Latin Americas

Environmental Concerns

Air Pollution in Mexico City

nearly 20 MILLION people live here
10th most populated city in the
world--Tokyo is first
citys population & location
contribute to its bad air pollution
problem
considered to be the most polluted
city in the world

Air Pollution Over Mexico

City

Causes of Air Pollution

1. huge population = lots of cars
2. high elevation--less oxygen so fuels
dont fully burn
--higher level of gases that harm eyes,
lungs, & the heart

3. Sierra Madre mountains surround

city & trap in polluted air

Surrounded by
Mountains

VIDEO CLIP

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of the video as you watch.

MEXICO CITY AIR POLLUTION VIDEO

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

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 earths oxygen

Amazon Rainforest

Destruction of the Amazon

Rainforest
In the 1950s, the Brazilian government
began building a major highway system.
opened rainforest to loggers

Brazils population has increased--parts of

rainforest are being cut down to create
farms

Before

After

Amazon Rainforest

WRITE DOWN 3 FACTS FROM THE VIDEO BELOW

Amazon Rainforest Video Clip

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.

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

Oil-Related Pollution in
Venezuela
One of the worlds 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

Problems
Venezuelas coast has become
polluted with oil.
oil spills have damaged the
environment
hurts the ability of fishermen to earn
a living

Problems
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

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.

Human Impact of Climate Change

Human Impact Video Clip
While watching the clip write down
2 facts per topic below
Rainfall
Coral dying
Glaciers melting

ENVIRONMENTAL MAP SUMMARY

With a partner, CREATE A MAP SUMMARIZING THE MAJOR
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FROM THE LESSON
(DRAW THE SHAPE OF LATIN AMERICA ON A POSTER)
Draw PICTURES and label the areas of the map. Example
(Mexico-Air pollution caused by cars and industry)
USE YOUR NOTES AND RESOURCES TO HELP
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES/AREAS:
MEXICO, AMAZON RAINFOREST, VENEZUELA, AND 3
OTHER COUNTRIES (USE YOUR PHONE/COMPUTER)

HUMAN/CULTURAL IMPACT
When Two Worlds Collide
TAKE NOTES WHILE YOU WATCH
THE VIDEO
5 FACTS, 2 PROBLEMS, 1 SOLUTION

4-6 SENTENCES