Environmental Issues of Latin America

What is one way Mexico is trying to solve the problem of air pollution in Mexico City?

• working to preserve the Amazon rainforest
• encouraging people to use subways and buses
• banning the use of cars in the city
• limiting the number of people who can live in the city

Which of the following is the most important source of income in Venezuela?

• ranching
• farming
• petroleum sales
• fishing

A serious environmental problem facing Mexico today is

• loss of the world's largest living coral habitat.
• air pollution in Mexico City.
• loss of the Amazon Rainforest.
• the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

Which country is working to protect the Amazon Rainforest, most of which lies within its borders?

• Venezuela
• Ecuador
• Colombia
• Brazil

In an effort to improve air quality in the city, the government of Mexico City

• promotes the use of cars by all residents.
• has set aside large areas of forest in parks.
• encourages residents to use public transportation.
• increased the export of natural resources.

What problem has been caused by oil production in Venezuela?

• About 9% of U.S. oil comes from Venezuela.
• The coast along the Caribbean Sea has been polluted with oil.
• Lake Maracaibo has become the largest lake in South America.
• Venezuela is more polluted than other South American Countries.

Why might the Venezuelan government NOT want to stop oil production in the country, even though it causes a lot of pollution?

• The government gets about half of its money from the oil business.
• The government does not care about the damage to the environment.
• People along Lake Maracaibo are now protected by a dam to prevent flooding.
• People in Venezuela do not care about the environment as much as other people.

Which is a problem associated with deforestation?

• More oxygen is available on the planet.
• Poor people earn money from selling trees.
• Native people have too much forest for their needs.
• There is less forest to produce goods that humans need.

What is the main crop grown in areas of deforestation?

• cocoa
• rubber 
• soybeans
• Brazil nuts 

How does geography play a role in Mexico City's air pollution problem?

• It is one of the world's largest cities.
• The city has views of distant snowcapped mountains.
• It lies in a bowl-shaped valley that traps air pollutants.
• The cars and factories send pollution such as lead, sulfur, and carbon monoxide into the air.