Editors’ Message

Increasing concerns over climate change and energy use as well as mounting evidence highlighting the unsustainable nature of current practices have propelled the topics of energy and the environment to the forefront of the global agenda. In the early 21st century, we find ourselves at an important crossroads, grappling with daunting questions that will determine the future of the entire globe. How can we further the economic growth that has pulled millions out of poverty, and at the same time develop clean and affordable technologies that will not damage the environment or slow the emergence of developing countries? How can the world wean itself off its dependence on oil, a resource needed by almost every society to heat homes, run machinery, and facilitate commerce? How do we maintain energy security and offset the possibility that some oil-producing countries may use their control over the world’s energy supply to influence others?

As this issue is being launched, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is drawing to a close. This conference, in which “the future of humanity is at stake,” has convened the most powerful leaders and decision-makers in the world. Many observers are no doubt disappointed by the political impasse and lack of agreement between developed and developing countries that is urgently needed in order to move forward. Yet at the same time, it is important to be mindful of what lies beyond Copenhagen. The idea that progress must be in the form of an international binding agreement can be rather limiting. Beyond Copenhagen, there is still hope and ample opportunity for the global community to pursue sustainable growth and development. The editorial board has selected the theme of Energy and the Environment for our Fall 2009 issue to not only reflect the broad range of perspectives in this crucial, ongoing debate, but also to press on the pursuit of viable solutions.

In response to our call for papers, PGI was honored to receive many submissions, which clearly reflects the international affairs community’s passion for and knowledge of this pertinent subject. The editorial team is proud to showcase the exceptional talents of our colleagues here at the Center for Global Affairs, which encompass multidisciplinary perspectives into the topic of Energy and the Environment.

The issue opens with an in-depth interview with writer and journalist Peter Maass, the author of Crude World: The Violent Twilight of Oil. PGI editors Jhelum Bagchi and Karishma Thakkar kick off the interview with questions about the author’s new book, and then delve into an insightful discussion of the future of oil supply and what that portends for the U.S. and other oil-producing nations.

The issue then turns to the analysis of proposed environmental policies, beginning with “Why We Can’t Kill Carbon,” an article by CGA student Russel Karas on the political roadblocks to carbon emissions trading. Next, another CGA student, Sonia Gupta, argues that there is a viable legal basis for climate change policies to be mandated at the highest level of multi-lateral institutions because of its implications for international peace and security.

Using China and Angola as a case study, CGA alumna Ethan Cramer-Flood explores the political economy of China’s resource-based direct investment in “Chinese Oil Investment in Angola and the Quest to Evade the Resource Curse.” This is followed by two articles that center on energy mix and the impact of climate change at the country level. CGA alumna Maia Dimitrova then explores the environmental consequences of nuclear energy in France, and fellow student Henry Kwong describes his research on the scientific evidence of climate change on the small-island state of Hawaii. The next article, written by three CGA students, Samuel Lissner, Kelly Nelson and Orlee Zorbaron, takes a multidisciplinary approach to examine how the discovery of shale gas deposits in the U.S. will affect the country’s appetite for imported natural gas.

Of course, the theme of Energy and the Environment cannot be complete without a pragmatic and technical examination of the potential of renewable energy sources, as synthesized by CGA alumna Fathali Ghahremani in “The Possibility of Large-Scale Geothermal Power Plants.” This is followed by a piece by two CGA students, Marianne Nemecek and Orlee Zorbaron, which promises to elucidate the pervading myths and realities of carbon sequestration technology. The Fall 2009 issue concludes with a book review by PGI editor Linda Bouzembrak of the New York Times bestseller, Earth the Sequel, by Fred Krupp and Miriam Horn.

The editorial board of Perspectives on Global Issues would like to thank the contributing authors for their insights on the subject of Energy and the Environment which, without a doubt, enriches the substance and breadth of this issue. Readers’ thoughts and suggestions are always welcome.

Thank you,

Florence Au, Editor-in-Chief

and the PGI Editorial Team

Daniel Logue

Brianna Lee

Tamar Kherlopian

Jhelum Bagchi

Karishma Thakkar

Linda Bouzembrak

Karen Duncan