For decades, the world has depended on an energy model based on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas — identified as the primary driver of climate change. To mitigate its effects, processes are being promoted to achieve a decarbonized economy, encouraging a transition toward renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal, among others) that generate lower greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the scale and speed of this transition in Latin America poses an ethical and operational dilemma, particularly given the region’s high levels of energy poverty. Within the framework of large-scale projects, the dynamics of engagement among communities, companies, and institutions generate critical environmental and human rights challenges, as well as various forms of social conflict. There is no such thing as “clean” energy if its implementation violates fundamental rights, disregards community autonomy, or fails to align with territorial planning and visions. Along these lines, we analyze how to ensure that the development of renewable energy projects is, above all, just and consistent with due diligence principles.
❝
(OLADE, 2025)
The extractive industries remain pillars of Latin American economies, representing a significant source of tax revenue and foreign exchange. However, the continued existence of these sectors requires a shift toward higher standards of accountability. At CREER, we analyze the life cycle and traceability of these operations through a rigorous human rights due diligence approach.
Our research spans from the exploration and extraction stages to the complex processes of closure and post-mining. We focus on identifying and preventing negative impacts throughout the entire value chain, promoting the management of non-renewable resources in a way that leads to real territorial development, respect for community autonomy, and the effective mitigation of environmental and social liabilities.
❝
Extractive industries
account for between
5% and
of GDP in the region’s major producing countries.
(CEPAL)
For decades, the world has depended on an energy model based on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas — identified as the primary driver of climate change. To mitigate its effects, processes are being promoted to achieve a decarbonized economy, encouraging a transition toward renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal, among others) that generate lower greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the scale and speed of this transition in Latin America poses an ethical and operational dilemma, particularly given the region’s high levels of energy poverty. Within the framework of large-scale projects, the dynamics of engagement among communities, companies, and institutions generate critical environmental and human rights challenges, as well as various forms of social conflict. There is no such thing as “clean” energy if its implementation violates fundamental rights, disregards community autonomy, or fails to align with territorial planning and visions. Along these lines, we analyze how to ensure that the development of renewable energy projects is, above all, just and consistent with due diligence principles.
❝
(OLADE, 2025)
The extractive industries remain pillars of Latin American economies, representing a significant source of tax revenue and foreign exchange. However, the continued existence of these sectors requires a shift toward higher standards of accountability. At CREER, we analyze the life cycle and traceability of these operations through a rigorous human rights due diligence approach.
Our research spans from the exploration and extraction stages to the complex processes of closure and post-mining. We focus on identifying and preventing negative impacts throughout the entire value chain, promoting the management of non-renewable resources in a way that leads to real territorial development, respect for community autonomy, and the effective mitigation of environmental and social liabilities.
❝
Extractive industries
account for between
5% and
of GDP in the region’s major producing countries.
(CEPAL)
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With a focus on responsible land management and respect for local livelihoods, at CREER we apply our technical expertise in the photovoltaic sector to promote a solar transition with social integrity. Through the analysis of rural environments, the strengthening of local governance, and the design of participation mechanisms, we seek to ensure that large-scale deployment in Latin America not only contributes to the energy mix, but also strengthens the social fabric. Our purpose is to lead due diligence models that ensure solar infrastructure coexists with food security, strategic ecosystems, and the productive vocations of each community.
We analyze the governance and sustainability challenges that arise in the implementation of decentralized generation models. Our work focuses on researching how local associative structures interact with regulatory frameworks and human rights standards. Through applied research, we assess the risks of rent capture, internal decision-making conflicts, and the conditions necessary for these self-management schemes to guarantee equitable and transparent participation in the territory.
The rapid expansion of critical minerals for the energy transition and other strategic industries (agriculture, defense, technology) presents us with a paradox: the decarbonization of the planet depends on an intensification of mining activity. For CREER, this rapid expansion carries critical risks regarding human rights, local economic dynamics, and ecosystem balance. Our work focuses on analyzing these dilemmas through the lens of a just transition, promoting governance frameworks that mitigate negative impacts and ensure that the mining of “minerals for the future” is carried out under rigorous standards of sustainability, equity, and respect for fundamental rights, through dialogue among different stakeholders.
Report from the meeting with workers and trade unions
Testimony from workers and trade unions
