“Curacao oil refinery takeover: Good for jobs, bad for climate?”, 27^th December 2019

…Known as the Isla complex, the industrial site is the source of noxious pollution that causes severe health problems and gives tiny, windy Curacao one of the highest per-capita carbon emissions rates globally, according to the World Bank.

But although the complex is struggling, it still generates substantial revenue for the government, provides thousands of jobs and is a hefty economic engine.

Last week, the state-run refining company, Refineria di Korsou (RdK), announced it had signed a sale agreement with the Geneva-based Klesch Group - looking to end a dispute that put the plant in the middle of a sanctions dispute between the United States and Venezuela…

The plant, which can process 335,000 barrels per day, used to represent around 8 percent of Curacao's gross domestic product. But not everyone is happy about the new plans for the refinery…

The refinery has belched toxins for decades. Area residents have long complained about the health toll, filing lawsuits alleging that cancer and chronic coughs are the results of the pollution and particulate matter…

Schools downwind have been known to cancel classes when the smell of smoke is at its worst. Environmental groups say sulfur dioxide exceeding World Health Organization limits has caused permanent lung damage…