Human Impact  Unlike all other points in Earth’s History, many scientists today believe that humans have the potential to alter the overall composition of the atmosphere Anthropogenic

Deforestation Deforestation-when trees are removed and not replanted When they burn carbon is converted to carbon dioxide Leads to an increase in greenhouse gases

Ozone  Ozone is a gas(O 3 ) that exists in the Stratosphere  Protects us from ultraviolet radiation  Is beginning to thin out due to chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere

Smog  Smog is an atmospheric pollutant composed of an unhealthy mixture of gases  Caused by the reaction of sunlight with other air pollutants(CO, NO etc.)

Acid Rain  Acid Precipitation= Precipitation with a pH less than 7  Caused by reaction of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides with water vapor  Forms Sulfuric and Nitric Acid

Ocean Acidification  Ocean acidification is the process where carbon dioxide given off by humans becomes dissolved in oceans This causes the pH to drop and become more acidic Can have a devastating effect on marine ecosystems

Microclimates  Microclimates are localized climates that differ from the regional climate in which it is found Asphalt in cities storing heat  Heat Island-Temperatures in cities that are warmer than its surround rural area

Los Angeles  Los Angeles, CA is considered to be the smoggiest and most polluted city in the United States Also suffers from ground level ozone  Can cause respiratory illness

Clean Air Act  Clean Air Act-Federal legislation designed to control air pollution on a federal level  Hybrid Vehicles-Cars that use both a combustion engine and an electric motor for energy Give off less emissions