Impact of Atmospheric Pollution (Copy)
7.3 Impact of Atmospheric Pollution – Cheat Sheet
Impacts by Type of Pollution
| Pollution Type | Impact | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Smog | – Respiratory illnesses (asthma, bronchitis)- Eye irritation- Reduced visibility → accidents | Severe smog in New Delhi, India |
| Acid Rain | – Acidifies lakes/rivers → fish die- Damages crops & forests (leaf damage, nutrient loss)- Corrodes limestone & metal buildings/monuments | Black Forest tree damage (Germany), Taj Mahal corrosion (India) |
| Ozone Layer Depletion | – More UV radiation reaches Earth- Higher rates of skin cancer & cataracts- Reduced crop yields, damage to phytoplankton | Ozone hole over Antarctica |
| Climate Change (Enhanced Greenhouse Effect) | – Melting of ice sheets, glaciers, permafrost- Sea-level rise → coastal flooding, land loss- Extreme weather (storms, droughts)- Forced migration & climate refugees | Bangladesh (flood risk), Arctic ice melt |
Quick Pointers
- Human health → smog + UV radiation = direct risks.
- Ecosystem damage → acid rain + climate change disrupt food chains.
- Built environment → acid rain damages heritage sites.
- Global issue → climate change = long-term threat requiring international cooperation.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Environmental Management Full Scale Course