The current rate of environmental destruction threatens to change conditions for all life on earth. Acidification of soil, air and water is a major problem, as is the risk that we are changing the climate, partly by burning fossil fuels. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and various nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute most to acidification in our environment. The nitrogen oxides also contribute to eutrophication of forests, soil and watercourses. These substances are formed during the burning of fuels in boilers and engines and in various industrial processes. |