The Atacama Desert is a major source of lithium for EV batteries. As global demand ramps up, the local Lickanantay people are racing to protect already scarce water supplies and their way of life.
Recycling provides economic, national security, and environmental benefits. But the United States is playing catch-up to Asian countries, particularly China.
Extracting resources from the Earth always comes with costs. As we race toward a cleaner, greener future, there is a risk of repeating the abuses of mining for coal and other fossil fuels.
As one of the regions most affected by the global climate crisis, local scientists are struggling with canceled research grants and funding cuts from federal agencies.
Víctor Rodríguez Velázquez, Centro de Periodismo Investigativo