and if we do not find a solution soon, the death of life as we know it. As it poisons the fish by leeching aluminum and lead, it also poisons the human race, for we depend on these lakes as major food sources, and we are already starting to suffer because of it. In Scotland, there have been a rash of birth defects attributed to acid rain and its destructiveness (Pearce, 1987, p.149). It is imperative that we cut down on the emission of chemicals that cause it. All hope is not lost. Over the last 15 years, lakes and streams throughout many areas in the United States have experienced decreases in sulfate concentration in response to decreased emissions and deposition of sulfur. There is even evidence of recovery from acidification in some New England lakes. However, the majority of the Adirondack lakes have continued to acidify. Additional reduction of sulfur and nitrogen will be required to fully recover sensitive Adirondack lakes (Gibbons, 1996, p. 4). Now that we see that change is possible, and that these lakes are not too far-gone. Humans, as a whole, need to come together to help solve this problem. If it requires stricter regulations on power plants, so be it. Everyone can do their part; we can drive cleaner burning cars, or just simply drive less. The point is, acid deposition is a potentially deadly situation that can potentially be solved with hard work and time. The question is, do we have time or have we sat and stared at the clock for too long....
