Deforestation outside of Rio
Fields polluted by acid rain
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Rio has a humid tropical climate, with three microclimates in different areas of the city. These three microclimates range from a pleasant cooler area in the south of the city near the ocean, a warmer one behind mountains in the north that block humid ocean air, and a hot climate in the lowlands. The hot area has the lowest population. Overall, it generally is sunny all year round, with winter average temperatures of 68 degrees F and summer average temperatures of 79 degrees F. Average annual rainfall is 44 inches a year.
One of Brazil's major environmental challenges is deforestation. The Amazon rainforest is being cut down for lumber. These forests are known as "The lungs of the World" because they produce much of the worlds oxygen. Another of Brazil's environmental issues is endangered species. This ties back to the deforestation. The deforestation is destroying thousands of acres of natural habitat of these endangered species, as well as other essential species. There are also invasive species that threaten the Amazon Jungle. Some of these endangered species include the jaguar, sea turtle, many speceis of rare monkeys, bushy tailed opossum, and the spiny rice rat. Another of Brazil's enviromental issues is pollution. Rio de Janeiro is the most populated city in all of Brazil, and produces a lot of trash. Not all of this trash ends up in the recycling. Most of it ends up in a landfill, or is littered into the environment. Rio is known for its beautiful beaches. This means preserving them is a key priority in the city. There are typical problems there such as water pollution and erosion problems. Another of Brazil's enviromental issues is acid rain. Sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide rise into the atmosphere and enter clouds, and eventually get rained back down to earth. These harmful chemicals are acidic and are harmful to most life forms. Acid rain also enters the soil and changes the acidity level, and limits what can grow there because many plants can't withstand that acidity. Brazil is struggling with many environmental challenges, but there is still hope for a solution. |