This book discusses the economic, political, and environmental issues surrounding the international exploration and exploitation of conventional and unconventional natural gas. Shale gas development in recent years has changed the energy discussion in the US as existing reserves of natural gas coupled with horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing make exploitation of these reserves economically feasible; the discussion is quickly becoming international in scope. The potential expansion of natural gas development impacts many regions of the globe and spans multiple perspectives. In a volatile international climate, one of intense geopolitical conflict between Russia and the West, economic slowdowns in Europe and China, military conflicts in the Middle East and northern Africa, and widening income disparity in the U.S., a relatively inexpensive and plentiful energy source like shale gas could play a key role in mitigating such conflicts. In an energy interdependent global community, however, multiple factors such as oil prices, differing rates of exploration, environmental concerns, strategic initiatives, institutional changes, legal and regulatory issues, and actions of the nations involved all have the potential to influence future outcomes. This book discusses each of these in turn, detailing the issues most prevalent in each geographical area. The first volume to provide a comprehensive global view of the impacts of shale gas development, this book fills a gap in the current research literature, providing vital information for the scholarly community and the public alike. This book will be of interest to researchers and students of economics, energy policy, public administration, and international relations as well as policy makers and residents of the regions that are experiencing shale gas development.

Examines the economics and related impacts of unconventional shale gas development in an interdependent and international context Presents a wide range of research from multiple levels of analysis, from country to continent, from economics to policy Draws on the expertise of leaders of research and outreach in the field of shale gas research from the areas experiencing major shale gas development? Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. International Security Perspectives of Unconventional Shale Development.- 3. Shale Development across the English Channel (Policy difference between U.K. and France).- 4. Shale and Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine).- 5. Shale and European Union Energy Policy.- 6. Shale and China.- 7. Shale and Japan.- 8. Winners and Losers from the Shale Gas Revolution in Central and South Asia.- 9. Shale and South Africa.- 10. Shale and International Water Implication.- 11. Shale and Mexico and Latin America.- 12. Conclusion.