Most of it is absorbed greenhouse gases which are produce both naturally and by humans, they include:
Carbon dioxide (CO2): Some produced naturally, but there has been a big increase due to the industrial revolution, the increase in burning of fossil fuels for the ever-growing energy needs of humans have increased the production of carbon dioxide
Methane (CH4): Mainly produced by paddy fields in rice cultivation, grazing animals, termites, landfills, coal mining and oil and gas extraction
Nitrous oxide (N2O): Produced due to land-use conversion - deforestation; fossil fuel combustion; biomass burning; and soil fertilization
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFxClx): Produced artificially, is strong but makes up a small proportion of greenhouse gases
Tropospheric ozone (03): A by-product of photochemical smog.
Absorption of this energy causes additional heat energy to be added to the Earth's atmosphere. The now warmer atmospheric greenhouse gas molecules begin radiating infra red energy in all directions. Most of this is directed back to the Earth's surface where it once again is absorbed by the surface. The heating of the ground by the radiation causes the ground surface radiate again repeating the cycle.
The greenhouse effect is essential in keeping the earth at a liveable temperature but humans have enhanced it through the burning of fossil fuel, etc. Alternative methods of energy production a must be used and energy use must be kept to a minimum if the temperature of the Earth’s global temperature is to be maintained.
Acid rain is rain, snow or fog that is polluted by acid in the atmosphere and damages the environment.
The two gases which cause acid rain the most are sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOX). When these substances are released into the atmosphere, they can be carried over long distances by prevailing winds.
They react with water in clouds to form sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3)
They then return to earth as acidic rain, snow, fog or dust.
When the environment cannot neutralise the acid being deposited, damage occurs.
Sulphur dioxide is produced from industrial processes and burning of fossil fuels. Ore smelting, coal-fired power generators and natural gas processing are some of the main producers
Nitrogen oxide is produced from the combustion of fuels in motor vehicles, residential and commercial furnaces, industrial and electrical-utility boilers and engines, and other equipment.
Acid rain can leech into soils damage the fertility of it so crops cannot be grown, as the acid affects the crops as well as other plants.
Lakes and rivers can be acidified killing aquatic animals and plants. Damage to reproduction is the first way that acid rain affects the organisms living in rivers. The acid can be neutralised by a base such as limestone.
Acid rain damages the surfaces of leaves and needles reducing a tree's ability to withstand cold, and inhibit plant germination and reproduction. Consequently, tree vitality and regenerative capability are reduced. It also increases the concentration of aluminium in the soil, which interferes with the uptake of nutrients by the trees. Lack of nutrients causes trees to grow more slowly or to stop growing altogether.
Acidic rain can also erode buildings, moments and other stone based structures.
The emission of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides must reduced in order to prevent damage to the environment. This again, like prevention of production of greenhouse gases can be prevented by using alternative sources of energy such as wind, nuclear and tidal power and sparing energy. Example of sparing energy are turning of lights in unused rooms, buying energy efficient appliances and taking public transport instead of a car.
