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5. Landfills.
Landfills also release carbon dioxide and methane gas that adds to the greenhouse
gases.
Effects of Greenhouse Effect.
Some of the major effects of increases greenhouse gases are:
1. Global Warming
It is the phenomenon of gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth's
atmosphere. The main cause of this environmental issue is that increased volumes
of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane released by the burning
of fossil fuels, emissions from the vehicles, industries, and other human activities.
Effects of Global Warming
The major effects of global warming are.
i. Melting glaciers, early snowmelt, and severe droughts will cause more
dramatic water shortages.
ii. Rising sea levels will lead to coastal flooding. And the coastal areas will be
submerged under the water.
iii. Forestes, farms, and cities will face heat waves, heavy downpours, and
increased flooding. All these factors will damage or destroy agriculture and
fisheries.
iv. Disruption of habitats could lead many plants and animal species to
extinction.
v. Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease will become more common due to
air pollution.
2. Depletion of the Ozone layer
The ozone layer protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. it is
found in the upper regions of the stratosphere. The depletion of the ozone layer
results in the entry of the harmful UV rays of the sun to the earth’s surface that might
lead to skin cancer and can also change the climate drastically.
The major cause of this phenomenon is the accumulation of natural greenhouse
gases including CFCs, carbon dioxide, methane, etc.
Acid Rain
It is the precipitation of acid in the form of rain. When atmospheric pollutants like oxides of
nitrogen and sulphur react with rainwater and come down with the rain, then this results in
Acid Rain.
Causes of Acid Rain
The main causes of acid rain are sulphur and nitrogen particles which get mixed with the
wet components of rain. These particles when mixed with water in clouds results in the
formation of sulphuric acid and nitric acid and comes down as rain. The major sources of
these gases are emissions from vehicles and factories.
Effects of Acid Rain
1. Acid rain is very harmful to agriculture, plants, and animals. It washes away all the
nutrients which are required for the growth and survival of plants. Acid rain affects
agriculture, as it alters the composition of the soil. It can make the soil acidic.
2. Acid rain affects the water bodies and eventually affects the aquatic ecosystem.
3. Acid rain also causes the corrosion of water pipes. Which further results in leaching of
heavy metals such as iron, lead or chemicals into drinking water.
4. It damages the buildings and monuments made up of stones and metals.
For example, the Taj Mahal, which is made up of white marble has now turned to
yellowish due to corrosion due to acid rain. This phenomenon is also known as marble
cancer.
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