, coal-fired power plants face increasing regulatory pressure to reduce emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables.