Science Quickly How Venezuela’s Heavy Crude Shapes Climate Risks
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Jan 16, 2026 
Join climate reporter Amy Westervelt as she explores the complex relationship between Venezuela’s heavy crude reserves and the looming climate crisis. With a focus on the Orinoco Basin, she dives into the challenges of refining and market limitations due to aging infrastructure and sanctions. The podcast also examines the escalating tensions over the Essequibo border dispute with Guyana and highlights the urgent climate threats facing the region. Westervelt emphasizes the often-overlooked climate conversation surrounding oil dependency and its impacts on local ecosystems.
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Venezuela's Oil Is Vast But Low Quality
- Venezuela's Orinoco Basin holds the world's largest oil reserve but it's predominantly heavy crude that refiners value less.
- Heavy crude costs more to process and fetches a lower market price than sweet light crude.
History Of U.S. Oil Ties And Nationalization
- Amy traces U.S. oil company involvement from early 20th century exploration to modern entanglements and seizures under Hugo Chávez.
- Exxon and ConocoPhillips were expelled when Chávez required majority state ownership in 2007, while Chevron remained as a minority partner.
Border Dispute Rekindled By Offshore Oil
- The Essequibo territorial dispute with Guyana resurfaced after major offshore finds in 2015 and has involved naval confrontations and legal action.
- Maduro's assertive moves, including patrolling and declaring the region Venezuelan, escalated tensions and drew U.S. attention.