ABSTRACT
The preceding chapter surveyed environmental conditions in Latin America. Despite some efforts to protect natural resources and ecosystems, the region continues to be plagued by high levels of air and water pollution, soil erosion, and forest loss. Emissions from factories and vehicles contribute to extensive air pollution and the dumping of untreated wastes damages freshwater and marine resources. Increased use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is reducing the long-term productivity of agricultural land and deforestation accelerates with each passing year.
