CHILE
Scientists from Chile will be traveling to the southernmost part of Patagonia to study the continental tip that Darwin rounded on his voyage on the Beagle. The scientific expedition will study things like biodiversity, effects of climate change and anthropology of the local indigenous tribes.
Critics are worried that Chile’s new energy minister will usher back energy projects that will degrade the environment like the Patagonian hydroelectric project HidroAysen.
ARGENTINA
Climate change is making life worse for Magellanic penguins in Argentina, where chick mortality is increasing with heat and rainfall.
The Gran Chaco, a semi-arid savanna region that spreads across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay, has lost over 2,000 square miles due to deforestation in 2013. That’s an area the size of the state of Delaware. Farming and cattle ranching are two chief reasons for the loss.
BRAZIL
A new species of river dolphin was discovered in the Araguaia river in Brazil. It’s the first new dolphin discovered in almost 100 years and brings the total to 5 species of river dolphins.
MEXICO
A ‘planetarium on wheels’ is traveling around Mexico, raising awareness and teaching children about astronomy.