There is hope for Venezuela’s future – and it isn’t based on oil
Climate Change News
by Alejandro Alvarez IragorryFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Venezuela’s future may no longer be tied to its oil-dependent economy, which has long been a source of instability and corruption. The country is at a crossroads, with poverty and repression forcing nearly 8 million Venezuelans to flee. While oil production has dominated discussions since the U.S.-backed coup in January 2026, there’s a growing recognition that renewable energy offers a pathway toward sovereignty, stability, and peace.
Venezuela’s history of oil reliance has been fraught with consequences. The collapse of global oil prices in the 1980s set off a chain reaction of political upheaval, leading to the rise of socialist leader Hugo Chávez, who built his regime on oil revenues. This dependency only deepened under his successor, Nicolás Maduro, leaving Venezuela vulnerable to economic collapse and international sanctions. The mismanagement of oil resources has exacerbated these challenges, with corruption diverting funds meant for infrastructure development.
Despite its struggles, Venezuela possesses significant untapped potential in renewable energy, particularly hydropower. The Guri Dam, one of Latin America’s largest hydroelectric plants, currently operates at just 30
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Originally published on Climate Change News on 2/26/2026