People and Their Environment: Mexico Chapter 7 : Lesson 3 People and Their Environment: Mexico

Essential Question Why are Mexico’s resources in jeopardy?

Society and Culture Today Human Geography of Mexico Society and Culture Today Mexican culture values family with many Mexican homes holding three to four generations. In Mexico, men dominate while women's primary obligation is the family. Mexico's arts are influenced by both the indigenous cultures of their ancient history and the new Spanish cultures. Murals are an important art form in Mexico with Diego Rivera being one of Mexico's most famous muralists.

Vocabulary Sustainable Development : technological and economic growth that does not deplete the human and natural resources of a given area.

Vocabulary Land Subsidence : the sinking or settling of land to lower level in response to various natural and human–caused factors.

Economic Activities Human Geography of Mexico Mexico has a higher standard of living than many Latin American countries, yet industry, transportation, and communication remain challenges. Mexico, the United States, and Canada signed NAFTA in 1992, improving Mexico's economy, yet keeping it reliant on foreign countries. The illegal drug trade remains an influential part of the Mexican economy.

Managing Resources People and Their Environment: Mexico Mexico has many natural resources, yet obtaining these resources has led to environmental destruction. The growing population of Mexico demands more food and water resources, which in turn causes forests to be cut down and water to be in high demand. Today, 50 percent of Mexico's population lives in poverty as they struggle to find basic resources like clean water, electricity, and garbage removal.

Vocabulary Deforestation: the loss or destruction of forest, mainly for logging or farming.

slash-and-burn deforestation

poverty in Mexico

poverty in Mexico

Human Impact People and Their Environment: Mexico Rapid growth in urban areas has created a challenge for Mexico to keep up with basic infrastructures such as proper waste disposal and pollution. Toxic carbon emissions from cars has led to serious pollution problems in Mexico City, often leaving it in a gray haze. The government has made emissions regulations a priority, but air pollution remains a serious health concern in Mexico.

air pollution in Mexico City

Review Question: Chapter 7 : Lesson 3 Read pages 187-190 and answer Review Questions on page 190 Hand in Google Class Room.