The country’s “extra heavy” oil packs some of the highest associated greenhouse gas emissions of any crude oil.By Phil McKennaVenezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves, but the South American country’s heavy oil deposits also stand out for another reason; on a barrel-for-barrel basis, they pack the most climate pollution.
Observations from the Little Bunker
Last updated: January 11, 2026 04:39 AM
Atmospheric CO₂
428.8 ppm
+18.2
ppm/year
Atmospheric CH₄
1940.59 ppb
+-0.24
ppb/year
Global Temperature
+1.48 °C
Peak: +1.73°C
World Population
8.1 billion
+67
million/year