Question

How do sulfur emissions in Germany cause environmental concern in other European countries?

They cause acid rain that is carried to other parts of Europe.


They destroy German crops that all European nations rely on.


They reduce trade and negatively impact the European economy.


They have destroyed the fishing industry in many parts of Europe.

Answer 1

Correct answer: They cause acid rain that is carried to other parts of Europe.

Explanation: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) from burning coal and other fuels oxidizes in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid, which falls as acid deposition (acid rain, snow, or fog). Prevailing winds carry these pollutants across borders, acidifying soils and freshwater bodies, damaging forests, crops, and aquatic life in downwind countries (for example, acidified lakes in Scandinavia). This transboundary transport is why sulfur emissions in one country become an international environmental concern.

Why the other options are incorrect or misleading:
- Destroy German crops that all European nations rely on: Sulfur emissions may harm vegetation locally, but they do not universally destroy German crops nor are all European nations dependent on them.
- Reduce trade and negatively impact the European economy: Air pollution can have economic costs (health, remediation), but the primary environmental concern across borders is acid deposition rather than direct trade disruption.
- Destroyed the fishing industry in many parts of Europe: Acidification has harmed some freshwater fisheries, but it has not broadly destroyed marine fisheries across Europe; marine impacts are more complex and involve other factors (overfishing, eutrophication, climate change).