What is the advantage and disadvantage about hydrocarbon combustion?

We can use hydrocarbons as fuel. Hydrocarbons can be burned to release energy.
Can be cheap.
Provides energy quickly and is moderately reliable.
The amount of carbon dioxide released can be controlled.
The amount of other gases released, such as sulfur impurities, can also be reduced by being refined further (although this process would be expensive).

Although there are far more disadvantages than advantages of burning hydrocarbons, the main advantage is that it enables us to use energy that we utilise in our everyday lives, whether it be using electricity or driving a car. The disadvantages, however, can have devastating affects on the environment that will be irreversible, such as global warming. This endangers the lives of organisms living on Earth. Global dimming and 'acid rain' are also key problems. Fortunately, these issues can be resolved by refining the hydrocarbons to remove impurities, such as sulfur and nitrogen.