Arab Revolts Helping the Environment

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/business/global/28oil.html?ref=middleeast

This is one of the few classes where I have managed to escape discussing the extraordinary events unfolding in the MIddle East, but true to form it seems as if environmental politics is not immune from what is transpiring there. Primarily because the MIddle East is such an important player in oil politics, which in turn affects our class on environmental politics, the current situation that is leading to a rise in gas prices may effectively change consumption patterns in our every day lives. As the price of gas continues to climb due to the turmoil in the MIddle East, no where closer to home will that be felt than at the gas pump. This is a highly effective way to reduce the amount of cars on the road and makes people question when to drive or buy gasoline. Not only does it affect the individual, but it also affects the price of other commodities and items that rely on gasoline to either be transported or produced. Essentially, as oil prices rise so too will the prices of other goods and that will directly affect the way people consume.

For however effective a response to the global dependency on gas that rising gas prices may be, it is no more a sustainable as it is a replicable solution. While it is incredible that popular and organic movements are expressing the popular will to overthrow US-client states that were dependent on oil, such movements can only last until a new government comes to power, and will be exploited for its natural wealth. Certainly we have seen these movements spread across the region and while the large petroleum producing states have so far remained stable (no doubt due to the amount of money it can throw at its citizens to placate them), there is the possibility and room for these movements to topple friendly oil regimes. In that case, the pain at the pump might dramatically change the way in which people consume and run their lives.

Seeing these movements occur in real time gives me great hope. However, it is not hope for the environment. These revolutions give me hope for social justice movements and true home grown democracies, but much less so for the environment. These revolutions provide a taste of what is to come when the region finally dries up. Unfortunately for the time being, it is too hard to say in what ways the new popular governments will deal with oil companies. If they maintain strict nationalization measures, the price of oil could rise to new proportions that makes it unsavory for SUV driving consumers. Or, if countries enact foreign friendly policies that exploit their national wealth, we could see dependence rise to new heights.