Issue

Acid rain gained prominence in the late 1960s because of its perceived effects on ecosystem integrity.

Acid rain is caused by emissions of SO2 (principally from fossil-fuel power stations, metal smelters, and
other stationary sources) and NOx (from mobile sources, industrial sources, and power plants) forming
sulphuric and nitric acid in precipitation (Menz & Seip, 2004).

Response

Concerned with transboundary pollution, particularly in the form of acid rain, Sweden in 1968 proposed
an international conference to address global environmental problems (Brisman, 2011).

Concerned with acid rain and other forms of transboundary pollution, Sweden in 1968

the “main purpose” of the conference was to serve as a practical means to encourage and provide
guidelines for action by Governments and international organizations designed to protect and improve
the human environment.

1. The Stockholm Action Plan (the “Action Plan”)-identified environemental issues that required
international attention

2. The United Nations Environment Programme (“UNEP”) -primary UN organ with general authority over
environmental issues

3. The Stockholm Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (the
“Stockholm Declaration”)-helped laid the foundation for sustainable development

Acid rain (more correctly, acidic deposition) is one of the foremost examples of regional air pollution and
has received worldwide attention because acidification damages are often the result of atmospheric
transport of sulphur and nitrogen emissions across state and/or national boundaries