In recent days, intense market and supply chain conditions – due in part to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – have led to increasing inflation around the world, and Peru has been no exception. The country is facing massive protests and lock-downs, and many are taking advantage of the situation by calling for increased oil production as a means of controlling prices.

In fact, today, the controversial Talara oil refinery will be inaugurated and touted by the government as a solution to the current energy crisis. It is not.

Indigenous peoples have spent decades warning us: Expanding fossil fuel production is not a long-term solution that guarantees us a liveable planet.

With your participation, Amazon Watch has supported our Indigenous partners advocating against Amazon crude extraction in the rainforest. The Achuar People of the Pastaza River and the Wampis Nation, whose territory overlaps with Block 64 in the Peruvian Amazon, have opposed oil extraction and have so far been successful. Their territories are now under renewed threat.