The fossil fire – fueled by coal, oil and gas – burns incessantly. It is responsible for by far the largest proportion of carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere each year.

Five kinds of human activities are particularly fuel intensive: in coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities, the fires blaze to generate energy. In internal-combustion engines, oil is used to propel cars, ships and aeroplanes. In buildings, fossil fuels produce heat for hot water, cooking and heating.

Oil production also emits vast amounts of CO2, particularly as a result of “flaring”: natural gas released during oil extraction is burnt off on-site.