Crude Awakening: Why Ecuador Voted to Stop Drilling in the Amazon

Published: June 28, 2024, 7:10 a.m.

As countries around the world become more serious about reducing carbon emissions to meet international targets, many are still approving new oil and gas projects, committing us to increased global warming. Yet an increasing number of countries are taking a stand to leave those future emissions in the ground, even at the expense of their own profits.\xa0\nLast year, Ecuadorians voted to halt the development of new oil wells in the Yasun\xed National Park in the Amazon, keeping around 726 million barrels of oil underground. Meanwhile, Costa Rica and Denmark have created the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance to facilitate the managed phase-out of oil and gas production. And a group of at least 13 countries \u2013 including many island nations \u2013 but also notable oil and gas-rich countries like Colombia \u2013 are calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty as a complement to the Paris Agreement. Can more nations set aside valuable profits from fossil fuel resources in favor of our collective desire for a livable climate?\nThis episode also features a story on Yasun\xed National Park produced by Mateo Schimpf and reported by Kimberley Brown.\nGuests:\nTzeporah Berman, Chair, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty\nKevin Koenig, Climate, Energy, and Extractive Industry Director, Amazon Watch \nSupport Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you\u2019ll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today for just $5/month.\nFor show notes and related links, visit our website.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices