Russian Energy Should
Keep Flowing
With current tensions in Ukraine, Russia will need to cut
back on its exports of oil and natural gas.
This not only means that other countries like the United States will not
be able to import as much energy as normal, it also means that oil prices may
spike, crippling the global economy.
Experts say, however, that the world’s need for Russian oil and Russia’s
need for revenue will “ensure that taps stay open throughout the crisis.”
People make this assumption based on obvious evidence. For example, Europe currently gets about 25%
of its natural gas from Russia, using it to produce heat, nutrients, and other
products. Also Russia needs the revenue
energy provides, as 70% of its $515 billion in annual export revenue accounts
for 52% of the federal budget.
The potential effect it could have on the economy is
negative, however, the possible impact it could have on the environment is
positive. In connection to the core
concern of finding more renewable energy sources, less energy distribution
leads to higher prices, which leads to lower demand, which can ultimately mean
less consumption. This lack of
consumption could possibly lead to inventing new renewable energy sources, and
could even lead to strides of making the United States energy independent!
~ Alex Zietlow
Through this article, this situation explains very well why the united states should try and achieve energy independence and why sustainable energy sources could possibly be the best way to achieve this goal. I am personally extremely surprised that the united States are considering this in politics now since it is such a big process and not universally promoted. It seems to me that since the United States is such a large country with an extremely large population, the only way to make a change is through the government and the political issues that are addressed.
ReplyDeleteEvents like Russia’s possibility to limit oil exports, have dramatic negative impact on the United States economically, but if the US plays its cards correctly, it seems, to me, very possible that the US not only reduces its carbon footprint, becoming more environmentally friendly, but also achieve complete energy independence.
Sustainable energy resources are desired because it is better for the environment, and on the political side of things, there is no need to rely on foreign countries. Inflation of prices would not exist because as long as the sustainable energy resource was working it would provide steady power for all those that use it. Countries would become energy independent, reduce habitat destruction, and overall better impact on the environment.
ReplyDeletesustainable energy resources are desired because of the huge role it would play on a big scale. Less dependence on oil and other fossil fuels would allow for other advancements from anything from rocket engineering to the next flavor of gum. I see government having a role in this by not allowing oil companies to push around what governments do. countries should find ways so that they can have sustainable resources so that they can be ecologically/environmentally friendly. Bow shikka wow wow
ReplyDeleteLike others have said, this current event may very well be the push that the United States needed to refocus more efforts on discovering viable alternatives. This situation shows the importance of being self sufficient. Even if things in this industry remain the same and our ability to import oil is not impeded, that doesn't change the fact that one day Russia will run out of oil. Our relations with Russia wont matter at that point, and if other alternatives haven't been developed, a real issue would arise. Hopefully this situation will help create more public awareness of this issue as well, so more people are compelled to advocate for better energy resources.
ReplyDelete