Global investments in renewable energy reached record levels last year, though funding for such projects in Latin American remains limited.

The May 6 debate gave candidates the chance to present proposals, but made no dent in the frontrunner’s lead. Will undecided voters make up the gap?

During his first three months in office, Guatemala’s new president proposed an ambitious drug-decriminalization strategy, while pushing through fiscal reform and maintaining judicial institutions and social programs at home.

On February 12, Venezuela will hold its first universal opposition primary as contenders vie to run against President Hugo Chávez in the October election. While the opposition prepares its campaign, Chávez plans for heavy spending in the year ahead.

Across Latin America, innovative crowdsourcing websites are shining a light on security, health, and consumer concerns.

AS/COA previews major events and key players in the coming year. Crucial elections are taking place in the Americas in 2012, as well as important global summits.

Popular support to combat corruption is growing in Brazil, as President Dilma Rousseff dismisses wrongdoers from her cabinet and new clean-record laws aim to block offending candidates from office.