Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast Venezuela, Fossil Fuels, and the Year Ahead
Jan 8, 2026
The podcast dives into the complexities of global power in 2026, spotlighting the U.S. operation involving Venezuela’s president and its implications on sovereignty and fossil fuels. It examines the motives behind U.S. actions and their ties to oil politics. The discussion shifts to the rise of new populism and leadership changes, particularly from Gen Z politicians. It also highlights Brazil's pivotal role in climate diplomacy and the critical dynamics surrounding the selection of the next UN Secretary-General. A call for unity in climate action resonates throughout.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Fossil Fuel Power Shapes Geopolitics
- The US abduction of Nicolás Maduro reveals how fossil-fuel geopolitics still drive extreme interventions.
- Christiana Figueres argues the operation masks political theater and oil interests rather than genuine drug enforcement.
Venezuela's Oil Is Hard To Reclaim
- Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves but poor maintenance and sanctions cripple production.
- Christiana Figueres says restoring capacity could take ~$100 billion and a decade, so political costs matter more than technical fixes.
Demand Not Supply Now Moves Oil Prices
- Oil prices now react more to demand trajectories than single supply shocks.
- Tom Rivett-Carnac sees the muted price response as evidence we're entering structural demand destruction.