Latin America faces several major environmental issues related to air pollution, deforestation, and oil production. Mexico City has extremely high levels of air pollution due to its large population, high elevation, and surrounding mountains that trap pollutants. The destruction of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil for agriculture and development has endangered many species and increased carbon dioxide emissions. Venezuela is a leading oil producer but production causes toxic waste, air and water pollution, and damage to ecosystems that local communities depend on.