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	Effects of Acid Rain

Acid rain is rainfall that is very acidic, much higher than regular rain. Acid rain is caused by human air pollution like emission of sulfur and nitrogen compounds. These compounds interact with those in the atmosphere producing acids and ultimately causing rain to be acidic by nature. An important public problem because of its ability to destroy property, and its harmful impact on water and land animal and plant life, many steps have been taken to minimize acid rain's impact on the environment.

The major cause of acid rain is human consumption. The combustion of fossil fuels from various sources like factories, power plants, and cars produce the gases causing acid rain. Power plants that burn coal are believed to some of the worst offenders of acid rain. Although acid rain is believed to be a modern event, it is also found naturally, though on a smaller scale. Emissions from burning volcanoes and natural biological methods, like methane emissions from cattle are few of the more regular natural causes.

Acid rain is responsible for major damage to property because of its chemical compound. It erodes the marble and limestone from the construction buildings and monuments as well as gravestones. Metals (e.g. iron) are also impacted by the alkaline presence in acid rain.

The harmful effect of acid rain is seen in ecosystems. Acid rain alters the PH levels of rivers and lakes. Animals like fish are very vulnerable to variations in PH and so cannot survive if the change is very sharp. Plankton and invertebrates are still more at risk. Acid rain in water environments may also damage plant life. It also destroys forests in high heights and also reduces the soil fertility as essential nutrients and minerals are stripped from it. These effects on various aspects of the environment have a seeping effect that negatively affects whole ecosystems.

Since the acceptance of acid rain as an essential public issue, many steps have been taken to reduce its occurrence. The National Acidic Precipitation Assessment Program was started in the United States to control the results of acid rain on the environment. Europe and North America have taken important steps to lower the toxic emissions that responsible for acid rain. Changes like stringent emission laws for motor vehicles and emissions trading to produce financial incentives for factories to reduce their pollution.

Acid Rain is definitely a global problem. Asia is the region in the world most impacted by it. Slack or absent emission regulations, particularly in China, are responsible for this. To solve this problem, global treaties like the Sulphur Emissions Reduction Protocol and the Nitrogen Oxide Protocol have been enforced. Stringent emission laws both nationally and internationally along with the beginning of alternative energy sources is sure to help in avoiding acid rain later.

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