The use of fossil fuels is slowly ruining our beautiful nation. Burning fossil fuels, such as coal, can have disastrous effects. One consequence can be acid rain. Acid rain can burn holes in plants or turn them brown. It can make the soil very acidic, thereby inhibiting the growth of new plants or killing off old plants. If these plants die, then it is possible whole ecosystems could be destroyed. Who knows what the consequences of this might have on the wild life? Air pollution also can have disastrous effects on humans. Air pollution makes it harder for people to breathe. This is especially true with children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems. Water and ground pollution pose major health problems too. Pollution can contaminate water, making it undrinkable. Pollution that is released into the ground can seep into the ground water, making it undrinkable. Any animals that drink the contaminated water are affected too. Any water that is contaminated becomes unusable. Without fresh, drinkable water we all suffer.