Fracking opponent fights to reclaim her life after years of threats

At 23, Colombian environmental activist Yuvelis Natalia Morales Blanco, a leading voice against fracking, continues her battle for mental health after enduring years of harassment and death threats.

María Paula Rubiano A. reports for Grist.

In short:

Morales Blanco received her first death threat at 19 for opposing fracking in her hometown, Puerto Wilches.
Colombia's stalled fracking projects could resume, increasing risks for activists like Morales Blanco.
Despite escaping to France under protection, she returned to Colombia, determined to continue her advocacy.

Key quote:

"I decided that the militant half and the other half should be one."

— Yuvelis Natalia Morales Blanco, activist.

Why this matters:

Environmental defenders in Colombia face severe risks, with many, like Morales Blanco, enduring psychological trauma. As fossil fuel projects continue, activists fighting for the environment must also contend with personal safety and mental health struggles.

grist.org

Fracking opponent fights to reclaim her life after years of threats

‘Wastelands’ no more: India charts a future for its grasslands

Shell’s hidden climate knowledge under scrutiny as court battle looms

Can flying ever really be sustainable?

Opinion: Pesticides aren’t just making us sick, they’re cooking the planet

4 things to know about cyclospora and climate change

The coal industry gave Trump a wish list. He’s checking items off it

Amid the artificial intelligence boom, coal returns — with a familiar cost

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.