People and their Environment Latin America

Mexico

Managing Resources

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 water to be in high demand.

Today, 50% of Mexico's population lives in poverty as they struggle to find basic resources clean water Electricity garbage removal.

Human Impact

Rapid growth in urban areas has created a challenge for Mexico to keep up with basic infrastructures such as proper waste disposal 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.

Addressing the issue

Recently, the citizens of Mexico have become more politically active, wanting better living conditions and environmental protection policies. New government regulations have slowed the destruction of natural resources, while supporting farms and local businesses.

Muévete en Bici program – The Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation program: reduces greenhouse gases Muévete en Bici program – protects the environment and reduces pollution by encouraging the use of bicycles

Central America

Managing resources

Strain the growing population in this region: Water shortages access to freshwater legal issues over waterways Hydroelectric power supplies increase production and competitiveness in international trade threatens the natural environment

Although Central America has naturally fertile soil, slash-and-burn cultivation destroys the fertile land. Commercial logging: contributes to deforestation threatening plants and organisms key to medicines

Human impact

Central America and Caribbean cities are experiencing rapid population growth, resulting in: pollution lack of jobs inadequate housing strained food and water supplies

The growing demand for food has increased agriculture and has, in turn: eliminated natural vegetation leading to soil erosion the use of fertilizer for crop growth

Increased hotel construction for the tourism industry: has lead to vegetation loss soil erosion the livelihood of coral reefs is greatly threatened

Addressing the issue

Deforestation must be addressed quickly Solving conflicts over natural resources and natural disaster preparation are challenges facing this region. Deforestation must be addressed quickly it is predicted that rain forests may disappear within 40 years.

Sustainable development and green businesses are solutions that can be more environmentally-friendly while also boosting local economies. Groups that are implementing programs that limit migration to cities and help to improve cities' infrastructures: Governments international agencies grass roots groups

South America

Managing resources

While the use of natural resources has advanced economic growth and increased stability, it has also damaged the environment and the biodiversity of South America. Deforestation: destroyed almost 20% of the Amazon rain forest threatening nearly half of all animal and plant species on Earth

Monoculture and soil erosion contribute to decreased soil fertility and desertification, which reduces the area of nutrient-rich soils and grasses needed to grow crops or to feed livestock.

Human impact

Urban growth and industrialization have created environmental pollution. A lack of funding and organization often results in a city’s lack of adequate plumbing infrastructure necessary to deliver clean water and remove sewage.

Illegal mining activity has grown as the value of precious metals and raw materials has increased, exacerbating the pollution problem.

Addressing the issue

Reducing the human impact on the environment is critical: to protecting biodiversity preserving the livelihood of the population efforts underway to reduce drought and soil erosion: Implementation of anti-deforestation laws farming management practices

South America’s countries are working together to address the problems related to urbanization: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to develop public transport systems to regulate the exportation of natural resources