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

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. 

Last year, Ecuadorians voted to halt the development of new oil wells in the Yasuní 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 – including many island nations – but also notable oil and gas-rich countries like Colombia – 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?

This episode also features a story on Yasuní National Park produced by Mateo Schrimpf and reported by Kimberly Brown.

Guests:

Tzeporah Berman, Chair, Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty

Kevin Koenig, Climate, Energy, and Extractive Industry Director, Amazon Watch

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