Natural Disasters and Political Shifts Define Latin America in 2024

A year of extreme weather and historic political milestones reshaped the region, while violence and economic challenges persisted.

Latin America experienced severe weather extremes, including record-breaking cold in Santiago, Chile, and a historic drought in the Amazon, impacting Brazil, Colombia, and beyond.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season saw elevated activity with 11 storms, including Hurricane Beryl, the first Category 4 hurricane to form in June, which devastated parts of the Caribbean.
Mexico elected Claudia Sheinbaum as its first female president, while Nicolás Maduro's controversial third reelection in Venezuela drew international criticism over transparency concerns.
Economic hardship and political unrest intensified in Argentina under President Javier Milei and in Ecuador under President Daniel Noboa, with widespread protests and energy crises dominating headlines.
Despite challenges, moments of hope emerged, such as a solar eclipse in Argentina, cultural innovations by Indigenous women in Ecuador, and refugee support efforts in Haiti.