1. People and their Environment
Latin America

2. Mexico

3. Managing Resources

4. 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.

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

6. Human Impact

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

8. 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.

9. Addressing the issue

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Central America

13. Managing resources

14. 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

15. 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

16. Human impact

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

18. 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

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

20. Addressing the issue

21. 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.

22. 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

23. South America

24. Managing resources

25. 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

26. 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.

27. Human impact

28. 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.

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

30. Addressing the issue

31. 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

32. 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