[00:09] Vast quantities of artificial and natural materials are added to Earth's atmosphere everyday. Global winds provide energy for this material to travel great distances.

[00:19] Each year in the US alone, the burning of fossil fuels dumps 90-billion tons of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in to the atmosphere. When these chemicals come in contact with water droplets in clouds, they form the phenomena called acid rain.

[00:35] Starting in the 1960's, scientists noticed that fish populations in some eastern wilderness lakes were mysteriously declining. Initially puzzled by these disappearances and declines scientists eventually linked ecosystem damage to acid rain.

[00:50] Rain and snow falling in the eastern US has higher acidity than in other parts of the country. The natural ability of many soils to neutralize acid reduces the effects of acid rain. But acid rain slowly and silently destroys even non-living objects. like buildings, outdoor artforms and vehicles.

[01:09] Acid rain illustrates the interconnectedness of Earth's environment. We're all neighbors sharing the same environment regardless of where we live.

[01:17] Overall the acid rain story shows how we're tackling environmental problems without adversely affecting jobs and the economy.

[01:24] To learn more about Our Changing Planet visit us on the web at www.umac.org/ocp.