Energy efficiencyWith energy consumption rising, it is important that industry,

transportation and consumers in their homes use of energy more efficiently, so less is wasted. This will also save money on fuel bills. We

can all help by making changes to our lifestyles and our houses - for example by:

walking, cycling, or using public transport rather than fossil-fuel powered cars

reducing the number of aircraft journeys taken (especially short-haul flights)

using smaller more energy-efficient cars switching off lights, power sockets, phone chargers and TVs when

not in use recycling and reusing plastics and oil-based products

using energy-efficient light-bulbs and rechargeable batteries insulating house roofs, blocking drafts, and using double-glazing

and more efficient heating systems considering introducing solar panels, or switching to an electricity

supplier that supplies ‘green electricity’

To meet increasing global demand for energy, while reducing the risk of causing either damage to the environment or contributing to global warming, it is important

that:Countries find new types of energy, develop and expand existing sources

that are more sustainable than fossil fuels Industries and domestic users of energy use it more efficiently (ie, stop

wasting it) MEDCs start to switch from fossil fuels to alternative sources

As LEDCs start to use more energy they are encouraged to develop more sustainable sources of energy

The purpose of sustainability is to manage resources or run projects or industries, so future generations can use the resources too.

Energy

What is acid rain?

Rainwater is naturally slightly acidic. When power stations burn coal they release sulphur dioxide and

nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere. These chemicals sometimes fall back to the ground (dry deposition). On other occasions they combine with water vapour in the air and form dilute acids in the rainwater (wet

deposition).

What damage is acid rain doing in Canada?                                                •Fourteen thousand lakes are now so acidic that plants, animals, fish and birds are all dying. •Trees in eastern Canada are dying. The tops of trees like spruce, fir and pine turn yellow, their growth slows down, sometimes the bark splits and finally the tree dies. •84% of agricultural land in eastern Canada is polluted by acid rain. •80% of Canadians live in areas where acid rain levels are above acceptable levels. Acid rain has also been linked to respiratory diseases in children. •Buildings are being affected, especially those made of marble, granite and limestone. Some estimates suggest that buildings in Canada are losing 4% of their weight every year.

Why is acid rain doing such a lot of damage in eastern Canada?

Large amounts of the acid rain which falls on Canada actually come from the USA. The prevailing north easterly winds blow the acid rain away from the industrial areas of

the north east USA to eastern Canada.

What is being done to solve the problem?

The governments of both the USA and Canada are trying to solve the problems caused by acid rain in

a number of ways. Spraying trees with water to wash off the acid rain.

Unfortunately this is not very effective. Canada is now replacing coal fired power stations

with gas fired ones. Lime is added to lakes, rivers and soil in an attempt to neutralise the acid. This costs a lot of money and

is very time consuming. Some power stations have fitted equipment to remove sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides

emissions. This is very effective but also very expensive.

(i) What are the two main gases that contribute to acid rain? [2](ii) From the diagram suggest two human activities that cause acid rain. Explain how each contributes to acid rain. [4]