Troubles In Latin America

Environmental Problems 1. Latin America has a diverse landscape, creating many diverse problems.

Environmental Problems 2. Air Pollution is becoming a major issue in Mexico, especially interior Mexico, like Mexico City. ~Sierra Madre Mountains trap in the polluted air and it cant be ‘blown’ away

Environmental Problems 3. As Mexico rapidly became industrialized, it didn’t have the systems in place or the money to plan for pollution.

Environmental Problems 4. Deforestation has been increasing to provide building materials for the growing populations of Latin America and to the rest of the world. ~14% of the Amazon Rainforest has been cut down in the last 50 years

Environmental Problems 5. Deforestation provides many jobs, but also caused stress on animals and plant life, as well as the natives that inhabit the area.

Environmental Problems 6. Illegal Timbering is also becoming an industry since governments are often paid off to ignore the issue.

Environmental Problems 7. Water Pollution in oceans, lakes and streams has increased in the last 50 years due to illegal dumping. 8. Due to little enforcement of the few restrictions on dumping, many people think that dumping trash and bio waste into water systems is a normal practice.

Government Problems 1. South and Central America experienced almost 100 years of territory conflict. ~Spanish, Portuguese, and French all laid claims to different areas

Government Problems 2. Eventually most countries won their independence, but were never strong enough to create a strong and lasting internal government.

Government Problems 3. Guerillas and Militia groups have overthrown or gained control of the governments.

Government Problems 4. Governments in general are not trusted by other world powers as well, creating problems on the global level. ~Brazil with the World Cup and Olympics

Government Problems 5. If people can’t trust their governments, they will turn to those that can protect them… 6. Governments have also had a strained relationship when dealing with each other and place taxes on neighboring countries goods. ~Makes it more expensive for their own citizens

Economic Issues Due to the government instability, the Economic systems in Latin America are also weak.

Economic Issues 2. Most countries face a low currency exchange so they have become dollarized, where they prefer to use America money instead of their own.

Economic Issues 3. Most countries only have a few major industries or crops for export. ~Venezuela: Oil, and Natural Gas ~ Colombia, Bolivia, Peru: Cash Crops (single crops that can be sold for profit) ~ Brazil: Cattle and Timber/Lumber

Economic Issues 4. For those countries that rely on cash crops, their economies are dependent upon weather. ~Drought= no cash crop = no income

Government Problems of Latin America 5. Some countries, like Colombia, have turned to growing illegal crops, such as cocaine. 6. These cash crops are harvested through elaborate cartel services transported to other countries whose populations can afford them.

Drug Cartels Drug Cartel control has moved into Latin America since the 1940’s due to civil unrest.

Drug Cartels 2. Cartel leaders are extremely sophisticated and detailed in their organization. ~Systems are more sophisticated than the governments

Drug Cartels 3. Growers and cartel members very rarely consume their own crops because they are in the business for profits, not enjoyment. 4. In general, the crops will increase in value 1,000X by the time they are sold in the United States. ~If its costs $1 to grow a plant, that plant will make you $1,000

Drug Cartels 5. Cartels originated in Colombia, but due to widespread economic downfall in Latin America, they have spread as far as Mexico. ~Due to Mexico’s climate their cash crop is Marijuana

Drug Cartels 6. Today, even in The United States, working for a cartel is financially profitable if you can stay alive or out of jail… ~50% higher murder rate and 87% higher chance of prison time

Drug Cartels 7. Some drug lords and cartels have been limited in areas, like Venezuela and Brazil, because their governments are becoming stronger. ~Until governments have control, Cartels will lead

Population Problems 1. Latin America has a very diverse population due to Europeans, Africans, and Natives all merging into the same areas. ~Early Africans were forced into slavery just as in North America

Population Problems 2. Today’s biggest problems are due to spatial inequality with the Natives and citizens and the sharing of land between the two groups. ~Natives are beginning to fight back and reclaim historical lands

Population Problems 3. Latin American populations are still growing at a fast rate, and they are outgrowing infrastructure and community systems ~Favelas, Haitian Slum Towns etc…

Population Problems 4. Less developed countries see high birth and death rates. ~You need to create a lot of babies to make up for all of the people who die young

Population Problems 5. Education has only recently become a priority, and until it becomes a norm, many of these problems will continue.