Issue #2- Deforestation Illustration Environmental Issues of Latin America: The student will investigate issues in order to discuss how air pollution, oil spills, and deforestation have impacted Latin America. Problem (what issue regarding the environment is being described in the article) 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 -In the 1950s, the Brazilian government began building a major highway system. -opened rainforest to loggers Brazil’s population has increased--parts of rainforest are being cut down to create farms -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. Venezuela’s coast has become polluted with oil. -oil spills have damaged the environment and caused flooding -hurts the ability of fishermen to earn a living -Venezuela leads South America in the production of carbon dioxide, which is a by-product of burning fossil fuels like natural gas & oil. -can cause breathing problems for children & elderly -contributes to global warming Where: (explain geographically where this issue takes place) MEXICO CITY nearly 20 million people live here second most populated city in the world--Tokyo is first city’s population & location contribute to its bad air pollution problem considered to be the most polluted city in the world Brazil/ Amazon Rainforest Venezuela (Lake Maracaibo) -One of the world’s leading producers of oil -has been producing oil for about 100 years -Oil production has boosted economy -Main source of income for many people -Oil production results in toxic wastes, air pollution, & oil spills Possible Solutions (what can be done to help solve the issue- you can create, or where some listed in the article) To reduce air pollution, the city promotes 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 The government is working to fix the deforestation problem by passing laws on cutting down too many trees. People are becoming aware that the cost in the long term may be too great. Groups are calling for renewable energy sources and the clean-up and prevention of pollution. Issue #3- Oil Pollution Issue #1- Air Pollution Issue #2- Deforestation Illustration

Environmental Issues of Latin America: The student will investigate issues in order to discuss how air pollution, oil spills, and deforestation have impacted Latin America. Directions: Think about the environmental issues we discussed in Europe, compare and contrast one of the issues plaguing Latin America with an issue in Europe. Use critical thinking skills to discuss how these issues impact, people, places, and the economics of the region. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________