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Explore the destruction of the Amazon Rainforest, air pollution in Mexico City, and oil-related pollution in Venezuela. Learn about the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to these pressing environmental issues.
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Three Main Issues: • Destruction of the Amazon Rain Forest • Air pollution in Mexico City • Oil-related pollution in Venezuela
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
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
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 earth’s oxygen
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
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 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
Problems… • Venezuela’s coast has become polluted with oil. • oil spills have damaged the environment • hurts the ability of fishermen to earn a living
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
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.
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
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.
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.
