The primary cause of acid rain is the release of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere, primarily from human activities like burning fossil fuels in power plants, vehicles, and industrial processes. These pollutants react with water vapor and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When it rains, these acids mix with the precipitation, resulting in acid rain. Acid rain can have detrimental effects on wildlife, forests, freshwater systems, and even human-built structures. Efforts to reduce emissions of these pollutants are crucial for combating acid rain.