ESS 330

Saudi Arabia’s Volatile Oil Economy Saudi Arabia’s government is looking to diversify its economy in a shift away from oil. Not only is the government looking to shift from oil due to the recent drop in prices, but they are also working to improve their sustainable development and increase the use of renewables. Because of the volatility of oil prices, Saudi Arabia is attempting to divert from its prior economic model and modernize its processes to align with global development. This process of increasing transparency could greatly impact the royal family and the control they have over the economy. Anyone with a stake in the oil sector, including middle class workers, could be impacted by this divestment. Prince Mohammed has spoken on the shift away from oil and has encouraged the introduction of new industries to diversify the work sector. Ultimately, Saudi Arabia is looking to create a city reliant on renewable energy with a thriving economy that could act as a model for global ...

China’s Electric Car Goals China’s recent focus on green technologies and renewables, specifically electric cars, has encouraged other countries around the world to increase their focus on electric vehicles in order to compete with China’s expanding market. The proposed policies would allow China to become the center for the global auto industry, completely restructuring this market. Although China is looking to expand the use of electric vehicles to increase their global presence and economy, this will also help their air pollution, as well as their reliance on other countries for oil extraction. Because of China’s pressure for global electric development, many countries have begun to move their research and development to China. This has encouraged technologies to be shared amongst countries. Currently, Chinese cars are produced for practicality, not luxury, which has prevented them from becoming globally popular. Their current battery technology supports short travel distances ...

Mongolia’s Slums: Pollution and Environmental Change In Mongolia, affordable housing is hard to come by, forcing many people to live in marginal areas, such as atop landfills with little access to clean water or food. Many people in Mongolia rely on farming for their incomes, however climate change has brought on devastating droughts and cold winters. The changing climate has destroyed fields and livestock, ruining many farmers’ chances for economic success. This has only amplified the gap between the wealthy and the poor, stressing the affordable housing capacity, and increasing the amount of pollution with decreasing access to electricity and sanitation systems. Both herders and farmers alike are unable to survive the changing climate, social stratification, and poor living conditions. This article shows the struggle farmers and herders are facing in societies affected by climate change. Natural resources are important for establishing incomes and maintaining subsistence str...