(R13) Environmental Issues in Europe

Today’s Standard SS6G9 The student will discuss environmental issues in Europe. a. Explain the major concerns of Europeans regarding the issues such as acid rain in Germany, air pollution in the United Kingdom, and the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl, Ukraine.

Intro to our……. “Essential Question(s)” What environmental concerns do countries in Europe face? How are specific European countries addressing specific environmental concerns (acid rain in Germany, and air pollution in England)? How has the nuclear disaster that occurred in Chernobyl, Ukraine affected the region and other surrounding areas?

Acid Rain in Germany

Toxic Smoke from manufacturing mixing w/ the atmosphere Country Environmental Issue Cause Negative Effects Government Response Germany United Kingdom Chernobyl, Ukraine Passed laws to reduce emissions from vehicles & factories, Developing new types of energy: wind/solar *Pollutes soil & streams, killing wildlife *Damages forests *Damages buildings & statues Toxic Smoke from manufacturing mixing w/ the atmosphere Acid Rain

London Smog - 1952

Toxic Smoke from manufacturing mixing w/ the atmosphere Country Environmental Issue Cause Negative Effects Government Response Germany United Kingdom Chernobyl, Ukraine Passed laws to reduce emissions from vehicles & factories, Developing new types of energy: wind/solar *Pollutes soil & streams, killing wildlife *Damages forests *Damages buildings & statues Toxic Smoke from manufacturing mixing w/ the atmosphere Acid Rain Past: Burning of fossil fuels like coal in factories & homes Present: Exhaust from vehicles & toxic smoke from manufacturing Created “smokeless” zones in London, Sets limits for industrial smoke, Encourages citizens to drive less & use cleaner forms of energy *Pollutes air & can cause acid rain *Damaging to the lungs of humans & wildlife Air Pollution (SMOG)

Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

Country Cause Germany United Kingdom Chernobyl, Ukraine Environmental Issue Cause Negative Effects Government Response Germany United Kingdom Chernobyl, Ukraine Passed laws to reduce emissions from vehicles & factories, Developing new types of energy: wind/solar *Pollutes soil & streams, killing wildlife *Damages forests *Damages buildings & statues Toxic Smoke from manufacturing mixing w/ the atmosphere Acid Rain Past: Burning of fossil fuels like coal in factories & homes Present: Exhaust from vehicles & toxic smoke from manufacturing Created “smokeless” zones in London, Sets limits for industrial smoke, Encourages citizens to drive less & use cleaner forms of energy *Pollutes air & can cause acid rain *Damaging to the lungs of humans & wildlife Air Pollution (SMOG) *Land, air, & water poisoned by radiation *Many humans, animals, & plants died of radiation exposure *Increased cancer rates in the region since the accident Soviet Govt. made an “exclusion” zone (30 mi. radius around plant) Ukraine has since decided to become “nuclear-free” Radiation Contamination/ Exposure Explosion of a nuclear reactor @ a power plant in 1986

Return to our……. “Essential Question(s)” What environmental concerns do countries in Europe face? How are specific European countries addressing specific environmental concerns (acid rain in Germany, and air pollution in England)? How has the nuclear disaster that occurred in Chernobyl, Ukraine affected the region and other surrounding areas?

Environmental Awareness TEST GRADE #3 Environmental Awareness Poster Project (EUROPE) Due: Friday(9.20.2013)

Oil Related Pollution in Venezuela ISSUE Water-Oil spills into the water Air-Burning of oil & natural gas So what’s being done about it? Unfortunately, very little to nothing. The oil & natural gas industries are so important to the economy, that anything that may limit their ability to produce & earn profit is usually not done. WHERE The on & offshore coastal areas of Venezuela CAUSES The practices and accidents of Oil and Natural Gas industries, which are very important to the economy of the nation. EFFECTS 1. Water Pollution 2. Reduction in Fish/Animal Populations 3. Breathing problems for children & the elderly 4. Possible contribution to “global warming”

Environmental issues in Europe