In the global race toward decarbonization, South America stands as both a beacon of potential and a cautionary tale. Brazil, Argentina and Chile, three nations often heralded as leaders in renewable energy, are now confronting a paradox: can an energy transition built on extractivism truly be sustainable? As the demand for “green” minerals such as lithium intensifies, the region’s ecosystems and communities are paying an increasingly visible price. While the global powers demand minerals, the South is barely able to support its most vulnerable populations. Are we witnessing a genuine transformation, or merely a rebranding of old extractive models under a greener illusion? Marco Pérez-Navarrete reports.