The world’s first motorsport championship born for a social purpose, Extreme E has brought awareness and impactful change to local communities affected by climate change to all corners of the globe. With the support of LuisaViaRoma, the official fashion sponsor of the series, the all-electric off-road championship races in extreme settings showcasing innovation in green technology.
The final chapter of the Extreme E Championship for the second season takes place in the coastal city of Punta Del Este, Uruguay. Dubbed the ‘St Tropez’ of South America, the Energy X-prix’s host city is also the unexpected hero of renewable energy – boosting the title as one of the world’s largest producers of wind power, helping cement Uruguay’s position as one of the leading countries in the world of electric generation from renewable sources.
The Legacy Program – the Championship’s platform for climate action – tackles three areas to close the year off with strong initiatives. It turns its attention toward marine conservation, ecotourism, and renewable energy awareness.
Uruguay faces great challenges in the face of climate change due to its dependence on agriculture and low-lying coastal land that can be affected by extreme weather conditions and sea level change.
Drivers, media, and the Legacy partner NGO the Organisation for Cetacean Conservation (OCC) visited Isla de Lobos where both a colony of sea lions and fur seals – the largest colony in the southern hemisphere breed and live.
The OCC is a marine-based NGO carrying out marine conservation, environmental education and awareness, responsible marine tourism, and sustainable fishing.
Extreme E will work with the OCC to help continue their efforts with their school education and itinerant exhibitions – driving the importance of marine life.
Extreme E also visited a UTE – National Administration of Electrical Power Generation and Transmission – wind farm to better understand some of Uruguay’s environmental solutions and spread the message of how approximately 98% of the country’s electricity generation originates from renewable sources. This largely can be attributed to transparent decision-making, a supportive regulatory environment, and a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. Uruguay’s stable wind conditions of 12km/hr and low maintenance cost of wind turbines further make investment in such initiatives attractive.
