CFR.org - Energy/Environment

Campaign 2012: Energy

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:33:59 -0500

U.S oil dependence has been steadily decreasing recently, but energy policy will continue to present great challenges for the U.S. president taking office in 2013, says CFR's Michael A. Levi.

Expanding China-Africa Oil Ties

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:39:00 -0500

China has increased its economic ties with Africa as it seeks to fulfill its growing energy demands. But China's way of doing business has prompted international criticism, even as its policy of noninterference faces new challenges.

Fracking Boom Could Finally Cap Myth of Peak Oil

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:51:51 -0500

With recent advances in oil extraction techniques, Peter Orszag says a revolution could be on the horizon for U.S. oil production.

China’s Global Quest for Resources and Implications for the United States

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:27 -0500

China's search for food and land in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, reflects the country's pressing scarcity of water. China's approach has set off alarm bells in the region and the United States should work actively to address China's water security needs, argues Elizabeth Economy before the House U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

Campaign 2012: The Candidates on Energy Policy

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:46:51 -0500

Increasing domestic energy resources and the debate over subsidies and environmental regulations have emerged as central themes of the 2012 presidential campaign.

Managing Oil Market Disruption in a Confrontation with Iran

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:53:33 -0500

U.S. and EU moves to sanction Iran's oil exports have prompted worries about a disruption of global oil markets. A new CFR energy brief by expert Robert McNally outlines scenarios where rising tensions could affect the price of oil and potential policy responses.

Observations by the United States of America on the Relationship Between Climate Change and Human Rights, 2008

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:03:03 -0500

The United States submitted these observations on the relationship between climate change and human rights to the UN Human Rights Council in 2008. The observations were "requested by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its communications dated June 3 and August 21, 2008…in accordance with Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution 7/23, in order to conduct "a detailed analytical study on the relationship between climate change and human rights."

Examining Obama's Pipeline Decision

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:41:43 -0500

The Keystone XL pipeline debate shows the pitfalls of politics intruding on energy policy, says CFR's Michael Levi. He reviews the pros and cons of the issue and proposes additional steps to bolster U.S. energy security.

Five Myths About the Keystone XL Pipeline

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:31:44 -0500

Michael A. Levi separates fact from fiction regarding the Keystone XL pipeline.

Oil's Trouble Spots

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:16:01 -0500

With oil supplies tight, regions most vulnerable to oil supply disruptions present a significant economic concern, particularly threats to the Strait of Hormuz and unrest in Nigeria, explains this Backgrounder.

Persian Gulf Storm Clouds

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:17:19 -0500

Sanctions over Iran's nuclear program have triggered threats involving the strategic Strait of Hormuz and new debate over the methods chosen to pressure Tehran.

Iran Won't Close the Strait of Hormuz

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:40:43 -0500

Captain Bradley S. Russell, USN and Max Boot argue that Iran must realize that by initiating direct hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, it risks American retaliation against their covert nuclear-weapons program.

The Debate over Aviation Emissions

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:43:43 -0500

Will an EU plan requiring all airlines to join its carbon market starting in 2012 spark a trade war and prove financially harmful to a struggling airline industry?

Cuba's Oil Plans Raise Red Flags

Council on Foreign Relations — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:53:55 -0500

Captain Melissa Bert, USCG, argues that as Cuba moves ahead with plans for a mobile offshore drilling unit, the United States must incorporate Cuba in emergency response coordination and joint operations, work through sanctions hurdles, and properly fund a response to a potential disaster.

The Global Energy Landscape

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:25:28 -0500

Experts discuss the energy demands of emerging economies, as well as the stability of oil supply.

This meeting is the first in a series of global partnership meetings with the Financial Times.

The Geopolitics of the Arctic (Audio)

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:35 -0500

Scott Borgerson and Paula Dobriansky discuss the economic, environmental, and security implications of a changing Arctic region and its significance for the United States.

The Geopolitics of the Arctic (Video)

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:26 -0500

Scott Borgerson and Paula Dobriansky discuss the economic, environmental, and security implications of a changing Arctic region and its significance for the United States.

The Global Energy Landscape (Audio)

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:27:50 -0500

Experts discuss the energy demands of emerging economies, as well as the stability of oil supply.

This meeting is the first in a series of global partnership meetings with the Financial Times.

The Global Energy Landscape (Video)

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:24:11 -0500

Experts discuss the energy demands of emerging economies, as well as the stability of oil supply.

This meeting is the first in a series of global partnership meetings with the Financial Times.

Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, December 2011

Council on Foreign Relations — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 09:25:36 -0500

This outcome document was released on December 10, 2011 at the 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa.The meeting resulted in the decision to begin forging a new treaty next year, to be completed by 2015 and coming into effect by 2020. A new climate fund, the "Green Climate Fund" was established, and the EU and a number of other countries agreed to emissions cuts under the Kyoto Protocol.

New America Foundation: The Price-Induced Energy Trap

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:47:40 -0500

John A. Laitner explains why a shift is needed from price-driven energy policy towards one that focuses on income and investment.

Deadlock in Durban

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:29:44 -0500

Because of increasing American recalcitrance on multilateral issues, Jagdish Bhagwati holds little hope for the Durban climate change talks.

World Energy Outlook 2011

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:26:33 -0500

Fatih Birol, chief economist of the International Energy Agency, speaks about major components shaping the current World Energy Outlook including energy efficiency and lack of electric power.

Grist: How Sustainable Neighborhoods Could Reshape Cities

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:16:48 -0500

Greg Hanscom uses an eco-district in Denver to show how community involvement in sustainable living could generate large energy savings.

The Flaws in a Global Climate Treaty Fixation

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:32:24 -0500

Michael Levi says European leaders' demands for legally binding treaties are obstructing progress in international climate change talks.

World Energy Outlook 2011 (Audio)

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:47:37 -0500

Fatih Birol, chief economist at the International Energy Agency, discusses U.S., European, and Chinese oil imports, as well as the consistent annual growth in global temperatures.

Durban's UN Climate Stakes

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:54:10 -0500

Delegates at climate talks underway in South Africa would be better off addressing matters such as a global climate fund rather than trying to preserve the contentious Kyoto Protocol, says CFR's Michael Levi.

Washington Post: Growing Field of 'Smart Grid' Technology Faces Opposition

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:45:55 -0500

Steven Mufson explains why many oppose the idea of smart grid technology, despite its energy-saving benefits.

New York Times: A New Era of Gunboat Diplomacy

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:09:58 -0500

Mark Landler discusses the competition for offshore oil in the South China Sea, among other waters, where countries in a naval arms race rush to secure their share of energy resources.

NYT: A Gold Rush of Subsidies in Clean-Energy Search

Council on Foreign Relations — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:53:56 -0500

Eric Lipton and Clifford Krauss examine the debate about Washington's subsidies for clean-energy projects.