Sustainable Development

Energy - Pollution

Pollution through the consumption of energy and the burning of fossil fuels results in the production of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. These greenhouse gases contribute to climate change – the results of which we are starting to see: - wetter winters, increased flooding, increases in temperatures, more tropical storms etc.

Pollutants from power stations also contribute to the production of Acid Rain, though it should be noted that the industry has in the past few years put in place measures to keep emissions to a minimum.

Burning fossil fuels e.g. by driving cars produces carbon dioxide, plus a whole host of noxious chemicals (labelled volatile organic compounds), and particulate material causing respiratory disease such as asthma.