Our catch phrase is on its way.

Dear Fellow Earthlings,

The biggest sources of air pollution are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and suspended particles. CO2 is produced by animals when they exhale, and so has always been with us – but ever since the industrial revolution began some 225 years ago, emissions of CO2 have increased as a result of the burning of fossil fuels. CO2 in the atmosphere traps heat, leading to a greenhouse effect for the entire Earth.

Methane from swamps and livestock also contributes to the greenhouse effect. As for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), they have led to the destruction of much of the ozone layer in Earth’s stratosphere. That stratospheric ozone, by absorbing ultraviolet rays coming in from the sun, protects Earth’s life forms. Fortunately, humans have taken international action and CFCs are being used less and less in recent years. This has resulted in somewhat of a recovery of the ozone layer.

Sulfur dioxide is largely responsible for “acid rain”, which is destructive to plants and, thus, to living things in general. Suspended particles in the air (ash, dust, cement, tiny particles of metal) can cause grievous damage to the lungs. In tomorrow’s installment, we shall look at ways to improve this situation.

Steve Walker

Earthsaver and Jingles Creator

© 2013 Steve Walker, The Jingles-The Japan Foundation for English Pronunciation, Summit Enterprises.