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The broad issues related to environment are
Global Warming, Acid Rain, Ozone Depletion,
Deforestation and Depletion of Water Resources.
Global Warming
The emission of Green House Gases is increasing
the atmospheric temperature, followed by the
warming of the oceans, melting ice caps, rise
in sea level and flooding.
The increasing combustion of fossil fuels like
oil, coal and gas has resulted in increased
generation of carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide
and methane are the two gases that cause global
warming. The overall increase in global atmospheric
temperature will affect the patterns of rain
and snowfall. Many plants and animals will not
be able to cope with changes in climate as ecosystems
are disturbed.
The following are some of the methods which
could reduce the impact of global warming
- Reduction in consumption of fossil fuels
- Use of cleaner production technologies
- Optimisation of energy efficiency
- Use of renewable energy sources
- Reduction of deforestation
Acid Rain
Acid rain is defined as rainfall that has an
acidity level beyond what is expected in non-polluted
rainfall. Generally pH of 5.6 has been used
as the base line and less than 5.6 in rain is
considered as acid rain.
Acid rain is caused by the release of Sulfur
oxides (Sox) and Nitrogen oxides (Nox) to the
atmosphere mainly through the combustion of
fossil fuels and smelting of ores. The NOx and
SOx lead to the acidification of rain through
the formation of Nitric and Sulfuric acids.
The effects of acid rain have been reduced to
some extent, due to technological advancements
in reducing the SOx and Nox emissions from fossil
fuel combustion.
Some of the methods of reducing emissions
are
- Coal cleaning,
- Burning of low sulfur coal,
- Desulfurization wet scrubbing,
- Dry scrubbing and
- Addition of catalytic converters in automobiles.
Ozone Depletion
Ozone layer is a blanket of ozone particles
(10 parts per million) scattered between 19
to 30 km above the earth's atmosphere. It is
essential in absorbing UV radiation before it
enters the troposphere and the surface of the
planet. The deterioration of the earth's protective
ozone layer is called ozone depletion. The main
cause of ozone depletion is the use of Chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs), which is found in refrigerants, coolants
and propellants for aerosol cans.
Deforestation
Deforestation is the cultivation of forests
for wood products and mass burning of forests
for agricultural use. The loss of forest cover
leads to loss of habitat, loss of biodiversity,
global warming and soil degradation.
Desertification
The reduction in biological life in the land
is called desertification. This can ultimately
lead to desert like conditions.
The adverse effects of desertification are
similar to deforestation.
Depletion of water Resources
Fresh water withdrawals, pollution and distribution
are major environmental issues related to use
of water resources.
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