Global Pollution Changing the balance.

Outline  Acid Rain “The AIDS of the forest.” Death to lakes.  Stratospheric Ozone Depletion The ozone layer CFC’s and ozone holes  Global Warming The theory The evidence The fears The decisions

Acid Rain  SO x and NO x are both products of fossil fuel combustion.  In the air, they combine with Oxygen and water to produce sulfuric and nitric acids.  Rain has a natural pH level of 5.6 due to Carbon dioxide in the air.  Acidity has been increased in some areas to pH < 4, which is the level of vinegar.

Effects of Acid Rain  Tree defoliation: Germany, Canada, US northeast.  Lake acidity and fish population decline.  Destruction of man-made products.  acidrainprogress.pdf acidrainprogress.pdf  html html  Acid Rain Progress Report Acid Rain Progress Report

Ozone Depletion  The Stratospheric Ozone layer serves as a natural barrier to UV radiation.  Production and use of CFC’s, chlorofluorocarbons, specifically degrades the ozone layer.  CFC’s were used in aerosol sprays, as refrigerants, and blowing agents.  Since 1995 their production has been banned in the US  stratoz.pdf stratoz.pdf

Global Warming Theory  CO2 in atmosphere serves a minor role, together with H2O, in trapping Infrared radiation near the surface of the earth. (60 F total impact, CO2 accounts for roughly 2 F)  Accelerated release of CO2 during the industrial age has disrupted the natural balance.  CO2 levels predicted to double by mid century, leading to perhaps another 2-4 F rise in surface temperatures.

Global warming evidence  The 1990’s: the warmest decade on record.  Warming is occurring globally.  Satellite data indicate less warming. Why?  Natural variability?

Global warming fears  Isn’t warming good?  Isn’t additional CO2 good for Agriculture?  Potential sea level rise  Potential rise in extreme weather  Potential increase in infectious diseases.

Decisions  To reduce CO2 in any meaningful way means an abrupt change in Fossil fuel use.  Kyoto agreement in 1997: But no one is obeying it.  Is there a legitimate alternative?  Why the rush to make a decision?  Where does the US fit in, and why doesn’t the US want to lead the way?

Global Warming Links  all_science.pdf all_science.pdf  all_emissions.pdf all_emissions.pdf  all_impacts.pdf all_impacts.pdf  EPA Global Warming Site EPA Global Warming Site  links to various sites on global warming links to various sites on global warming  Global warming opinions page Global warming opinions page