National and provincial governments are pushing to allow extraction of minerals in protected areas, amid a change in social attitudes

The changes would modify technical criteria in order to allow mining in areas that are currently protected

The initiative, a joint development by a Swiss and an Argentine company, will demand a US$559 million investment

With the US pulling out and China seen as cautious, the conference in Brazil will be a test for the world’s ability to meet the Paris Agreement and finance goals

A birdwatcher’s paradise, this peaceful wetland reserve sits right on the shore of Lago Argentino in El Calafate

Frigid temperatures are expected to continue until the middle of the week before finally climbing on Thursday

The proposed changes would reduce the scope of Argentina’s Glacier Law to allow mining and other economic activity in areas that are currently protected

The initiative is seen as a more natural option over insecticides and saw a 150% increase in requests for fish last year

The local government confirmed more 2,900 people were evacuated as the National Weather Service lifted its red alert