Gustavo González

Marijuana's Virtues Cast in Doubt

“Weed” might relieve pain, control nausea and reduce stress, but in Latin America, only a handful of scientists and politicians advocate legalising marijuana for medical use.

“Electric taxis for everyone”

By Gustavo González and - -

Filmmakers should touch on issues that are transcendant for society, such as environmental problems, suggests Chilean director Orlando Lübbert, whose award-winning film includes a taxi as one of its stars. "All automobiles pollute," he warns.

Voracious Tourism Threatens Damas Island

By Gustavo González and - -

Environmentalists warn that nutria, penguins and dolphins, as well as other species populating this natural Chilean paradise, are in danger.

A Trip to the Southern Right Whale's Summer Home

By Gustavo González and - -

Tierramérica headed to the sea to visit this endangered species in the waters surrounding Argentina's Peninsula Valdés, where these whales arrive in for the September mating season. They are protected by a hunting ban, but their future is still uncertain.

Chile Tries to Mend Ozone Hole

By Gustavo González and - -

The environmental authorities in Chile have launched an offensive to eliminate the use of pesticides containing methyl bromide, a substance that depletes the ozone layer and is harmful to human health.

Many Visions for Peace

By Gustavo González and - -

Sustainable development is not viable at the same time as increased militarism, agreed pop star Ricky Martin, Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón and former Costa Rican president Oscar Arias, who joined 30 other panelists in Puerto Rico Aug 12-14.

Water Resources Out of Control

By Gustavo González and - -

The wasteful practices, shortages and pollution affecting water in Latin America are the result of inadequate and often chaotic government regulation of water resources, say experts. Appropriate management requires stability, solid institutions and political will.

Water Not for Everyone

By Gustavo González and - -

Nearly 30 percent of the people in Latin America do not have access to potable water and sanitation, in spite of a wave of reforms and privatizations in that arena.

Chile Eludes Environmental Clauses

By Gustavo González and - -

The Chilean government is attempting to avoid environmental stipulations in its trade accords with the European Union and the United States, saying they are a source of arbitrary interpretation, potential disputes and penalties for non-compliance.

Santiago Doesn't Know What to Do with Its Garbage

By Gustavo González and - -

Of the 246 garbage dumps operating in Chile, just 11 have environmental impact evaluation systems.

Environmentalists Advance a Step in Porto Alegre

By Gustavo González and - -

The citizens' movement is preparing proposals and demands for the "Rio+10" summit, setting an agenda in which sustainability also encompasses social equality, according to environmental activist Sara Larraín, who spoke with Tierramérica at the second World Social Forum.