Introduction to Venezuela

Venezuela, located in the northern coast of South America, has a population of 28.3 million people,1 of which 12% is rural.2  The nation, home to the world's largest oil reserves, historically relied heavily on oil exports. However, in 2014, a combination of plummeting oil prices, rampant corruption, and mismanagement of oil production triggered an economic collapse.3 Currently, the country is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis, marked by hyperinflation, political turmoil, and socio-economic instability. The repercussions have been staggering, with over 7.7 million Venezuelans seeking refuge in neighboring countries, creating one of the largest displacement crises globally.4 Furthermore, climate impacts in the form of drought, floods, and sea level rise is expected to worsen this already dire situation in the South American nation. Venezuela’s climate zones vary by geography, with tropical rainforest climate in the Southern part, including the Amazon rainforest regions, temperate climate in the Andes Mountains, and tropical lowland climate in the northern coastal regions.5 Out of the five glaciers that Venezuela once had, only one remains today, and it too is at risk of disappearing within the next decade or two.6 This convergence of economic, political, and environmental challenges presents a complex situation for Venezuela, necessitating both local and international efforts to address the multifaceted crises it faces.

Mapping Major Climate Events and Climate-Induced Displacement

Venezuela is moderately vulnerable to climate disasters, ranking 130 out of 180 countries in the Global Climate Risk Index 2021.7 The major climate hazards experienced by this coastal nation are flood, drought, and storms which account for about 70% of the average annual hazard occurrence between 1980 and 2020.8 The frequency of flood events in Venezuela has increased over the years, with 13 occurrences reported between 2001 and 2020, up from 7 events between 1980 and 2000. In 2018 alone, 10,700 Venezuelans were affected by floods, and the numbers in 2019 and 2020 stood at 2,000 and 3,690, respectively.9 Between 2008 and 2022, 23 disaster events were reported in Venezuela, amongst which floods displaced 236,000 people.10 In addition to the displacement caused by climate change, a staggering 7.7 million individuals have fled Venezuela due to the tumultuous political and economic crisis, with approximately 6.5 million finding refuge within Latin America and the Caribbean. This migrant crisis is expected to further worsen as climate disasters intensify and become more frequent.  Projections indicate that 17.1 million people will be internally displaced within Latin America by 2050 due to the growing impact of climate change.11 As a consequence, the number of climate migrants within Venezuela and those fleeing the country in search of safety and stability is anticipated to rise, further intensifying the complex challenges faced by the region.

Mapping the Costs of the Climate Crisis

The GDP of Venezuela is US$ 92.21 billion in 2023,12 which plummeted from US$ 372.59 billion in 2012. More than half of Venezuela's population is living below the poverty line, while the country grapples with extreme income inequality. The poorest 10% of Venezuelans scrape by on a mere $8 per month, in stark contrast to the wealthiest 10%, who live on $553 per month.13 Climate-related challenges pose an additional burden on underserved and marginalized populations in Venezuela, who are already bearing the brunt of the region's economic and political turmoil. Due to the effects of climate change, approximately 200,000 individuals in Venezuela face the threat of descending into severe poverty by 2030.14   Rising sea levels are a significant concern, particularly for the coastal areas, posing a direct risk to communities and infrastructure. In 2020, climate change-related disasters in Venezuela cost a total of 30 million U.S. dollars,15 all while the nation grappled with hyperinflation and economic instability. In 2022, Venezuela experienced unusual levels of rainfall across the entire nation, leading to mudslides, widespread flooding, and the destruction of farmlands. The combination of economic hardships and shifting weather patterns has contributed to food insecurity, unusual floods, and prolonged droughts, subsequently impeding agricultural productivity and exacerbating the country's socio-economic crisis. 

Mapping Resilience and Mitigation Pathways

Venezuela, constituting 0.36 percent of the world's population, is responsible for 0.45 percent of the global cumulative carbon dioxide emission.16 In its Nationally Determined Contribution, Venezuela pledged to take action to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change by signing the Paris Agreement, with the aim of reducing 20% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 with substantial international support.17 Identified areas for adaptation and resilience include climate smart agriculture, sustainable land management, and water infrastructure. While Venezuela has outlined its commitment to addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its Nationally Determined Contribution, the nation remains significantly reliant on oil as a primary source of revenue. It is estimated that approximately two-thirds of the national budget will be derived from oil exports.18 The deteriorating state of oil infrastructure, combined with insufficient oversight and a growing frequency of oil spills, presents a substantial risk to both the biodiversity of the country and the welfare of indigenous communities.19

Necessary Changes

Venezuela's most vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of the impacts of climate change, even though their contribution to the global problem has been minimal. The challenges faced by these communities are further compounded by the socio-political crisis gripping the region.  The disparities in vulnerability and responsibility underline the urgency of international support and collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges facing the country. It is imperative to prioritize climate resilience efforts that safeguard Venezuela’s unserved and underserved populations and their livelihoods. Investments in resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and sustainable land and water management are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to decrease Venezuela's heavy reliance on oil exports and initiate a transition towards renewable and sustainable energy sources. This transition will not only enhance the country's economic stability but also contribute significantly to reducing its environmental footprint. By directing investments toward renewable energy infrastructure and enhancing energy efficiency, Venezuela can pave the way for a more sustainable energy sector that aligns with global environmental goals and fosters long-term economic resilience.