With demands for a transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy, 350.org helped to halt the expansion of the Vaca Muerta gas pipeline in Argentina by blocking funding from the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES).
350.org’s campaign, questioning the environmental implications of the Vaca Muerta project, pressed the Brazilian government to reconsider its support for the pipeline, ultimately preventing the financing from BNDES.
Our efforts were further amplified by the release of “Esto es Fracking” (This is Fracking), an in-depth documentary exposing the impacts of fracking in Argentinian Patagonia. The film premiered globally, earning accolades such as the Gaia Award for Best Environmental Film at the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival in Vermont,honorable mentions at the Patagonia Eco Film Festival in Argentina, the Festival Internacional de Cine Animal y Ambiental in Mexico, as well as the Veracruz World Film Festival in Mexico. We will release the film online in 2024.
In a significant win for environmental justice, efforts led by 350.org, alongside local partners and Indigenous communities, have resulted in the temporary suspension of Brazil’s largest onshore fossil gas project, Project Azulão, operated by Eneva. This victory underscores the power of collective action against fossil fuel expansion in the Brazilian Amazon.
The legal battle against Eneva, spearheaded by 350.org, has shed light on the severe impacts of fossil gas extraction in the region. Despite the temporary resumption of the project, ongoing litigation continues to reveal evidence of inadequate consultation with Indigenous communities, including the presence of isolated Indigenous groups, further bolstering the case against Eneva. The efforts against Eneva are coordinated within the Amazon Resists network, a collaborative effort, initiated by 350.org, involving Indigenous people, local associations, NGOs, and religious groups.
Opposition to Petrobras‘ offshore exploration in the Foz do Amazonas basin has intensified, with Brazilian environmental protection agency Ibama rejecting drilling requests due to environmental and socio-economic risks. Despite persistent efforts by Petrobras and some political figures, a coalition led by the Climate Observatory has mobilized against fossil fuel expansion.
Collaborative efforts between environmental groups and Indigenous communities, highlighted at the August 2023 Amazon summit, have gained traction, signaling a turning point in the battle for environmental preservation. These developments not only safeguard the Brazilian Amazon but also set a global precedent against fossil fuel expansion. Through advocacy and strategic alliances, the fight continues to protect Indigenous rights and promote sustainable alternatives, making the Amazon a crucial battleground for environmental activism.
Colombia is on the brink of becoming the first country in the Global South to ban fracking. The President Gustavo Petro’s commitment to environmental preservation and climate action is clear as the ban is set to become law.
For more than two years, 350.org has been a collaborative supporter of local groups advocating for climate action in Colombia. Our efforts have been instrumental in shaping public opinion and generating momentum for anti-fracking campaigns. In 2023, in collaboration with 350.org, the Corporación Regional Yariguíes (CRY) launched the Environmental Advocacy School in Colombia, providing education to hundreds of individuals on the impacts of fracking, advocacy strategies, and the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy practices.
Colombia, with seven years to fulfill its Paris Agreement targets, stands at a critical juncture. A public hearing, convened by the Fifth Commission of the House of Representatives, allowed communities to voice their concerns against fracking. The government asserts that the ban will not jeopardize the economy, emphasizing its commitment to decarbonization.
We are profoundly thankful for the steadfast support and collaboration of our partners, whose significant contributions have been pivotal to 350 Latin America’s success. We've proudly included their names in our 2023 reflection to honor their vital role and express our appreciation.
This is a highlight from 350.org's 2023 Annual Report