Latin America’s Environmental Concerns

1. Latin America’s Environmental Concerns Notes

2. Opening: Wednesday, Feb. 1st • What is a solution to the deforestation of the Amazon? • What is the main cause of air pollution in Mexico City?

3. Air Pollution in Mexico City • Nearly 20 million people live in Mexico City • Second most populated city in the world--Tokyo is first • City’s population and location contribute to its bad air pollution problem • Mexico city is considered to be the most polluted city in the world

5. Air Pollution Over Mexico City

6. 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 mountains surround city & trap in polluted air

7. Air Pollution Over Mexico City

9. Surrounded by Mountains…

10. Solutions • To reduce air pollution, the city/ government promotes use of public transportation (buses, subway). • The city is also testing buses that run on cleaner burning fuels. • New restrictions on car use • Workshops to teach people about the environment

15. Amazon Rainforest • Largest rainforest in the world • Most of the rainforest is in Brazil • Experiences a hot, humid, & rainy tropicalclimate • Home to a huge variety of plants, trees, insects, birds, & animals • Produces 1/3 of the earth’s oxygen

16. Amazon Rainforest

17. Destruction of the Amazon Rainforest • In the 1950s, the Brazilian government began building a major highway system. • This opened rainforest to loggers • Brazil’s population has increased--parts of rainforest are being cut down to create farms and ranches. Many valuable minerals are being extracted from the rainforest causing damage.

18. Before…

20. After…

22. 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.