Environmental Problems in Latin America

The quality of life in Latin America is being affected by three major environmental issues: soil degradation, air, and water pollution. Countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Brazil are suffering from the effects of air pollution. Urban development and demographic growth are leading to the increasing problems surrounding soil degradation, air pollution, and water contamination. The increasing numbers of private and public transportation vehicles are contributing to contaminants such as CO, PST, PM10, HC, NO2, and SO2 poising the air. Exposure to these high levels of contaminants has resulted in cardiovascular and respiratory illness. The growing number of refineries and the metal manufacturing industry is also contributing to air pollution. There are a wide range of issues affecting the water supply in Latin America. Some of these issues are influenced by the size of the respective cities. One form of soil degradation is affecting Latin America is salinization. Other contributing factors to the degradation of the land include erosion, and chemical soil pollution. There are many strategies that can be developed by the local governments in order to decrease the effects on the environment.