Acidification of the environment--caused by the emission of sulfur and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere--is one of the most serious side effects of industrialization. This volume provides a thorough introduction to this global problem. A basic overview describes acidification processes occurring in the air, water, and soil, and relates other facts known about the acidification of the tropical environment. There is also discussion of potential future impacts of emissions which cause acidification. Includes a series of case studies focusing on acidification problems in specific countries in the tropics.

This book examines the importance of air pollution for the forests of rapidly industrialising countries and regions. Its geographical coverage includes South and Central America, Africa, and Asia, including Siberia, China and Korea. The problems presented by air pollution are placed within the more general context of sustainable development within these regions and the historical legacy that they are attempting to deal with. Attention is drawn to the very serious problems associated with poor air quality in cities such as Mexico City and Chongqing, China. Air pollution in these areas is amongst the worst in the world. Several chapters examine the importance of forest fires as a source of air pollution, with particular reference being made to the Southeast Asian fires in recent years. The available information about the effects of this pollution on the surrounding forests is reviewed, and recommendations are made for a better understanding of the impacts. A final chapter reviews the recent developments in air pollution control policies in the different regions covered by the book.

A large number of nationwide research programmes in the field of acidification have been carried out in the last decade. Especially in Western Europe, extensive programmes have resulted in a good overview of all the effects - mostly negative - caused by acidifying substances. There is now consensus that types of acidification damage relate to the unique geography of an area: air pollution affects vegetation; acid aerosol the ozone layer. New in this volume, is the relation between scientific results of integrated research programmes and policy actions to prevent, reduce and limit the widespread damage caused by acidification. The results of many different national research programmes are evaluated and compared to present a unique compilation for the research scientist and policy maker. In this volume thematic reviews on specific topics of acidification research are presented, followed by overviews of acidification policy plans and actual abatement plans. The result is the best review of acidification research carried out worldwide during the last decade and presentation of the critical relation between research results and policy actions.

The ocean has absorbed a significant portion of all human-made carbon dioxide emissions. This benefits human society by moderating the rate of climate change, but also causes unprecedented changes to ocean chemistry. Carbon dioxide taken up by the ocean decreases the pH of the water and leads to a suite of chemical changes collectively known as ocean acidification. The long term consequences of ocean acidification are not known, but are expected to result in changes to many ecosystems and the services they provide to society. Ocean Acidification: A National Strategy to Meet the Challenges of a Changing Ocean reviews the current state of knowledge, explores gaps in understanding, and identifies several key findings. Like climate change, ocean acidification is a growing global problem that will intensify with continued CO2 emissions and has the potential to change marine ecosystems and affect benefits to society. The federal government has taken positive initial steps by developing a national ocean acidification program, but more information is needed to fully understand and address the threat that ocean acidification may pose to marine ecosystems and the services they provide. In addition, a global observation network of chemical and biological sensors is needed to monitor changes in ocean conditions attributable to acidification.

Acidification is one of the most serious environmental problems - especially in Sweden, which suffers most from the consequences of acid rain. Besides international negotiations to reduce sulphur emissions - 85% of the acid load on Sweden can be traced to emissions from outside the country itself - the Swedish Government has employed large-scale, operative liming activities to counteract acidification of surface waters. The scientific results show that - although acidification cannot be solved by liming alone - the measures taken resulted in substantial improvements to around 8,000 Swedish lakes and watercourses. The idea is that other countries affected by acidification may also profit from this experience.

Following the first international workshop on the economics of ocean acidification organized by the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2010, a second international workshop was held in November 2012, which explored the level of risk, and the resilience or vulnerability of defined regions of the world ocean in terms of fishery and aquaculture species and economic impacts, and social adaptation. This report includes the findings and recommendations of the respective regional working groups and is the result of an interdisciplinary survey of ocean acidification-sensitive fisheries and aquaculture.

The theme of this book is a far reaching one and should attract great interest, both in industrialized as well as in less developed countries. Although the question of climate change and its effects on soil productivity is overshadowed by so many current events, it is almost certain that this subject will remain on the international agenda for the years to come; not only as science and research are concerned but also in relation to development policies, agricultural policies and others, especially since poor, rich, developed and developing countries are equally threatened by these problems.