What measures can reduce sulfur dioxide emissions?

Sulphur dioxide emissions can be reduced by using cleaner fuels, installing scrubbers in power plants, and implementing emission control laws.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a major air pollutant, primarily released from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil. One of the most effective ways to reduce SO2 emissions is to switch to cleaner fuels. Natural gas, for instance, contains less sulphur than coal or oil, so burning it produces less SO2. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power produce no SO2 emissions at all, making them an even cleaner option.

Another method to reduce SO2 emissions is the use of scrubbers in power plants. Scrubbers are devices installed in the smokestacks of power plants that 'scrub' the exhaust gases clean before they are released into the atmosphere. They work by spraying a mixture of water and limestone into the exhaust gases. The limestone reacts with the SO2, forming gypsum, a harmless substance that can be safely disposed of.

Lastly, implementing and enforcing emission control laws can also help reduce SO2 emissions. These laws set limits on the amount of SO2 that power plants and other industrial facilities can emit. They also require these facilities to use certain technologies, like scrubbers, to reduce their emissions. In the UK, for example, the Clean Air Act has been successful in significantly reducing SO2 emissions since it was introduced in 1956.

In conclusion, while SO2 emissions pose a significant environmental challenge, there are several effective measures available to reduce them. These include using cleaner fuels, installing scrubbers in power plants, and implementing emission control laws.