During an interview on the BBC HardTalk show, Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, countered a reporter’s climate change questions with a sharp response.
The president highlighted Guyana’s significant increase in oil reserves in recent years, a topic that host Stephen Sackur quickly scrutinized concerning its environmental implications.
Sackur pointed out the expected extraction of oil and gas worth $150 billion off the coast of Guyana in the coming decades, potentially leading to two billion tons of carbon emissions. However, President Ali, aged 43, promptly interjected, emphasizing Guyana’s extensive forest, equivalent in size to England and Scotland combined, and its role in storing 19.5 gigatons of carbon, underscoring the nation’s environmental stewardship.
Located on the northern coast of South America, Guyana is bordered by Venezuela, Suriname, and Brazil, with a significant portion of its terrain encompassed by the Amazon rainforest.
During a conversation where the reporter questioned if Guyana’s rainforest justified the country’s carbon emissions, President Ali of Guyana sharply responded. He challenged the notion of being lectured on climate change, pointing out Guyana’s efforts in preserving the forest, which benefits the global community without corresponding compensation or recognition.
He emphasized Guyana’s record of having the world’s lowest deforestation rate and asserted that, despite the extensive exploration of oil and gas, the country would maintain a net-zero carbon footprint.
Mr. Sackur acknowledged the forcefulness of the president’s statements but was interrupted as he attempted to respond. President Ali continued, highlighting global hypocrisy regarding environmental issues. He pointed out that while the world has lost 65 percent of its biodiversity over the past 50 years, Guyana has successfully preserved its own.
The interview sparked a lively debate on social media, with users siding with either President Ali or Mr. Sackur.
President Ali, who has led Guyana since his 2020 election victory, has been outspoken about seeking reparations and apologies from those who benefited from the transatlantic slave trade.
Guyana, known for its significant oil reserves estimated at around 11 billion barrels, faced increased tensions with Venezuela last year. Venezuela’s efforts to claim the oil-rich Essequibo region, including a referendum in December 2023 to establish a new Venezuelan state in the area, were strongly criticized by Guyana as an annexation attempt.
The International Court of Justice has cautioned Venezuela against any actions to seize the territory.
