Rio's Environmental Opportunities And Challenges

Question 1

Water Pollution

Answer 1

Guanabara Bay highly polluted
• major threat to wildlife
Commercial fishing has decreased by 90% in last 20 years
Could damage tourism by affecting beaches
Many of 55 Rivers flowing into the bay a heavily polluted
Run offs from open sewers in favelas
Over 200 tonnes of raw sewage and 50 tonnes of industrial waste pours into the bay everyday

Question 2

Water pollution

Solutions

Answer 2

Overseas aid been used to reduce sewage in the bay
12 new storage systems have been built since 2004
• US $68 million
Ships are fined for discharging fuel into the bay illegally

Question 3

Waste Pollution

Answer 3

Worst waste problems are in favelas
Built on steep slopes with few roads
• difficult access for waste collection lorries
Most waste dumped
Causes diseases like cholera and encourages rats

Question 4

Waste Pollution

Solutions

Answer 4

Power plant setup using methane gas from rotting rubbish
Consumes 30 tonnes of rubbish a day
Produces enough electricity for 1000 homes

Question 5

Percentage of commuters who take transport

Answer 5

60% car
30% bus
5% metro
3% rail
2% cycle/walk