Human-Environment Interaction in Latin America Unit 3 Day 2 Chapter 9 Section 3

What is the slash and burn technique? Used to clear fields, the process is simple: 1st: Cut down trees, bushes, and turn-up the grass 2nd: Burn EVERYTHING!! 3rd: Plant crops for approx. 1-2 years 4th: Soil exhaustion occurs, usually the fields are reclaimed by nature Helps clear rainforests for farming leading to smaller rainforests Soil exhaustion: occurs when poorly managed soils are no longer able to support crops or other plant life. Soil exhaustion has consequences beyond limited food production; it also increases risk of soil erosion. Proper soil management -- including crop rotation, fertilizer applications and irrigation methods -- helps decrease the potential for soil exhaustion.

What is Terrace farming? Growing crops on hillsides and mountains Cut step like fields allowing land to be cultivated Used by the Inca in Peru to create farming land high in the Andes Mountains Reduces soil erosion

What causes the poor to move to the city? Latin American cities are growing at a rapid pace Region is as urbanized as Europe or North America Problems arise: Slums are built larger and in mass quantity in urban areas Often, crime and unemployment increase Environmental problems increase Widespread infrastructure failure What environmental problems would cities face from overcrowding and an increase in cars and factories? Factors would include: increased air pollution, shortage of drinkable water as local sources and reserves are depleted. What fails under infrastructure? > sewers, transportation, electricity, and housing are

What push and pull factors affect Latin America? Push Factors: Ownership of land by wealthy Low paying jobs Poor medical care and poor education Pull Factors: Higher paying jobs Better schools Better medical care Mexico City is the largest at 9 million in the city and over 21 million in the metro area

Tourism, is it a positive thing or is it killing us? Positives Negatives Cruise ships brings people that buy stuff Provides jobs for restaurants, shops, and hotels Guides to show you the cities’ landmarks Reduces the gap between rich and poor Increased congestion and pollution Areas that would have been unspoiled are now tourist destinations Profits go back to the home country Elections and decisions influenced

Human-Environment Interaction Questions 1. Create a graphic organizer that details the 4 steps of the slash and burn technique. (Make a picture and caption it with a description of the step being represented) 2. What are some problems facing Latin America’s rapid development of cities? 3. What are some advantages of tourism in the Caribbean? 4. Do you think the advantages of tourism are worth the negative impacts? Why or why not? (Explain in 5 to 7 sentences)