Venezuela defends oil production at COP31, unveils new climate plan
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has defended her country's right to develop its oil industry while pursuing environmental protection at the COP31 climate summit in Antalya on Thursday.
“We therefore uphold our sovereign right to responsibly develop our oil and energy industry as a major engine of national development,” Rodriguez said, stressing the importance of climate adaptation and mitigation.
She also defended Venezuela's environmental record, claiming the country accounts for just 0.39% of global greenhouse gas emissions and absorbs more carbon than it produces. “We are a carbon sink nation,” she declared, claiming Venezuela's ecosystems absorb 1.8 tonnes of carbon for every tonne emitted.
Her remarks contrast with international calls to reduce fossil fuel dependence but align with US efforts to attract investment into Venezuela's oil sector.
Rodriguez also unveiled the Venezuela Vive Plan, aimed at protecting forests, oceans, water resources and biodiversity, although she provided no funding details or implementation timeline.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Iran unveils underground missile base, warns of 'surprises' in future war
On climate financing, she urged wealthy nations to increase support for developing countries. “We reiterate our call on developed countries to honour their climate finance commitments,” she said, emphasising technology transfer and capacity-building.
Rodriguez claimed developing nations need $310 billion annually for climate adaptation but receive less than $26 billion. The UN Environment Programme estimates annual adaptation needs could reach $305 billion by 2035, compared with international public funding of $28.2 billion to $31.7 billion in 2024.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
