How Venezuela’s Oil Comeback Would Undermine Global Climate Goals

Following the United States unilateral intervention in Venezuela at the beginning of January, President Trump has discussed the potential for exploiting the South American country’s vast oil reserves. As he looks to boost oil production across the Americas, many are questioning just how much of an impact the expansion of Venezuelan heavy oil production would have on the environment, and on global decarbonisation aims. Venezuela is home to the world’s largest oil reserves, with an estimated 300 billion barrels. However, years of underinvestment…