Latin America’s Environmental Concerns

How does human behavior impact the environment of Latin America? EQ How does human behavior impact the environment of Latin America?

Air Pollution in Mexico City nearly 20 million people live here second most populated city in the world--Tokyo is first city’s population & location contribute to its bad air pollution problem considered to be the most polluted city in the world

Air Pollution Over Mexico City

Air Pollution Over Mexico City

Causes of Air Pollution huge population = lots of cars high elevation--less oxygen so fuels don’t fully burn --higher level of gases that harm eyes, lungs, & the heart Sierra Madre Occidental and Oriental mountains surround city & trap in polluted air

Surrounded by Mountains…

EFFECTS Air pollution Increase in asthma Acid Rain –leads to water pollution, soil contamination, structural damage (buildings, statues, bridges, roads…)

Solutions To reduce air pollution, the city promotes public transportation (buses, subway). The city is also testing buses that run on cleaner burning fuels. Restrict car use – no driving one day each week Cars are inspected for exhaust problems Factories must close on high pollution days

Amazon Rainforest largest rainforest in the world most of the rainforest is in Brazil experiences a hot, humid, & rainy tropical climate home to a huge variety of plants, trees, insects, birds, & animals produces 1/3 of the earth’s oxygen

Amazon Rainforest

Destruction of the Amazon Rainforest Causes The Brazilian government built a major highway system Logging Cattle ranches Cleared for farmland – soybeans Brazil’s population has increased

Trans-Amazonian Highway

Before…

After…

Results of Deforestation… Plants & animals are losing their homes; many are endangered, and some are becoming extinct. Loss of trees increases carbon dioxide, a gas that contributes to global warming. Decreased amount of oxygen in atmosphere Resources only found in the rain forest are being lost & cannot be replaced

Clear cutting….

Slash and burn….

Mud slide due to erosion....

Solutions… The government is passing laws to limit the number of trees (laws NOT adequately enforced) Companies are replanting trees and “farming” them until they are mature enough to cut again. Environmental groups and other countries’ governments are trying to work with Brazil’s government to find ways to save the forest

Oil-Related Pollution in Venezuela One of the world’s leading producers of oil has been producing oil for about 100 years Oil production has boosted economy Main source of income for many people Oil production results in toxic wastes, air pollution, & oil spills

Tanker

Result of Drilling for Oil…

Causes Unscientific drilling Poor government involvement Lack of proper machinery to clean effected areas

Effects Venezuela’s coast has become polluted with oil. Animals and plants are harmed by spills and leaks Fishing industry is hurt Breathing problems for children and elderly

Effects… Oil businesses have damaged Lake Maracaibo (largest lake in South America). Large amounts of oil have been removed from the area so the land is changing. eastern shore of the lake is dropping about three inches a year government is having to take precautions to keep water from flooding into nearby towns

Effects

Oil spill

Oil spill…….

Solutions… Develop renewable energy sources Focus on clean-up and prevention of pollution Involve government more Better training of workers (investing in human capital)