The Geopolitical and Environmental Impact of Changes in Patterns and Trends in Oil Nigeria’s Case Study IB Geography I
Geopolitics: defined Political relations among nations, particularly relating to claims and disputes pertaining to borders, territories and resources. Energy security depends on resource availability, domestic and foreign. It can be affected by geopolitics- and is a key issue for many economies.
Energy Crisis in America Energy Crisis Defined: A serious shortage of energy which interrupts domestic supplies and has an impact on all sectors of the economy. Following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, Arab nations reduced supply of oil to US and Western Europe in an effort to lessen support of Israel. This led to a serious energy shortage, known as the energy crisis.
Impacts of an Energy Crisis in America today People will make fewer trips, carpool more, drive less. Demand for high mileage cars (like SUVs) will decrease Businesses will turn off advertising lights Increase in deaths from heat and cold in poor areas Increase in illegal immigration from Mexico due to increasing unemployment Increase in homelessness Shrinking of the middle class as more people go into poverty Energy efficiency measures will become law
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Defined: The USA’s reserve supply of oil, which should last for about 3 months, in the event of severe interruptions to imported oil. Began in 1977 Currently holds 700 millions barrels of oil
Energy Pathways Defined: Supply routes between energy producers and consumers which may be pipelines shipping routes or electricity cables. Most Middle East oil exports go by tanker through the Strait of Hormuz (between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman) 30% of world’s oil supply passes through this strait Iran has at times indicated that it could block this shipping route in the event of serious political tension
Nigeria’s Case Study
The curse of resources? Nigeria’s paradox : Vast oil reserves and export revenues but widespread poverty, lack of development and environmental degradation.
Oil pipelines have been laid throughout the delta region. There are frequent leaks.
Oil spills cause water pollution and soil degradation. Reducing agricultural production and fishing yields in what was a fertile area.
An estimated 70% of the revenue is stolen by corrupt government officials, while the majority of the people of the Delta region live on less than a dollar a day.
With politicians directly benefiting from oil revenues there has been little incentive to invest in infrastructure and welfare. The economy remains dependent on oil with little diversification, declining agricultural and industrial output. Few jobs for locals in the oil industry.
Oil flares are a constant danger and emit toxic fumes into the air.
Nigerian militant groups, including MEND, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, disrupt oil supply in the delta
Militant groups such as MEND also able to target offshore drilling
Environmental impact More than 6,000 oil spills have been recorded since Less than 25% of spills are fixed0. Many Niger Delta residents suffer from oil poisoning. More gas is flared in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world. Over 250 toxins have been identified in gas flare emissions. Breathing particulate from flaring is linked to disease and premature death. Potable water in the Niger Delta creeks region is virtually nonexistent due to oil contamination. Oil pollution has killed off fish, damaged the soil and caused wildlife to vanish. Handmade fishing nets can become useless in 6 months from acid rain caused by flaring. Acid rain acidifies bodies of water, damages vegetation and decays building materials.
Nigeria and South Korea stand at the opposite ends of the development spectrum. Twenty years ago, their exports were the same value, but Korea developed a diversified manufacturing base, while Nigeria was dependent on oil, which fell in value. Korea’s high- tech exports like cars and electronic goods have raised its standard of living.
Shell Oil: The Awful Truth KelhM KelhM