Chile: Overview of concerns around social & environmental impacts re lithium extraction in Salar de Atacama
Environmental Impacts | Visible: Loss of landscape/aesthetic degradation, Soil contamination, Soil erosion, Surface water pollution / Decreasing water (physico-chemical, biological) quality, Groundwater pollution or depletion, Reduced ecological / hydrological connectivity Potential: Biodiversity loss (wildlife, agro-diversity), Desertification/Drought, Food insecurity (crop damage), Global warming |
Health Impacts | Visible: Other Health impacts Potential: Accidents, Mental problems including stress, depression and suicide |
Other Health impacts | Problemas a la salud relacionados a la falta de agua |
Socio-economical Impacts | Visible: Increase in Corruption/Co-optation of different actors, Loss of traditional knowledge/practices/cultures, Social problems (alcoholism, prostitution, etc..), Violations of human rights, Loss of landscape/sense of place Potential: Increase in violence and crime, Land dispossession |