European Environmental Issues
Chernobyl
A city in the Ukraine that suffered a nuclear disaster.
Acid Rain in Germany
Acid Rain in Germany is caused when gases are released into the air by the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. When these carbon based gases mix with moisture in the air, sulfur dioxide is formed and trapped within the water molecules, falling with the rain. .
Effects of Air Pollution on man made objects
Air pollution causes serious damage to materials and buildings, including historic and cultural Monuments - such as historical stone statues in London.
Air Pollution
Any visible or invisible particle or gas found in the air that is not part of the original, normal composition.
Nuclear Disaster in Ukraine
April 1986. The explosion released large amounts of deadly radiation into the atmosphere. It is considered the worst nuclear disaster disaster in history - some argue the worst man made disaster in history.
Chernobyl today
Chernobyl continued to produce electricity for another 14 years, until international pressure forced its closure in 2000. An official exclusion zone around the plant remains in place, extending for 30 kilometers (18 miles). It is one of the most radioactive spots on Earth.
Current causes of air pollution in the United Kingdom
Currently, emissions from cars and trucks such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides hover close to the ground contaminating the air people breathe. Air pollutants mix with fog to form smog.
Effects of Air Pollution on Animals
Fish die off, and that removes the main source of food for birds. Land animals can die from respiratory problems, removing the source of food for other animals.
Germany's Solution to acid rain
In Germany, power plants that use water power are replacing many coal-burning factories. They are developing new types of energy, such as wind turbines and solar power. Germany's government has passed laws to reduce emissions from cars and factories.
Past causes of air pollution in the United Kingdom
In the past, emissions from factories or homes burning coal for heat mixed with the fog resulting in smog that hovered over cities.
Effects of the nuclear disaster on man made objects
Man made objects were destroyed or corroded, and left to decay when humans evacuated from the area.
Effects of the nuclear disaster on animals
Many died or got sick. Others were physically deformed or genetically mutated from radiation exposure. The food web was disrupted and many animals starved to death. Fish in nearby rivers were unsafe to eat for many years.
How does the European Union address environmental issues
Most countries in Europe are members of a group called the European Union. Since its formation in 1993, the EU has passed policies designed to fight acid rain, improve air quality, restrict toxic waste, and reduce pollution. Governments are also researching alternative fuel sources for cars which would lessen air pollution and acid rain. Rather than being made of oil, these fuels come from plant oil.
Effects of the nuclear disaster around the world.
Nearly nine tons of radioactive material (90 times as much as the Hiroshima bomb) was hurled into the sky. Over the following days, winds mostly blowing north and west, carried fallout into Belarus, Russia, Poland, & other countries around the world.
Effects of the nuclear disaster on humans
Over 25,000 people have died as a result of Chernobyl. Cancer afflicted many people and there was an increase in birth defects, miscarriages, and still births. There was a loss of property, land, and income.
Effects of Acid Rain on humans
Respiratory problems such as difficulties breathing and digestive issues from eating foods contaminated by acid rain. The Acid Rain is not acidic enough to burn.
Effect of Air Pollution on trees
Same as Acid Rain: Trees lose their leaves or needles, suffer from stunted growth, have damaged bark and leaves, which makes them difficult to survive severe weather, disease, and insects.
Effects of Acid Rain on trees
Same as Air Pollution: They lose their leaves or needles, suffer from stunted growth, have damaged bark and leaves, which makes it difficult to survive severe weather, disease, and insects Much of Germany's forests have been affected by acid rain.
Effects of Air pollution on Humans
Short term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia. Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys.
UK's solution to air pollution
The UK is trying to lessen pollution. Researching ways to produce clean power. Researching alternate fuel sources. Researching ways to reduce traffic.
SMOG
The word "smog" was first used in 1905 to describe air in London (thick fog + smoke).
Effects of the nuclear disaster on Trees
Trees damaged or killed from radiation exposure. Some trees were genetically mutated. Millions of acres of farmland have been poisoned
Effects of Acid Rain on animals
killing of fish and microscopic organisms in the rivers, lakes, and streams. Fish die off, and that removes the main source of food for birds. Birds can die from eating "toxic" fish and insects. Fish can die from eating animals that are toxic. Acid rain can even kill fish before they are born.
Effects of Acid Rain on man made objects
the dissolving of the buildings brickwork and stone Architecture and artwork can be destroyed by acid rain. Acid particles can land on buildings, causing corrosion. When sulfur pollutants fall of the surfaces of buildings, they react with the minerals in the stone to form a powdery substance that can be washed away by rain
