Venezuela’s oil industry is currently facing a severe crisis, affecting both its economy and the environment. The country’s crude oil is classified as extra-heavy, meaning it is highly viscous and contains high levels of sulfur. As a result, large amounts of energy and heat are required during extraction and processing, leading to significantly higher carbon emissions compared to lighter crude oils.
The problem is compounded by severely deteriorating infrastructure after decades of insufficient maintenance. Many oil rigs and pipelines have corroded or been abandoned, causing leaks. Satellite imagery has also detected large plumes of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming.
At the same time, Venezuela is attempting to increase oil production to revive its struggling economy. However, the aging pipeline system raises serious risks of ruptures or major spills. If such incidents occur, pollution levels could rise dramatically, further intensifying the global climate crisis.
Cr. sustain dailynews
