What are the differences between ozone depletion greenhouse effect and acid rain pollution?

Answer 1

Ozone depletion is specifically the reduction in levels of the ozone gas in the upper atmosphere, and results from the use of CFC gases, which are no longer permitted to be manufactured for industrial use. The world's ozone layer is gradually recovering, although there is also a natural, seasonal cycle of depletion and recovery. The risk of ozone depletion was that too much ultraviolet radiation would reach the earth's surface, resulting in high levels of skin cancer.

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenom by which greenhouse gases keep the earth at a comfortable level suitable for human existence. This occurs when atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are around their long-term level of 260 to 280 parts per million (ppm). The enhanced greenhouse effect, which is what we usually mean when we just talk about the greenhouse effect, results when atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise, as they have done to the present level of over 380 ppm. This results in global warming and therefore climate change. This will result in widespread species extinction, coastal inundation and, in the longer term, great economic loss.

Industrial processes can result in slightly acidic rain as a result of high levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollution. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides dissolve very easily in water and can be carried very far in the wind and become part of the rain, sleet, snow, and fog that we experience on certain days. Acid rain can cause health problems, damage to crops and damage to buildings and infrastructure.