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How Corn Shapes Life in Guatemala

In How Corn Shapes Life in Guatemala, host Simon Reeve travels to Guatemala to meet corn farmers and explore how this crop supports millions of people. As the population has grown, much of the land has been cleared, leading to deforestation. Simon uncovers how corn was shaped over generations to become a staple food and crucial part of Guatemala’s economy and culture. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.

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Location:
Guatemala
Grades:
Program:
The Americas With Simon Reeve
Time:
1:55
Subject:

Lesson Express

Q: How does the rapid population growth in Guatemala affect the environment?
A: As the population grows, more land is needed for farming, leading to deforestation. This loss of trees can harm the environment by reducing the amount of oxygen produced, affecting wildlife, and contributing to climate change.

Q: Why is corn such an important crop for farmers in Guatemala?
A: Corn is vital for farmers in Guatemala because it provides food and income for millions of people. It has become a staple crop that helps support the livelihoods of many families in the country.

Q: What are some challenges that Guatemala might face as its population continues to grow and the land is used for farming?
A: With more people and less land, Guatemala might face challenges like soil depletion, loss of forests, and reduced biodiversity. These issues can hurt the environment and make it harder for farmers to grow crops long-term.

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