Argentina’s Congress has approved legislation that rolls back protections for thousands of glaciers, making it easier for large-scale mining projects to move forward. The reforms were supported by Argentina’s far-right President Javier Milei. Environmentalists warn the legislation threatens critical freshwater reserves that are the source of drinking water for about 7 million people. On Thursday, protesters rallied outside the National Congress building in Buenos Aires.

Ana Salgueiro: “I would tell the lawmakers that they were elected to represent the interests of the people, not those of the big mining companies or big capital, and that they should rise to the occasion, because today they may get the deal that they want, but this affects all of us. Tomorrow, they too will suffer the consequences of not having water.”