Exxon's oil exploration in Guyana could heighten regional tensions

ExxonMobil's plan to drill for oil in a disputed region between Guyana and Venezuela risks escalating tensions in South America.

Luke Taylor reports for The Guardian.


In short:

  • ExxonMobil intends to explore oil in a region claimed by both Guyana and Venezuela, potentially heightening tensions.
  • The territorial dispute over the Essequibo region has intensified, with Venezuela's President Maduro suggesting forceful annexation.
  • South American leaders and the international community are concerned about the impact of Exxon's actions on regional stability.

Key quote:

“The truth is that this announcement couldn’t come at a worse time. This is going to be a massive test for regional diplomacy."

— Geoff Ramsey, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Why this matters:

This development underscores the complex interplay between natural resource exploitation and international relations, highlighting the need for careful diplomatic navigation in resource-rich, contested areas.

Developing countries that increase their fossil fuel production are at a crossroads: securing their own long-term well-being or earning revenue to finance programs to support immediate economic growth.

An image of the earth sitting on top of a gas stove burner

How climate change is redrawing the world’s political map

Climate change is altering geopolitical relationships, as nations compete for resources, redraw strategic priorities, and face new risks tied to energy, food, and water.

China renewable energy, wind and solar energy concept. Chinese flag superimposed with wind turbines and solar panels
Credit: Anton_Medvedev/BigStock Photo ID: 431444246

China has been preparing for a global energy crisis for years. It is paying off now

As other Asian economies race to conserve energy, China has huge reserves of oil and gas as well as alternative energy sources like wind and solar.

An illustration of a gas pump pouring gas into a gas tank

How Big Oil pivoted from climate-friendly messaging to normalize dependence on fossil fuels

The world’s biggest oil and gas companies have spent the last four years systematically shifting away from climate-friendly advertising to push a new message: fossil fuels are here to stay.

Industrial landscape, oil derricks in desert valley.
Credit: DogoraSun/BigStockPhoto ID: 453434903

Senator launches investigation into methane pollution in the Permian Basin

Recent satellite monitoring revealed that actual emissions from the West Texas and southeast New Mexico basin are four times higher than official estimates.
Large scale dairy operation: Open stall barn with dairy cows being fed from a tractor.

Manure-to-energy project touted as climate fix emits thousands of tons of methane

A Wisconsin project dubbed the “world’s largest manure biogas project” emits nearly 5,000 metric tons of climate-warming methane annually, roughly equivalent to emissions from 30,000 gasoline-powered vehicles, according to state data that adds to concerns about the impacts of large-scale manure digesters. 
A coal plant viewed from above with smoke emitting from towers

Trump is forcing coal plants to stay open. It could cost customers billions

In an unprecedented use of federal authority, President Donald Trump’s administration has invoked emergency powers to force a series of retiring coal plants to stay open.
A view of a mining pit with a river in the foreground

As India expands coal power, a mining town suffers

The people of Jharia, home to India’s largest coal reserves, are fueling the country’s economic growth and getting sick from the ensuing pollution.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.