Short Wave The Two Sides Of Guyana: A Green Champion And An Oil Producer
Apr 1, 2024
Camila Domonoske, an NPR reporter, dives into the duality of Guyana's identity as it grapples with newfound oil wealth and the looming threat of climate change. She discusses how the country, once a green champion, is facing ethical dilemmas as it balances economic growth with environmental sustainability. Camila shares insights on local skepticism about oil drilling and examines the complexities of transitioning from a carbon sink to an oil-producing economy, all while confronting the realities of rising sea levels.
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Guyana's Seawall and Climate Change Impacts
- Guyana's seawall, built by Dutch colonizers, is a social hub but also a stark reminder of rising sea levels.
- Flooding submerged homes and farms for months, devastating communities and impacting livelihoods.
From Green Champion to Oil Producer
- Guyana was a global role model for environmentalism, receiving payments from Norway for preserving its rainforests.
- This deal, however, yielded less money than current oil production, despite Guyana's tiny share of profits thus far.
The Global Dilemma: Economy vs. Environment
- Guyana's situation mirrors other developing nations discovering fossil fuels amidst the global call for a transition away from them.
- This presents a dilemma between immediate economic gains and long-term climate consequences.