Repsol's has increased its hopes of drilling for oil in the Canary Islands. Typical with issues like this, a polemic between the Spanish government and regional government leadership has heated up.
The Canary Islands are risking losing 28 billion euros of investments if drilling does not go forward. The region has the highest unemployment level in Spain.
Saying yes to prospecting for oil does not necessarily mean that the environment or tourism on the archipelago will be destroyed. Operations like this always come with inherent risks, but there is technology in place to ensure sustainable development.
The Canary Islands government should require Repsol to employ these technologies. It cannot afford to pass up on an opportunity that could improve the economic landscape of the region. If the Canary Islands do not explore, the business will likely go to Morocco.
