Jason Bordoff and Meghan O’Sullivan on Maintaining Energy Supply While Still Hitting Climate-Change Goals

• First Assignment for Bajiro Seminar

• Jason Bordoff and Meghan O’Sullivan on maintaining energy supply while still hitting climate-change goals

• Points to Consider

  • What are the problems that arise from the overlap between security motivations and environmental problem-solving methods?
    • It is explained that security motivations and environmental problem-solving methods overlap in the long term.
    • However, there may be problems that arise from this overlap (to be discussed in the comments/questions section).
  • Why is security prioritized over environmental problem-solving when they come into conflict?

• Comments/Questions

  • I felt that there are problems that arise from the overlap between security motivations and environmental problem-solving methods.
    • The transition to clean energy is changing from “actions that benefit the world as a whole” to “actions that harm Russia.”
      • In a situation where countries do not want to take actions that harm Russia in terms of international politics, the transition to clean energy may be restrained.
  • I felt that this article focuses on maximizing the interests of Western countries based on the current situation.
    • What does “interests” mean in this context?
      • Is it the economic prosperity of Western countries, the guarantee of their security, or world peace?
  • The article states that clean energy is mainly produced domestically, which is advantageous for security. Is this really true?
    • Furthermore, if it is true, the reasons behind it are also of interest.
  • Why are half of the countries mentioned as alternative oil suppliers (Iran and Venezuela) anti-American countries?

• References

  • I feel that I lack background knowledge on the issue, so I want to fill in the gaps.
  • What role does the International Energy Agency (IEA) play?
    • The article refers to the IEA as a source of information several times.
    • Quoted from https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/energy/iea/iea.html
      • It was established in 1974 after the first oil crisis, based on the proposal of then-US Secretary of State Kissinger, as an autonomous organization within the framework of the OECD.
      • It focuses on (1) preparation and response to emergencies such as oil and gas supply disruptions and market analysis, (2) medium- to long-term supply and demand outlook, (3) energy diversification, (4) power security, (5) energy technology and development cooperation, (6) energy-saving research and dissemination, (7) mutual review of member countries’ energy policies, and (8) cooperation with non-member countries.
      • The IEA, which has a high international reputation for its expertise in energy policy as a whole, is important as a knowledge base and a forum for exchange of opinions.
    • I thought it was an organization that makes decisions, but is it more like a think tank?
  • What is an under-the-radar transaction?
    • It is mentioned as a transaction involving Russian crude oil through China and India.
    • How does it work?
      • (Under investigation)
  • Evaluation of energy security status
    • https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/about/whitepaper/2015html/1-1-3.html
      • Quantitative evaluation index of energy security by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy

• Summary

  • Russia is a major producer of almost all energy resources.
  • However, it faces restrictions from various countries due to sanctions.
  • It is beneficial for both the environment and security to move away from fossil fuels.
  • The United States can release oil from its stockpile or increase production, but there are limits.
  • Europe faces challenges in reducing dependence on others.- Compared to the crisis in 1970, it has become difficult to choose to use coal as an alternative due to climate reasons.

• In the long term, the argument is that what needs to be done for climate change mitigation is the same as what needs to be done for energy security.

• Let’s switch to clean energy.

• It is stated that clean energy is mostly produced domestically.

• Really? (blu3mo)

• However, in the short term, it is tough to do such a thing.

• So, energy security tends to be prioritized over climate change mitigation.

• What should we do about this trade-off?

• What is required is security, affordability, and sustainability. Ah, I see. (blu3mo) (blu3mo)

• What to do:

  • Clean energy transition.
  • Infrastructure investment that meets current needs as a short-term measure.
  • Changing from dependence on Russia.

• Things that caught my attention.

• Discussion:

  • The system where investment increases when prices rise, and vice versa.
  • Chosha:
    • Environmental policy in Colombia.
    • People in the safety assurance system.

• Reflection:

  • I should reexamine the points of discussion and think about them more deeply.
  • Considering the OPCVL of the article is one place to start digging.
  • I should have some pre-context and something to talk about.
  • It would definitely be better to discuss it on Scrapbox.
    • Well, at least I feel like I should be able to speak up in this environment first.