Global Assessment of Terrestrial Ecosystem Sensitivity to Acidic Deposition Acidic deposition derived from sulphur and nitrogen pollution

Acidic deposition derived from sulphur and nitrogen pollution can cause many environmental problems which, until recently, were considered to be confined to Europe and North America. It is now clear that regional air pollution is a serious and growing problem in many parts of the World, particularly in certain developing countries. European and North American countries have now committed themselves to reduce total emissions of sulphur. In addition, negotiations are taking place to reduce or stabilise emissions of both nitrogen oxides and ammonia in these regions. It is anticipated that the relatively severe situation that exists in parts of these continents will improve. In many developing country regions emissions are increasing and set to rise dramatically in the next century if a 'conventional' development path is followed. Impacts associated with emissions of sulphur and nitrogen may then become more widespread and severe in some of these countries, mirroring what happened in Europe, unless steps are taken to prevent or control emissions. Such impacts include effects on human health, corrosion of materials, reductions in crop yields, eutrophication and acidification. Acidic deposition leads to acidification of sensitive terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Decreases in lake pH have caused huge losses of fish stocks in Europe and North America and decreases in soil pH have been implicated as a major cause of forest damage in these regions. In aspiring to a higher standard of living developing countries have opportunities to avoid the mistakes made in Europe and North America. As an initiative to facilitate the development of action plans, strategies and policies for pollution prevention and control, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is funding a programme on Atmospheric Environment Issues in Developing Countries. The programme is coordinated by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and is implemented in collaboration with numerous partner organisations. Mapping global sensitivity to acidic deposition represents one component of the Regional Air Pollution activity of the Sida-funded programme. The objective of the Sida-funded programme is to enhance the capacity of developing countries to participate locally and regionally in programmes and activities to resolve atmospheric environmental problems and to increase and facilitate the participation and involvement of developing countries in international initiatives and negotiations. One part of the programme deals with Regional Air Pollution in Developing Countries which addresses the issue of sulphur and nitrogen emissions and associated effects through a number of projects. All these projects are linked by …