The correct answer is: B. Acid rain
Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning that it has elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals, and infrastructure.
Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form acids. The main sources of these emissions are from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
Acid rain can travel long distances, so it can affect areas far from the source of the emissions. It can also fall in dry form as acidic fog or snow.
The effects of acid rain can be seen in many parts of the world. In forests, acid rain can damage trees and other plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. It can also leach nutrients from the soil, making it difficult for plants to grow. In aquatic ecosystems, acid rain can kill fish and other aquatic life. It can also damage coral reefs.
Acid rain can also damage buildings and other infrastructure. It can corrode metals, weaken concrete, and damage stone.
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce acid rain. One is to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. This can be done by using cleaner burning fuels, such as natural gas, and by installing pollution control devices on power plants and other sources of emissions.
Another way to reduce acid rain is to increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. These sources do not produce emissions that contribute to acid rain.
Finally, we can also reduce our reliance on cars and other vehicles that use gasoline or diesel fuel. These vehicles are a major source of emissions that contribute to acid rain.
By taking these steps, we can help to reduce the problem of acid rain and protect our environment.