1. Human environment interaction
Latin America Unit

2. Agriculture
To clear fields, native peoples used the slash and burn technique which was where they cut trees, brush, and grasses and burned the debris in order to clear the field
These same methods are still used today
Problems: The soil is exhausted and the nutrients are gone so they must move onto to a new patch and start the process over again

5. Rain forest
It’s vegetation helps to clean the earth’s atmosphere, regulate the climate, and shelter several million species of plants, insects, and other wildlife
Scientists have just begun to investigate and understand the rainforest’s biodiversity – its wide range of plant and animal species

8. Deforestation
At the end of the 20th century, nearly 50 million acres of rain forest worldwide were being destroyed every year
Deforestation – cutting down and clearing away of trees
Global warming or climate change has been blamed on the destruction of the rain forests
The rain forests are home to an estimated 50% of the world’s plant and animal species

12. Agriculture
Terraced farming is an ancient technique for growing crops on hillsides or mountain slopes
Farmers and workers cut step- like horizontal fields into hillsides and slopes, which allow steep land to be cultivated for crops
This technique reduces soil erosion

14. Urbanization
Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay are the most highly urbanized countries in South America
People move to the cities in the hope of improving their lives
The most populous city in Latin America is Mexico City
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

15. Urbanization Similar problems afflict cities throughout the region
Slums
Increase in unemployment and crime
Increase in air pollution
Shortage of drinkable water
Local governments cannot support
Infrastructure – sewers, transportation, electricity, and housing

17. Advantages of TOURISM
Resorts and the activities that they offer provide jobs for the local residents and raise incomes
With the creation of jobs, tourism can play a part in reducing the income gap between rich and poor

19. Disadvantages of Tourism
As resorts are built in previously unspoiled settings, congestion occurs and pollution increases
The gap between rich tourists and less well-off local residents has produced resentment and hostility in some places
Local governments can run up large public debts by borrowing money to build tourist facilities

21. A solution to a problem
Pick one of the problems we discussed today ( slash and burn agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, or tourism)
Write a one paragraph solution for the problem
You need to include:
a description of your solution
how and why you think it will help