Using Energy Resources Sustainably: The Problem of Acid Rain

• Acid rain is..

  Rain that acts as an acid. Water in the atmosphere usually has a pH value of about 5.6. Rainfall that has a pH level lower than this is called acid rain. The causes and effects of acid rain show how important it is to use energy resources sustainably.
• Causes of Acid Rain

  1. Industry and transport emit sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere

  2. These harmful gases mix with water vapour and form acid rain

  3. This mixture then falls as acid rain

  4. Prevailing winds can carry pollutants vast distances, causing acid rain to fall far from its source. This means that areas that do not burn fossil fuels can be affected by pollutants blown from areas that do
• Freshwaters


  • Rivers, lakes and streams are badly affected by acid rain
  • In Scandinavia, thousands of lakes were badly affected by acid rain and became known as 'dead lakes' because they could not sustain fish life
  • The situation is improving and most lakes should be fully recovered by 2030
  • Many of these were once popular angling destinations, so acid rain has also damaged tourism
• Soils


  • Acid rain makes soils more acidic, which makes them less suitable for growing crops
  • It also causes leaching, which results in nutrients and minerals being washed out of soils
  • Soils become infertile and unable to support crop growth
  • This affects agriculture, and results in the increased use of fertilisers
• Buildings

  • Acid rain can cause damage to buildings and statues
  • The acid reacts with the rock, gradually dissolving it
  • Many historic buildings are being damaged by acid rain -for example the Parthenon in Athens and the Colosseum in Rome
  • This affects tourism, as these historic buildings are prime tourist attractions
• Forests


  • Acid rain causes nutrients in the soil to be washed away
  • This stunts the growth of trees and other plants
  • Leaves become discoloured and can drop off
  • Trees become more prone to disease and parasites
  • Forests in many countries, including Sweden, Norway and Germany, have suffered extensive damage from acid rain
• Causes of Acid Rain (Image)