Climate talks: Venezuela defends its right to develop oil and gas at COP31 summit
Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez defended the country's "sovereign right" to develop its hydrocarbons at the COP31 climate summit, while calling on developed nations to deliver climate finance.
Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez has defended her country's "sovereign right" to develop its hydrocarbons at the COP climate conference, as heads of state and government gather for the COP31 leaders' summit in Antalya, Türkiye. The remarks, reported by France 24, place Venezuela's energy plans at the centre of the climate debate this week.
Venezuela's position on oil and gas
According to France 24, Rodríguez made the case at the conference that Venezuela has the right to make use of its oil and gas resources. The report presents this as a sovereign prerogative rather than a question for other countries to decide.
The position comes as climate negotiations increasingly focus on how fossil fuel producers can balance economic development with emissions targets. Venezuela, one of the world's largest holders of oil reserves, has long argued that producing countries need room to develop their resources.
Demands on developed countries
América Económica reported that Venezuela is calling on developed countries to meet their climate finance commitments. The demand centres on money that wealthier nations have pledged to help developing economies adapt to climate change and reduce emissions.
The two positions are linked. Venezuela's argument is that it should be able to use its natural resources, while also expecting financial support from richer countries for the transition and for climate impacts.
The Antalya leaders' summit
La Radio del Sur reported that heads of state and government are taking part in the COP31 leaders' summit in Antalya, Türkiye. The gathering brings senior political figures together ahead of the wider negotiations, though the reports do not detail the specific outcomes expected from the summit.
What we know so far
Venezuela has publicly defended its right to develop hydrocarbons and pressed developed nations on climate finance at the COP climate conference. Reports place these remarks within the COP31 leaders' gathering in Antalya. Further details of the negotiations and any formal responses from other countries have not yet been reported.
