Oil-Related Pollution in Venezuela
Venezuela is one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas in the world. The country is the 5th largest producer of oil in the world; producing oil for about 100 years. One of the top 4 sources of
oil for the U.S.15% of oil sold in the U.S.comes from Venezuela. The money from oil sales accounts for about ½ the money received by the government
of Venezuela.
The production of oil and natural gas has come at a price. Along the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela’s coast has become polluted with oil. Oil spills and tanker leaks have damaged the environment in the region; hurting the ability of fishermen to earn a living. Venezuela leads South America in the production of the gas carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels like natural gas and oil.
High levels of carbon dioxide in the air can cause breathing problems for children and the elderly; other health problems can occur in healthy adults after long exposure to high levels. Scientists believe that increases in carbon dioxide contribute to global warming because carbon dioxide tends to trap warm air at the surface of Earth instead of letting it rise.
Oil businesses have damaged the environment; Lake Maracaibo is the largest lake in South America. Due to the large amount of oil removed from the nearby areas, the land in the area is changing. The eastern shore of the lake is dropping about 3 inches per year. The government built a dike to keep the water in the lake from flooding the nearby homes, towns, and farms.
Venezuela is one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas in the world. The country is the 5th largest producer of oil in the world; producing oil for about 100 years. One of the top 4 sources of
oil for the U.S.15% of oil sold in the U.S.comes from Venezuela. The money from oil sales accounts for about ½ the money received by the government
of Venezuela.
The production of oil and natural gas has come at a price. Along the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela’s coast has become polluted with oil. Oil spills and tanker leaks have damaged the environment in the region; hurting the ability of fishermen to earn a living. Venezuela leads South America in the production of the gas carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels like natural gas and oil.
High levels of carbon dioxide in the air can cause breathing problems for children and the elderly; other health problems can occur in healthy adults after long exposure to high levels. Scientists believe that increases in carbon dioxide contribute to global warming because carbon dioxide tends to trap warm air at the surface of Earth instead of letting it rise.
Oil businesses have damaged the environment; Lake Maracaibo is the largest lake in South America. Due to the large amount of oil removed from the nearby areas, the land in the area is changing. The eastern shore of the lake is dropping about 3 inches per year. The government built a dike to keep the water in the lake from flooding the nearby homes, towns, and farms.
Ticket Out The Door: Write your answer to the following questions on the provided sheet.
1. What problem has been caused by oil production in Venezuela?
2. Why might the Venezuelan government NOT want to stop oil production in the country, even though it causes a lot of pollution?
1. What problem has been caused by oil production in Venezuela?
2. Why might the Venezuelan government NOT want to stop oil production in the country, even though it causes a lot of pollution?