Historically, coal has been identified as an important source of non-renewable energy. It was the fuel that powered the Industrial Revolution, transforming the world's production methods, and for a long time, it was the main fuel for transportation, electricity generation, and heating.

But it is time to leave that era behind. Today, we know that coal is the fossil fuel that generates the highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, one of the main greenhouse gases driving global warming, with effects such as melting glaciers and rising sea levels.

Of the global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels, one of the main causes of the climate crisis, nearly half come from coal use.  

Latin America is no stranger to the problem because it participates in both coal burning and the extraction of the mineral, which, after export, is used as a fossil fuel source in other parts of the world.

In this context, the closure of coal-fired power plants—as is happening in Chile—is both great news and an opportunity to steer the energy transition toward justice.

In recent weeks, you have probably read or heard the term "rare" earth elements

Contrary to what their name suggests, they are more common in everyday life than you might think. In fact, many of the technological innovations we use daily would not be possible without them.

So why are they being talked about so much right now?

The day finally arrived.  

On January 17, the High Seas Treaty—officially known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement)—came into force, thereby becoming international law.    

We are nearing the end of a complex year, and taking stock seems daunting. Multilateralism is faltering as environmental crises worsen and urgently demand decisive action.

In such turbulent times, it is worth taking stock of what we, as humanity, have achieved in building a more just and sustainable world for all who inhabit it.

At AIDA, one of our core pillars is using the law strategically — backed by science and international advocacy — to set important precedents that protect the environment and human rights across Latin America.

This year, our work helped strengthen both regional and global legal frameworks so they can better respond to the social and environmental challenges we face today.