Latin America ‘better prepared for El Niño’
Experts believe that the current El Niño event – already among the strongest ever recorded – will reach its peak soon. But authorities across the region are confident they are…
Articles by Giles Constantine
Climate Change & COP21: What do Latin American nations have to offer?
All eyes are on Paris as the nations of the world meet to negotiate a global deal to curb carbon emissions and prevent runaway climate change. What do Latin American…
Latin America’s presidents speak out on climate change at UN
Latin American presidents address international leaders at UN summit; Leaders call for united and ‘equal’ global action to combat climate change impacts; Several presidents take opportunity to highlight their own…
Are Latin America’s oil-producing countries shirking their responsibilities on climate change?
Many Latin American countries are rightly lauded for their role in pushing for global action against climate change; several leading economies continue to be based around production of oil, coal…
Colombia gives green light to fracking
Colombia is to allow companies to explore for shale gas and oil; government insists it has drawn up an appropriate regulatory framework; critics point to apparent risks associated with fracking…
Colombia: North’s recovery from major drought may still be thwarted by El Niño
Northern Colombia recently besieged by severe drought; crisis continues to affect vast swathes of the country and its inhabitants; protests in La Guajira as tensions flare; prospect of additional social…
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Ecuador: Yasuní and the ghost of Chevron
Ecuadorean state oil company overseeing Yasuní oil extraction accused of major oil spill elsewhere in Amazon; Correa government continues to campaign against Chevron while pursuing development of Yasuní-ITT oil fields;…
El Niño already making its mark on Latin America
El Niño climate phenomenon said to be approaching; many parts of Latin America already experiencing extremes of rainfall, with drought and flooding; problems could be aggravated by El Niño when…
Just how ‘natural’ are natural disasters? Examples from Latin America
Latin America & Caribbean are especially vulnerable to natural disasters; human interference can affect overall impact of disasters; climate change biggest manmade influence on disasters. Natural disasters are a phenomenon…
Peru: New mountain tourist trail to help educate on climate change
Peru is launching a “Climate Change Trail” around shrinking Andean glaciers; initiative to reverse trend of declining tourist numbers; site includes an educational element on impacts and dangers of climate…
Colombia chooses environment over minerals in Orinoco wetlands
Government creates new Ramsar site of protected wetlands; mining to be prohibited in area rich in resources; move represents more balance between profit and sustainability. On 8 July the Colombian…
Is Peru putting its economy ahead of its environment?
President Humala announces economic stimulus package to boost investment and GDP; critics say scrapping of regulations will endanger environment. A series of economic measures aimed at boosting the Peruvian economy…
Latin America: leading the way on renewables?
Several countries standing out on global scale; high proportion of energy mix comes from renewable sources; unconventional sources such as geothermal and tidal energy being developed. Recent stories emerging from…
Brazil hopes to score lasting goal with World Cup’s Fuleco the armadillo
Official mascot is endangered three-banded armadillo; critics say organisers are not doing enough to protect armadillo in the wild; Brazilian government has responded with five-year action plan. Back in 2012,…
Chile: HidroAysén - chronicle of an environmental victory foretold
Controversial HidroAysén project stalled by Chilean government; questions remain over Chile’s long-term energy strategy. #ChaoHidroAysén. For at least a week before the Chilean government’s final decision, on 10 June, to throw…