The fact that the energy sources we choose to power our lives has caused rain to become more acidic and lead to major impacts on the environment has got to be a big concern for all of us. But what does it actually mean?
“roughly 2/3 of all SO2 and 1/4 of all NOx come from electric power generation that relies on burning fossil fuels, like coal.”
The term ‘Acid rain’ is quite broad and refers to material from the atmosphere being deposited on the earth which has higher than normal levels of sulfuric and nitric acid. These materials can be wet (rain, snow, etc) and dry (smoke and dust) that come from both natural and human sources.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that the man-made acid rain is caused by two pollutants that are released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned being sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The acid rain is created when these gases react with chemicals, water and oxygen in the air and the resulting acidic solution can be blown hundreds of miles away from the source. According to the EPA “roughly 2/3 of all SO2 and 1/4 of all NOx come from electric power generation that relies on burning fossil fuels, like coal”.
Acid Rain: Invisible Menace - National Geo
So why is acid rain such a problem?
Impacting human health: Acid rain can create small particles in the air that cause respiratory problems for people.
Destroying forests: Acid rain is very damaging to forests as it leaches into the soil and changes the pH balance and effects the nutrient levels that help the trees to grow. Because there is so much damage these forests really struggle to recover.
Changing water bodies: Lakes and streams normally have a pH level around 6.5 but acid rain reduces this which has deadly consequences for fish, plants and phytoplankton.
Damaging infrastructure: The high acid levels in the rain can damage buildings, cars and other objects as the chemicals wear away at the external layers.
Greenpeace points out that while coal is traditionally considered the cheapest fuel available the market price for coal ignores its most significant impacts: “These so-called ‘external costs’ manifest themselves as damages such as respiratory diseases, acid rain…” According to the World Coal Association, “During the late 20th century, rising global concerns over the effects of acid rain led to the development and utilization of technologies to reduce emissions of SO2 and nitrogen oxides.” Power companies have started to incorporate a range of advanced technologies, such as using coal which has less sulfur, washing coal and switching to natural gas.
“These so-called ‘external costs’ manifest themselves as damages such as respiratory diseases, acid rain…”
There are government regulations which specify levels of industrial runoff and control mining emissions which are all helping towards solving the problem, but until we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels the issue of acid rain will always be hanging around. But there are some steps we can all take to help:
Use renewable energy sources, such as wide, solar, tidal and hydropower.
Help organizations that are restoring damaged forests and ecosystems.
Pressure your congress representative to make sure the U.S. Acid Rain Program is being implemented effectively.
Use less power in your home and office through turning off the lights when you don’t need them, insulate your home well and use energy-efficient appliances.
Make sure your catalytic converter is working properly on your car or use a low NOx emissions car.
Global Warming 101 - The Greenhouse Effect
Eutriphication Education: Industrial Age - National Geo Part 1
Please learn more about global warming, and the decline of the forests. Teach your children and others about the importance of reducing waste, pollution and greenhouse gases.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Acid Rain.
Use renewable energy sources, such as wide, solar, tidal and hydropower.
