2. Three Main Issues: Destruction of the Amazon Rain Forest
Air pollution in Mexico City
Oil-related pollution in Venezuela

3. Air Pollution in Mexico City
nearly 20 million people live here
seventh 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

4. Air Pollution Over Mexico City

5. Traffic Congestion in Mexico City

6. Air Pollution Over Mexico City

7. Causes of Air Pollution
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

8. Surrounded by Mountains…

9. Solutions
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

11. Amazon Rainforest largest rainforest in the world
most of the rainforest is in Brazil
experiences a hot, humid, & rainy tropical climate
home to a huge variety of plants, trees, insects, birds, & animals
produces 1/3 of the earth’s oxygen

12. Amazon Rainforest

13. Deforestation = Cutting down forest of trees
◊In the 1950s, the Brazilian government began building a major highway system
•Opened rain forest to loggers who have since cut down thousands of trees to sell to companies who make products out of wood.
◊Brazil’s population has increased—parts of rain forest are being cut down to create farms to grow crops and for cattle ranching

16. Before…

17. After…

18. Results of Deforestation…
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.

22. Solutions…
The government is working to fix the deforestation problem by passing laws on cutting down too many trees.
What else can be done?

24. Oil-Related Pollution in Venezuela
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

25. Problems… Venezuela’s coast has become polluted with oil.
oil spills have damaged the environment
hurts the ability of fishermen to earn a living

26. Result of Drilling for Oil…

27. Oil Related Pollution Issues
Oil spills and tanker leaks damage the Caribbean Sea and area lakes. This creates environmental problems as well as making it harder for fishermen to make a living.
The oil rigs face the threat of hurricane damage as well.
Oil pits leak and allow seepage into water sources
Tourism suffers

28. Problems…
◊Producing, selling, & burning oil contributes to pollution in Lake Maracaibo
◊Venezuela is cutting down trees twice as fast as any other country in Latin America in order to make way for oil drilling.
◊Venezuela burns more energy & puts out more carbon dioxide than any other country in Latin America.

29. Problems…
Oil businesses have damaged Lake Maracaibo (largest lake in South America).
Large amounts of oil have been removed from the area so the land is changing.
eastern shore of the lake is dropping about three inches a year
government is having to take precautions to keep water from flooding into nearby towns

32. Problems…
Money from selling oil is the country’s main source of income.
Venezuelans are motivated to keep producing, selling, and burning oil--and polluting.

33. Solutions…
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.