Assess the extent to which governments shape the global oil economy Essay - 1

Assess the extent to which governments shape the global oil economy. In your analysis, consider the respective roles of nature, industrial structure and war - Essay Example Often, governments use regulatory policies such as tax exemptions to encourage private companies to drill oil in the region. The Iraqi government pays oil-drilling companies a fee per barrel, as an incentive for them to meet the unrealistic quotas it sets (Muttitt 2012, p. 1-2). Corruption amongst government officials remains the biggest challenge of oil production in the region. For example, the two ruling families of Kurdistan destabilize oil production in the region through indiscriminate trading of oil through corrupt means (Muttitt 2012, p. 1-2). Generally, any form of conflict, be it external or internal adversely affects a country’s economy. Jones (2012, p. 208) infers that successful oil production in the Middle East peaked US’ interest, which in turn led to the latter invading the former. Years of war adversely affected the Middle Eastern states especially their economic output. Muttitt (2010, p. 1), states that nine years after the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq resulted in increased oil output whereby in 2011, Iraq ranked second among other countries affiliated with OPEC. In conclusion, civil war, unfavorable government policies, and the limited nature of natural resources adversely affects oil production across the globe. Weeding out corruption in government, adoption of renewable (alternative) sources of energy, and preventing the onset of war are factors likely to improve the global oil

West Nile Virus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

West Nile Virus - Research Paper Example Over the next few years, this virus had spread across the whole of North America and the Caribbean, increasing the risk of new infections. While this virus does not commonly affect human beings, cases of infections are on the increase as this virus spreads globally. The first step, in the contamination process, takes place when a female mosquito bites an infected bird. This mosquito obtains the virus while consuming the bird’s blood and in the process, the virus is passed on to it. The infected female mosquito then spreads the virus through their bites to humans and most of the infections occur among the elderly and people who have impaired immune systems. There is also a high possibility of this virus to be spread to those people who live in areas where there are mosquitoes. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, people who get the virus display mild symptoms as fever, headaches, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands, but in cases where the virus enters the brain however; it can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Most of the deaths caused by WNV have been among birds with few human cases, an example of which is in 2009, where there were 720 human cases of the disease in the United States amongst, which only thirty-two were fatal. There are currently no vaccines or treatments for the human WNV disease and now, scientists have accelerated the research on developing the tools necessary for its treatment and prevention. According to Margulies (47), the best way to prevent the virus is by continuously testing for it so that it can be detected early and steps taken to prevent its further spread. Furthermore, it is advisable to frequently used mosquito repellent on exposed skin so that the possibility of being bitten is reduced. Those living in areas where mosquitoes of any species