Questions

Problem:

//Although many efforts are being made to reduce the levels of sulfur and nitrogen emissions, the levels are still rising. Governments are beginning to require energy producers to clean smoke stacks by using scrubbers that trap pollutants before they are released into the atmosphere.//

// **If the Government’s requirements are followed, by how much will the levels of sulfur and nitrogen emissions decrease by the year 2050?** // Within the past 30 years the levels of SO2 emissions have been decreasing. Considering that in 2008 the levels of S02 emissions are at 22.5 million a year, if the level of emissions continues to decrease at the same rate, the levels in 2050 should read about 8 million.

//Although the American government is making many attempts to stop the pollution from energy producing companies, such as giving more money to the restoration on ecosystems that are destroyed by Acid Rain.//

// **Is the Government doing enough to help the environment? Explain why or why not. Is there something that you as an individual can do?** // The government is trying to help the U.S become an economically friendly country, however more can be done. The government should be closely regulating each power plant and every company that releases SO2 emissions into the air. The requirement for cleaning the stacks with scrubbers is a step in the right direction however it should have been done a long time ago. As an individual or group, we could car pool or walk instead of drive to places close to home. The individual plays a major role in the environments pollution as well, and every action can make a difference.

It seems that although the number of registered vehicles in the U.S increases every year the tons of SO2 emissions decreases. The two are related in the sense that today’s vehicles are being manufactured to release less gases into the air. Therefore, although the number of vehicles increases we are able to reduce the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere.
 * //Looking at the graphs, is the amount of SO2// //related to the amount of registered cars?//**