Environmental and industrial pollution is a growing problem in Latin America today. Latin America is becoming a predominantly urban society and, as a result, pollution issues have become increasingly high on the political agenda. But Latin American countries continue to prioritize the region's economic development instead of implementing their obligations to protect the environment for future generations. The government must start putting regulations in place to help protect the environment and the people who live in Latin America. They must help the populations of Latin America to be able to drink unpolluted water and breathe clean air again. Latin America should also take care of its forests and not destroy them and everything they contain. In this essay, I will talk about how these environmental problems harm people, animals, plants, and water in these Latin American countries. Air pollution is a serious and persistent problem. From Mexico to Argentina, air pollutants have reached dangerous levels, with implications for both public health and global climate change (Maxwell). There are many solutions that can be used; there are international standards that can be adopted in Latin America, regarding clean transportation and energy production technologies. If those who govern Latin American countries work to lead their countries off dirty fossil fuels, the skies will clear and their people will breathe freely. For example, “the Chilean Environmental Superintendent has taken significant measures against major polluters: 49 sanction procedures are underway this year, with only one acquittal. The companies in question are required to invest time and money in...... middle of paper ...... Latin American countries need to start putting in place regulations and monitoring these industries to ensure they meet these standards. regulations. There are many ways to start making a change in the environment and if Latin American countries started doing this there would be a big difference in the environment. Works Cited Barlow, Maude. The fight for water in Latin America. July 2004. May 3, 2014. Herrera, Caroline. Latin America Green News: Chile makes polluters pay, Costa Rica joins forces for responsible fishing and Mexico prepares for geothermal energy. November 2013. May 1, 2014. Hudson, John. Deforestation problem in Latin America. October 2013. May 2, 2014. Maxwell, Amanda. Air quality in Latin America: high levels of pollution require strong government action. April 2013. May 3, 2014. “Water problems in Latin America.” World Water Council. ed. 2013.