When evaluating fossil fuels shouldn't we also consider the direct heating effect of using the fuel? [View all]

[honest.abe]

So for example when a car is operating there is tremendous waste heat being generated along with CO2. This heat is given off into the air around the car and adds to the overall heat level of area. Its really noticeable when you park your car in your garage and shut the garage door. It's get incredibly hot. So considering there are over a billion cars on this planet, this effect would seem to be significant.

Then of course all the other uses of fossil fuels.. heating homes, generating electricity, powering all sorts of engines and equipment, etc. This all adds to the direct heating of the environment.

Is this level of heating insignificant in comparison to the effect of CO2?? I don't know for sure but I would think it would have a significant additive effect, a bit like operating a wood stove in a greenhouse.

We can also think of this like injecting heat into the environment that was captured from the sun eons ago. This energy has been stored in fossil fuels and we are now releasing it. It's like we are increasing the current sun's output.

I don't know what specifically can be done but seems its something that needs to be seriously considered.