Latin America’s Environmental Concerns
Standards SS6G2 Explain the impact of environmental issues in Latin America. Explain the causes and effects of air pollution in Mexico City, Mexico. Explain the environmental issue of destruction of the rain forest in Brazil.
Air Pollution in Mexico City Nearly 9 million people live here second most populated city in the world--Tokyo is first Mexico City is considered to be the most polluted city in the world
Air Pollution Over Mexico City
Air Pollution Over Mexico City
Causes of Air Pollution 9 million residents = over 3 million cars! 50,000 industries = factory and coal power plant emissions Low elevation = Sierra Madre mountains surround city & trap in polluted air
Taken from an extinct volcano overlooking Mexico City
A Mexico City housing complex of over 10,000!
Surrounded by Mountains
The Fish Bowl Think of the gases in Mexico City as a fish trying to escape its bowl! It may try to jump out, but the sides are too high for him to escape!
Effects People have to carpool and limit outdoor activity Breathing problems Lung disease Air quality flags are flown daily to show the smog levels, especially in dry winter months
Solutions The city promotes public transportation (buses, subway, train). restrictions on car use
Driving Restrictions in Mexico City: Monday: no driving if license plate ends with 5 or 6. Tuesday: no driving if license plate ends with 7 or 8. Wednesday: no driving if license plate ends with 3 or 4. Thursday: no driving if license plate ends with 1 or 2. Friday: no driving if license plate ends with 9, 0 or a letter. Saturday and Sunday: All vehicles may be driven.
WHY??? Why has Mexico City implemented these laws?
Destruction of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil the largest rainforest in the world home to 10% of the world’s plant and animal species produces 1/3 of the earth’s oxygen
The Amazon Rainforest
Causes loggers want cheap lumber Brazil’s population has increased Cattle ranches and farming
Before…
After…
Why does Brazil account for so much of the deforestation of the world?
Effects Plants & animals are losing their homes and facing extinction Loss of trees contributes to global warming and decreases oxygen
Solutions The government passed laws on cutting down too many trees, but little funding has been allowed to actually enforce these laws.
Endangered Animals Maned Three-toed Sloth Golden-bellied Capuchin Lear’s Macaw