Pollution in Europe

Acid Rain in Germany

Acid Rain: rain polluted by gases into the air by the burning of fossil fuels, like coal or oil.

Former East Germany burned huge amounts of brown coal to make electricity.

More than half of Germany’s trees have been damaged or killed by acid rain.

Acid rain pollutes rivers and lakes, killing fish, plants, and small organisms.

Acid rain also eats away at brick and stone buildings.

Germany is still using brown coal for electricity.

Acid Rain in Germany

Acid Rain in Germany

Germany has put strict laws in place to help reduce pollution.

Factories are forced to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide they emit or pay a fine.

Cars are required to have a converter fitted into their exhaust and the government is changing over to oil and natural gas.

Air Pollution in the United Kingdom

In the past, air pollution was caused by emissions from factories or form homes burning coal for heat.

Smog (pollution mixed with fog) occurs frequently in the UK.

1952: 4,000 people died from the Great London Smog

Air Pollution in the United Kingdom

Today, the UK’s pollution is from the carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide from cars and trucks.

They hover close to the ground contaminating the air and combine with ozone

Nuclear Disaster & the Ukraine

April 1986: nuclear reactor exploded at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine.

Toxic radioactive material exploded into the air and traveled through to surrounding areas. This contaminated 100,000 acres including animals, crops, and forest.

Nuclear Disaster & the Ukraine

135,000 people were evacuated

30 people died in the blast

Thousands more who cleaned up the site died later from radiation poisoning.

Farmland, surface water, and ground water were contaminated from the blast and radiation.

The area around Chernobyl power plant is one of the most polluted placed on Earth.

Experts are unsure of hoe many illnesses and cancers have been caused by the explosion. 4,000 children have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Nuclear Disaster & the Ukraine

European Environmental Policies

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 soil.

European UnionMost 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.

Where people live…

United KingdomIncludes Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Island

Capital: London, England

Mild temperature

Natural Resources: Coal, Oil, Crops

United KingdomCitizens live in urban areas, work in trade, banking, insurance, and tourism. Also work in manufacturing including iron, steel, and electronics.

RussiaLargest country in the world

Very cold climate

Mineral resources; coal, oil, natural gas, and large forest. Hard to get to and are transported by railroad.

RussiaPeople live in Western Russia on the European Plain: major cities are located here, farms (only 10% of land can be farmed), grazing land for livestock, and warmer temperatures

GermanyLargest population and strongest population in Europe

Moderate climate

Produces many crops, economy is based on manufacturing

GermanyRuhr Region: most densely populated region in the country. Coal and iron deposits are found here that are used for manufacturing steel, automobiles, buildings and other materials

ItalyModerate climate

Mountains cover 70% of country

2/3 of citizens live in northern part of country where most of the countries industry and agriculture are located

Grapes are Italy’s most valuable resources