Human environment interaction

Human environment interactionLatin America UnitAgricultureTo 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 fieldThese same methods are still used todayProblems: The soil is exhausted and the nutrients are gone so they must move onto to a new patch and start the process over again

Rain forestIts vegetation helps to clean the earths atmosphere, regulate the climate, and shelter several million species of plants, insects, and other wildlifeScientists have just begun to investigate and understand the rainforests biodiversity its wide range of plant and animal species

DeforestationAt the end of the 20th century, nearly 50 million acres of rain forest worldwide were being destroyed every yearDeforestation cutting down and clearing away of treesGlobal warming or climate change has been blamed on the destruction of the rain forestsThe rain forests are home to an estimated 50% of the worlds plant and animal species

AgricultureTerraced farming is an ancient technique for growing crops on hillsides or mountain slopesFarmers and workers cut step-like horizontal fields into hillsides and slopes, which allow steep land to be cultivated for cropsThis technique reduces soil erosion

UrbanizationArgentina, Chile, and Uruguay are the most highly urbanized countries in South AmericaPeople move to the cities in the hope of improving their livesThe most populous city in Latin America is Mexico City

Tegucigalpa, Honduras UrbanizationSimilar problems afflict cities throughout the regionSlumsIncrease in unemployment and crimeIncrease in air pollutionShortage of drinkable waterLocal governments cannot supportInfrastructure sewers, transportation, electricity, and housing

Advantages of TOURISMResorts and the activities that they offer provide jobs for the local residents and raise incomesWith the creation of jobs, tourism can play a part in reducing the income gap between rich and poor

Disadvantages of TourismAs resorts are built in previously unspoiled settings, congestion occurs and pollution increasesThe gap between rich tourists and less well-off local residents has produced resentment and hostility in some placesLocal governments can run up large public debts by borrowing money to build tourist facilities

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