Oil and gas fuelling extreme weather in Argentina

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics examines the link between human-caused climate change and extreme weather in Argentina, highlighting the role of the domestic oil and gas industry in driving emissions and the government's preference for fossil fuel production over renewable energy transitions.

• Attribution studies indicate that human-caused climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather in Argentina. A 2013 heatwave was five times more likely due to climate change, and a record-breaking event in August-September 2023 was 1.4-4.3ºC hotter because of fossil fuel emissions. Additionally, climate change likely reduced water availability at the end of 2022, worsening agricultural drought.
• Extreme weather has caused significant economic damage in Argentina. A severe drought in 2023 led to a 26% drop in agricultural production and contributed to a 1.6% shrinkage of the national economy. Furthermore, a 2022 World Bank report estimated that flooding causes annual asset losses of up to USD 1.4 billion.
• Emissions from Argentina's oil and gas sectors have grown significantly between 2000 and 2022, with oil emissions increasing by 43% and gas emissions by 27%. Fugitive emissions are a particular concern, with estimates suggesting approximately 10% of gas produced in the Vaca Muerta fields is lost through these emissions.
• Despite a 2050 net-zero target, the Argentinian government prioritizes fossil fuels over renewables. In the 2021 budget, approximately USD 184 was invested in "dirty energy" for every USD 1 invested in efficiency and renewable energy. Climate Action Tracker has rated Argentina's overall climate policies as "Critically Insufficient."
• The oil and gas industry, led by the majority state-owned YPF and international firms such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell, has successfully lobbied the government for production-friendly policies and incentives for fossil fuel infrastructure.

APA

Team, Z. (2024). Oil and gas fuelling extreme weather in Argentina. Zero Carbon Analytics. https://zerocarbon-analytics.org/insights/briefings/oil-and-gas-fuelling-extreme-weather-in-argentina/

Chicago

Team, ZCA. Oil and gas fuelling extreme weather in Argentina. Zero Carbon Analytics, 2024. https://zerocarbon-analytics.org/insights/briefings/oil-and-gas-fuelling-extreme-weather-in-argentina/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Team |first1=ZCA |title=Oil and gas fuelling extreme weather in Argentina |publisher=Zero Carbon Analytics |date=24 October 2024 |url=https://zerocarbon-analytics.org/insights/briefings/oil-and-gas-fuelling-extreme-weather-in-argentina/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{team2024oil, author = {Team, ZCA}, title = {{Oil and gas fuelling extreme weather in Argentina}}, institution = {Zero Carbon Analytics}, year = {2024}, month = oct, url = {https://zerocarbon-analytics.org/insights/briefings/oil-and-gas-fuelling-extreme-weather-in-argentina/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }