1. Environmental Issues Around the World
Air, Land, Trees, & Water

2. Main Environmental Issues Around the World
Air & Land
Water & Trees
Air Pollution in the Mexico City & the U.K.
Acid rain in Germany & Canada
Nuclear Disaster at Chernobyl in the Ukraine
Extraction of Minerals in the Canadian Shield
Oil Pollution in Venezuela
Deforestation in Brazil
Clearcutting in Canada
Water Pollution of the Great Lakes

3. Major Environmental Issues Around the World

4. Major Environmental Issues Around the World

5. Major Environmental Issues Around the World

6. Air Pollution in Mexico City

7. Mexico City
Centuries ago, Mexico City was founded in the crater of an extinct volcano
It was known as Tenochtilan and served as the Capital City of the Aztec Empire
The air was clear and you could see the mountains in the distance

8. Mexico City Today
Today, Mexico City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world
Its bowl – shaped geographic feature keeps air pollution trapped in the city
Most days, the view of the mountains are blocked

9. Mexico City Solutions The government is passing laws:
1) to limit how often you can drive
2) enforcing strict emissions inspections

10. Air Pollution in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom is an island country.
The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Smog = The reaction of Sunlight + Water in the air mixed with smoke from automobile and factory exhaust

11. Age Old Problem of Air Pollution in the United Kingdom
As early as the 1300’s, a king of England named Edward I banned the burning of coal to curb air pollution
Today, most of the air pollution in the U.K. comes from emissions from cars and trucks and ozone.

12. Air Pollution in the United Kingdom
Coal Burning Power Plants have contributed to much of the air pollution in the United Kingdom
1952: Great Smog

14. Great Smog of 1952 4 days of dense smog
Increase in crime, slowed transportation, and death from pollution
4,000 people died from the pollution
Because of the Great Smog, government created smokeless zones

16. Solutions to Air Pollution in the United Kingdom
The government encourages the use of buses and subway stations
Cleaner fuels are encouraged
Emissions standards are set and air quality is checked regularly

17. Acid Rain in Germany
Wind Currents

18. Causes of Acid Rain Germany is located in north central Europe
Nature’s role: Toxic smoke carried by air currents (wind) from other countries fall as Acid Rain over Germany

19. Effects of Acid Rain in Germany
Ruined forests including nearly half of the Black Forest
Pollutes the Danube and the Rhine Rivers
Damages statues and buildings

20. Challenges and Solutions
Getting other countries to stop using fossil fuels is a challenge
Germany is developing other types of energy; such as wind turbines and solar power.
The largest wind farm and solar power plant in the world is located in Germany.

22. Other Solutions to the Air Problem
One solution to the air problem is to Monitor air quality
Laws forcing automakers to build vehicles that produce less harmful exhaust
Asks citizens to drive less by biking or walking

23. Acid Rain in Canada
Canada also is dealing with the problem of Acid Rain
Much like Germany, the wind is bringing pollution from factories across Canada and the United States

24. Effects of Acid Rain in Canada
A major problem in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec
Acid is poisoning the forests, soil, and lakes
Lower profits in industries such as fishing, forestry, and agriculture

25. Chernobyl, Ukraine
Ukraine was once known as the breadbasket because of its rich farmland

26. Chernobyl Disaster 1986 Nuclear disaster in the Ukraine
Explosion of one of the nuclear reactors
Poisoned the land and water with radioactive material

27. After Effects Drinking water unsafe for months
Fish not safe to eat for years
Increased cases of Cancer
Contaminated surface water, ground water, and farmland
Considered one of the most polluted places on earth
(Click picture at the top to learn more about animals in the Chernobyl area)

28. Regional/Global Debate
How to dispose nuclear waste?
How should nuclear energy be regulated?
Which is a bigger risk, nuclear energy or fossil fuel?
Has no Borders