No knowledge of the chemistry involved is required. Consider deforestation, burning fossil fuels, rice and cattle farming, and use of CFCs. The variety of, and sometimes conflicting, arguments surrounding this issue. Note the complexity of the problem and the uncertainty of global climate models. Evaluate five ways in which emissions of greenhouse gases can be reduced in your local community.
Students can explore their own lifestyle in the context of local greenhouse gas emissions.
Describe, in outline, the chemistry leading to the formation of acidified precipitations. Conversions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide into the sulphates and nitrates of dry deposition and the sulphuric and nitric acids of wet deposition. Kaowledge of chemical equations is not required. Leaching of aluminium, calcium, magnesium, lead and hydrogen ions from soils and discharging them into lakes and rivers. Problems of aluminium ions affecting the gills of fish, becoming concentrated up the food chain and contaminating human water supply and their effect on plants.