By Samuel Sukhnandan
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has staunchly defended Guyana’s utilization of its oil and gas resources for national development during a rigorous interview on BBC’s “Hard Talk” with host Stephen Sackur.
Sackur raised concerns over the potential environmental impact of Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry, noting the estimated two billion tonnes of carbon emissions expected over the next decade from the country’s projected US$150 billion worth of oil production.
He suggested that Guyana could become a significant contributor to global warming.
In response, President Ali asserted Guyana’s commitment to environmental stewardship, emphasizing the nation’s leadership role in climate and environmental policies.
He highlighted the government’s efforts to balance oil development with climate change obligations, emphasizing the importance of utilizing oil revenues to address the country’s pressing developmental needs.
President Ali criticized developed nations for failing to fulfill their commitment to provide US$100 billion annually to assist developing countries in combating climate change, highlighting the disparity in climate finance.
He reaffirmed Guyana’s dedication to transitioning to clean energy, aiming to derive over 80 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
Guyana’s forest management practices garnered international recognition, leading to the certification of 33.4 million metric tonnes of carbon credits by Architecture for REDD+ Transactions.
This achievement marks Guyana’s position as a global leader in forest conservation.
Furthermore, President Ali disclosed a significant agreement with Hess Corporation, a major US energy company, to sell premium carbon credits from 2016 to 2030, valued at US$750 million.
The interview underscored Guyana’s multifaceted approach to harnessing its natural resources for sustainable development while prioritizing environmental protection and climate action.