Re: how are modern cars effecting the world?

Dear Nikayla,

Thanks for the question.

This question has a rather simple answer; POLLUTION.
Now, modern cars, or any cars that use gasoline and diesel, release certain chemicals, the most prominent one being carbon dioxide; there are also nitrogen- and sulfur-related chemicals that are released together.

I said before the effect is pollution; what is really happening?

On the Land: Increasing carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere is making the Earth's atmosphere warmer, just like a greenhouse, which is always warm because the heat cannot escape. The gases released into the atmosphere as a result of fuel-burning in cars accumulate over time, and make a layer above the Earth in the atmosphere. This prevents some of the solar radiation that falls on the Earth from escaping back into space, which warms the Earth over time.
If there are many trees and forests on the land, these tress and plants can absorb carbon dioxide and grow, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but since we the humans are reducing the forested areas around the world, this process is difficult.

In the Ocean: The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide. Increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) in seawater results in the decrease in the pH of the seawater due to increases in CO₃ and H⁺ ions in the water.
If the pH of the seawater decreases, scientists believe that this will effect those organisms that secrete calcium carbonate skeletons, since their skeleton will be dissolved in low pH conditions. Some of the organisms that will be affected are; corals, bivalves, and other animals that secrete shells.

I hope this answers your question.

Shahsank