Environment

Lithium Pollution

Lithium represents one way out of our global reliance on fossil fuels. But, as photographer Tom Hegen captured in South America, there is a dark side to our swiftly electrifying world. Mining this chemical can be deeply harmful to the environment. Aerial photos document the 'Lithium Triangle' located where the borders of Chile, Argentina and Bolivia meet.

Drought in Europe, Spain

This summer saw Europe's worst drought in 500 years. Record-breaking temperatures and low rainfall led to wildfires, rivers running dry and crops failing. At one point, nearly two-thirds of the EU was under some kind of drought warning.

As water levels in reservoirs sank to their lowest levels in decades, all sorts of structures started to emerge. Parts of the old village of Aceredo in northwestern Spain reemerged as drought hit the Lindoso reservoir. It was submerged three decades ago when a hydropower dam flooded the valley.

Deforestation - Madagascar

Extreme weather events are likely to continue getting worse as climate change pushed global temperatures higher. Four years of drought and deforestation caused by people cutting down trees for farming and fuel have turned the Androy region of Madagascar into a dust bowl. This year, millions in the country faced famine. Food shortages were compounded by three cyclones and one tropical storm that ravaged the country back in January.