Essay On Acid Rain In Germany

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Can you imagine a world with damaged ecosystems beyond return? “Acid rain is rain polluted by gases released in the air, by the burning of fossil fuels, like coal or oil.” In order to produce electricity, the former country of East Germany burned brown coal. This coal when burned releases sulfur dioxide into the air that then mixes with the air’s moisture. (Document A) As a result, when it rains, the rain is polluted with carbon dioxide. (Background Essay) However Germany’s actions had unimaginable negative effects on the ecosystems and buildings putting many of its surrounding countries close to high risk (Document C), but have also ignited a call for action in how the Germans care for the environment.

The first area of concern caused by acid rain is seen in the ecosystems. The negative effects of acid rain is most prominently seen in the lakes, streams, wetlands, and other aquatic environments. When it rains, it turns these bodies of water acidic and causes them to absorb aluminum. The water then becomes toxic to the aquatic animals within the waters. (Document B) Acid rain has also taken a terrible toll on the forests of Germany especially those at higher elevation,
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Acid rain has made them more contentious about the negative effects of burning the brown coal on not only the ecosystems and buildings, but also on their own health (Document D). As it is a concern for not only a concern fro all Europeans, but it is a concern for everyone globally, people need to take action. This action can be seen through new strict laws in Germany to reduce pollution, as well as cars now have special converters fitted to the exhaust system. They are also working on trying to find new alternatives like oil and natural gas. (Background Essay) Another great way to fight acid rain is conserving energy. “The less electricity people use in their homes, the fewer the chemical power plants will emit.” (Document

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