Environmental Issues in Europe

Environmental Issues in Europe

Today you will examine a few environmental issues in Europe, including acid rain in Germany, air pollution in the United Kingdom, and the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl, Ukraine.

Acid Raid

A forest is a large area covered primarily in trees. Forests have played an important role throughout Germany's history, art, and culture. About 32% of the country is covered in forest. The largest, shown on the map here, is called the Black Forest.

The Black Forest is located in southwestern Germany. An abundance of silver, ore, and wood in the forest has contributed greatly to Germany's economy for hundreds of years.

But since at least the 1950s, the Black Forest has been damaged by air pollution. According to scientists in the 1980s, the chief cause of the damage to the Black Forest has been rain generated by industry and automobiles.

Conservationists have made efforts to save the Black Forest by adding fertilizer and limestone, passing laws to reduce pollution, breeding resistant trees, and pushing for European-wide emissions laws.

Still, acid rain threatens to destroy the Black Forest.

Open Ended

What was the chief cause of damage to the trees in the Black Forest, according to German scientists in the 1980s?

Open Ended

Using what you know about acid rain and conservation efforts, make a prediction about what the Black Forest will be like 30 years from now. What might conservationists due to counteract the damage of acid rain? Explain your answer. 

Open Ended

Imagine you are an environmental activist concerned about the effect of acid rain on the Black Forest. What would you say to the German government to convince them to pass a law reducing air pollution in the country?

Air Pollution in the UK

Open Ended

List as many causes London’s air pollution as you can name.

Open Ended

List as many Effects of London’s air pollution:

The Chernobyl Disaster was an explosion of a nuclear reactor in the former Soviet Union in 1986. The explosion killed more than 30 people immediately, and had lasting effects that continue to the present day. The nuclear spill released radiation into the surrounding area. Radiation is known to have harmful effects on the health of people who are exposed to it. Watch the video to learn more about the Chernobyl Disaster, which took place here in 1986.

Following the Chernobyl Disaster, many people were forced to flee their homes and resettle in other cities throughout the Soviet Union and elsewhere in the world.  

​CHERNOBYL

Open Ended

Imagine that you are a resident of Pripyat, Ukraine, in 1986. After the Chernobyl Disaster, you and your family are forced to leave your home immediately.

Using your microphone. Describe the difficulties you might face along the way. What will you miss about leaving home? What are your concerns about the future?