Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Colin Rensch
School: Mattawan High School

Ukraine wishes to increase its oil and natural gas output and is very interested in exploring more deep water drilling projects. Ukraine is also aware of the huge environmental impacts that deep water drilling can have, especially in light of the recent deep water disaster that took place in the Gulf of Mexico this summer. Ukraine made its first step toward the incorporation of deep water drilling into its trade capabilities when the first deep water drilling exploration agreement was signed by Ukrainian officials in 2006. If deep water drilling is conducted in the Black Sea near Ukraine, Ukraine and the rest of Europe would benefit from another major source of oil and gas in addition to the already existing Russian imports. Currently, Ukraine imports all of its oil from the Russian Federation, and the European Union's imports currently account for 50% of its energy use and this number is expected to rise in the coming decades. Of these imports, the EU takes in 50% of its oil from Russia. Dependence of the energy supplies of one country can be quite devastating, especially in light of the recent economic downturn. Ukraine would like to research environmentally safer and economically more efficient ways to get oil from these deep water wells with the help of all nations present here. Ukraine would like to offer increased quantities of safe oil to all of its trade partners. This research needs to be done to make available this potentially lucrative stock of oil and gas.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Cody Hoeffel
School: Royal Oak High School

Deep water drilling can be a severe threat to the surrounding environment. However, with proper regulation and preparation it can be a safe venture. The recent disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has opened the world's eyes, including Brazil's, to the threats of offshore drilling. Regulation through national governments has had varying results, ranging from very little regulation and few incidents off the coasts of the Middle East to rather heavy regulation in the United States and what has so far been one major crisis. Brazil believes that an international standard needs to be set for offshore drilling. The security of the wells and blow off valves must be guaranteed to prevent another disaster. The day-to-day operations of these wells must also be regulated, to reduce their effect on the environment, these regulations would include limits on drilling fluid discharge and flaring. In addition to regulations on the wells there must be a standard for oil carrying vessels and their crew to prevent spills from the ships. The platforms must also be proven to have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment, specifically the surrounding ecosystem, the local fish, coral, and other organisms, or that the platform can be disassembled in a matter that would once more have a minimal impact on the environment. The international community must set a global standard, this standard must be enforced by the members of the United Nations Environmental Program. Oil is still an essential resource, without it the modern world would not be, the regulations set forth by this committee must therefore only ensure the safety of offshore drilling and not bring an end to it until alternatives such as plastics made from the byproducts of crops, electric vehicles, and alternative power sources for those vehicles and the cities are fully developed. The committee should therefore seek to slowly ween the rights to offshore drilling down as the technologies and resources are developed to replace it. This gradual limitation of offshore drilling will encourage the development of these green technologies until oil is a lesser resource. The nations that currently profit from offshore drilling will likely oppose any such limitations and draw downs, but these nations must realize that the limitations will be gradual, likely taking a true toll on offshore drilling only when practical alternatives can be put to use and the oil slowly replaced

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: China
Delegate Name: Ashley Sherman-Hay
School: Forest Hills Central High School

In the regard of energy production and usage, China is striving to becoming more and more self-sufficient. While this self-sufficiency will grow from the utilization of environmentally friendly energy techniques, it will also grow from modifications of deep sea oil drilling and other ways of processing fossil fuels. Reflecting upon the tragic incident of the Macondo Project in the Gulf of Mexico, China recognizes that fossil fuels must be contained and cannot be permitted to contaminate water sources and harm wildlife. Reform and policies need to be instated to prevent a loss of life and destruction to natural habitats.

Alongside UN regulations, other countries need to adopt methods of individual accountability to prevent future instances. Government funding to this cause is encouraged. On a national scale, the Chinese company, CNNOC, has exclusive rights to safely extract fossil fuels from deep sea sources. A priority of the company's is to avoid future repeats of the Macondo Projects. The BP spill has prompted stricter inspections on oil rig construction sites, and while this may be more economically taxing and slow the process, safety regulations will ensure that future discoveries deep within the earth that are only accessible through the ocean floor ensue.

Strongly believing that maintaining self-sufficiency is a key goal, China believes that standards should be implemented to ensure that there is a future in this field. By no means has the field reached its highest peak, and with the production and use of China's first deepwater semi-submersible drilling platform, standards have been reinstated in the country at a much higher level. The Bohai Bay Field recently reached completion and the concept of self-sustenance remains.

While this issue is indeed one of international concern, international standards should be encouraged to prevent losses of life and significant damage to the environment, however it is left to the country to make the ultimate decision. Serving as a moral code, standards would permit countries with large sectors of their economy vested in oil drill to grow significantly, minimizing profit loss, seen following the BP spill. Individual accountability and safety standards would aid to economies and the safety of the environment.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Ian Baker
School: Mattawan High School

The dangers of deep sea oil drilling have been understood for many years, but it took the recent BP disaster to rekindle international interest in addressing safety with oil rigs. Because of this disaster, many nations are now pushing for stiffer regulations on drilling or an end to the practice altogether.

Many nations, on the other hand, rely on oil for their mere survival. For these nations, many of whose citizens will not have money for basic necessities without this vital industry, oil regulation appears economically dangerous and unnecessary.

Denmark, however, takes a middle ground, striking a balance somewhere between these two extremes. Denmark accepts that its drilling in the North Sea (while limited) does offer the potential for another BP-style oil disaster. Denmark is deeply committed to stopping this and protecting the environment from further damage. To remedy this, Denmark proposes a modest United Nations regulation program to ensure that certain safety standards are met worldwide on deep sea oil rigs. Denmark is willing to work with various ideas and try to build upon them to not only regulate the dangers of oil drilling but also avoid infringement on national sovereignty inherent with banning the practice altogether.

As a nation committed to progress and economic and environmental sustainability, Denmark feels that certain safety standards should be outlined by the United Nations; furthermore, oil rigs worldwide should voluntarily permit the United Nations to inspect oil rigs to ensure compliance with agreed upon international regulations. This will clearly ensure greater safety without hurting the oil industry that is so vital in so many places.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Claire Dennis
School: Roeper School

The Arab Republic of Egypt would like to assert its commitment to the safety and well-being of the environment, especially on the issue of deep water drilling, which is primarily used for hydrocarbon extraction. We would like to note our continued support of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation and the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of The Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution. As a nation heavily relying on the tourist industry, the purity of our waters is of the utmost interest to our nation’s economic wellbeing. We also recognize our reliance upon the petroleum industry; however, the safety of our seas comes first. The Arab Republic of Egypt has experienced recently a minor oil spill in the Gulf of Suez. We take this as an important reminder that oil spills are very possible and would have disastrous consequences on our economic and environmental safety.

Furthermore, we very much would like not to repeat the incident in any capacity. However, we would like to note that the spill in question was not caused by a deep water oil rig malfunction, but, by the rinsing of the reservoirs of an oil tanker. The Arab Republic of Egypt would be in favor of limited international regulation of deep-water oilrigs while giving individual nations the power to create their own expanded policies as they see fit. We would like to see these international standards put in place to ensure that our tourist industry would not be put in any jeopardy, like the many unfortunate areas of the U.S. coast. The Arab Republic of Egypt wants to see limited international regulation for the safety of its bordering waters to ensure the safety of its vital tourist industry.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: France
Delegate Name: Annalise Iraola
School: Saline High School

France believes that that Deep Water Oil Drilling should be closely monitored to ensure the safety of the environment, and animals. Due to the recent British Petroleum spill off of the Gulf of Mexico there have been protests in the heart of France by concerned citizens for the welfare of innocent animals, harmed in this oil spill. In 2002 the Prestige an oil tanker sunk and polluted thousands of beaches on the French and Spanish coast. Since that disaster oil tankers similar to that of the Prestige have been directed away from the French and Spanish coastline as, precaution of both countries. That being said Oil spills are continuously affecting France as well as other countries.

France believes that the BP spill along with some others could have been prevented had there have been closer government overview, and supervision. This recent spill along the Gulf of Mexico has brought on a desire for change with the entire system of Deep Water Oil Drilling. It is arguable the worst oil spill that the U.S or the world has seen yet, and future preparations to deal with a disaster this large should be discussed, also more international regulations should be a main priority when dealing with Deep Water Oil Drilling. France recognizes that oil has become an addition to many countries and future problems will continue to disrupt the environment with out closer observation and stricter guidelines on deep water oil drilling. Only by changing the way that Oil tankers and rigs are regulated can we hope to avert future oil disasters like that of the devastating spill which hit the Gulf of Mexico recently.

France may be willing to provide future aid and support to the U.S due to the BP oil spill. Due to the France is willing to discuss further matters on practical guidelines set for deep water oil drilling.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: MacKenzie Rennick
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The nation of Germany would first like to state that the world is both, economically and practically relying on oil and other fossil fuels as a source of fuel. It would be completely ridiculous to simply ban a process that can be safe, given proper care, and provide nations with money and energy.

Though the process of offshore drilling can have dangerous consequences, they really only manifest when the proper care and attention is not paid to the equipment and the facilities. Despite these dangers, Germany is not in favor of bans on these projects, nor are we in favor of harsh regulations that discourage able-bodied companies and governments from harnessing this natural resource. Instead, Germany would like to propose a better solution. A way that would cost the United Nations nothing and would keep our oceans clean.

Environmental disasters are most likely to cause great harm to the country that the oil rig is operating within. Needless to say, having a tremendous oil spill on your shores is not a desirable solution at all. This directly leads to countries instituting regulations on the oil rigs to protect their own interests. Even if a nation is not as environmentally conscious as, say, Germany, the heavy fines that are necessary to clean up the mess are incentive alone for making sure that businesses properly maintain their facilities.

With these built-in incentives, Germany believes that nations will police their own drilling endeavors without any foreign intervention needed. The world will have energy, companies can make a profit, and little needs to be done by the rest of the world.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Caleb Dugan
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Ghana recognizes the obvious advantages of offshore drilling and the blatant economic stimulation it brings to counties who take par in it. The regulation and setting up of offshore drilling is the worry that keeps some countries from diving in to this business venture. If I rig were to burst or malfunction off shore many of the workers would be in grave danger and would be risking their lives, however, if done correctly, offshore drilling can increase a country’s GDP and stimulate their over all economy. Bringing many out of a recession and pulling them above the poverty line. The severity of economic stimulation far out way the risk of a rig bursting, as long at the rigs are monitored and up to all the standards set by the a UN consensus, it will promote economic growth and stimulus. Over dependence on oil resources for impoverished countries has become somewhat of a worry; if the only economy a country really has to depend on is base on oil it is unstable and not constant. The word is regulation; regulation of drilling and selling of oil would reduce dependence on oil and still encourage stimulus to the economy.

Ghana would like to see the UN back the use of offshore drilling in not just impoverished countries but in all ready stable countries. The effective use of offshore drilling should be regulated and monitored very carefully by the UN representatives, however, countries would have to agree to let UN reps. Into their country and allow them to attend drilling and product test on the rigs. This decision would lie with each individual country, but any country truly wanting to participate would gladly agree to this idea if they are really seeking out the best interest of their country would allow it.

Countries that would be interested in the use of offshore drilling would be the United States and South America. Their use of oil exceeds many other countries in use per person and the production and harvesting of oil in South America is very high. South America would be able to generate more revenue and become more stable through the use of offshore drilling.

Russia and china would be examples of countries that would be opposed to the use of offshore drilling; they do not want to affiliate with government restrictions or regulations and therefore stray from and regulation. These two countries also let past disputes and fights infringe on their ability to make conscious decisions. Also these two massive countries feel as if they need to be interdependent and stray from help in any manner from other governments.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Tyler Bos
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The Italian Republic feels that deep water oil drilling, like any other energy resource, should be monitored and regulated to the best our ability as the world. Sites that particularly concern Italy are those in the North Sea under the control of countries such as the UK, Norway,and Denmark and those platforms throughout the world that have ties to European powers and other developed nations.

It is our belief that a well regulated universal set of guidelines should be set in place to ensure a well maintained fleet of deep water oil rigs. At present; it is ultimately up to the host country to monitor and regulate any oil rigs that may be in their territorial waters. Due to this fact large and potentially dangerous oil rigs are being policed by understaffed and under-trained task forces from small countries where safety standards are far lower than that of a developed nation. This is how the disastrous spill in the Gulf of Mexico occurred. British Petroleum's Deepwater Horizon was not under the supervision of its American partners, who the oil was ultimately for. Instead the Deepwater Horizon rig operated under the Marshallese flag, meaning that the government of the Marshall Islands was in charge of regulation, a task for which they were not prepared to undertake as proven by the disastrous spill that resulted.

It is Italy's suggestion that the United Nations set up an inter-governmental agency, of which participation is voluntary by member states. This agency would have the authority to place any regulations that would pertain to all oil rigs operating under any UN member state. This agency would also be charged with recruiting and training inspectors from various nations to properly inspect oil rigs that fall under its jurisdiction. This is simply one of many steps that should be taken to promote the safety of our oceans from the hazards of oil spills that cause unfathomable economic and more importantly environmental damage. It is of the utmost importance that we ensure the safety of our marine environments and the safety of our deep water oil supply.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Ishija Johnson
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

In January 1997, the Russian oil tanker Nakhodka spilled 1,645,791.879 gal of oil in the Sea of Japan (much of the oil reached the coasts and damaged our environment and activities). Many people volunteered to help clean up. The Carelessness of this shocked many people. Dolphins in the Echizen-Matsushima were highly affected because the water in their tank came directly from the Sea of Japan and if you were one of the few that went to volunteer you would see tiny balls of oil coming into the tank and making it hard for the dolphins to swim. Oil spills in the sea affect everybody. We rely on the sea for food, work, and recreational activities.

We recently signed the Marine Dumping Agreement. This requires we keep records and monitor the conditions of seas to keep disposal of wastes to a minimum. We are controlling marine pollution (dumping of hazardous materials, disposal of wastes from vessels, aircrafts, etc.). We are promoting ways to prevent pollution by hydrocarbons, wastes generated during the operations of ships, radioactive pollutants, and matter coming from exploration of the sea bed. We are developing ways for judging liability and settlement of disputes.

In a resolution we would like to see more countries become committed to keeping our seas clean. This is because many countries depend on the sea for food. We also want our country to be the leader in keeping the seas and oceans clean because we have a great passion for the sea and its marine life. We also want other countries to monitor the littering of their waters because we have found Korean plastic containers on our beaches. One third of the litter found on our beaches had hangul (Korean writing) on it. This is what we want to see in a resolution.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Danielle Dow
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Recently, the issue of the impact and safety of deep water drilling has come into light, specifically since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on April 20, 2010, where over 4.9 million barrels of oil, or 205.8 gallons, spilled into the Gulf of Mexico after a British Petroleum oil rig exploded, killing 11 workers and injuring another 17. Crude oil spilled into the water until the spill was capped on July 15th. This is just a recent example of a growing problem around the world. Many different countries and regions are affected by oil spills and oil drilling in general since oil drilling has begun. In 1979 off the shore of Mexico, an oil rig suffered a blowout, spilling 3.5 million barrels over 9 months. In Niger in 1980, another blowout resulted in 200,000 barrels to spill into the Niger Delta. In Saudi Arabia’s Khafji Oil Field in 2002, a major blowout resulted in 3 fatalities and the rig was declared a total loss. There is the need for countries that are developing their deep water oil drilling programs and those who have already established such programs to have safety standards and emergency plans in place so that a spill disaster or any other kind of issue can be avoided and, if not, resolved quickly and efficiently

Lebanon knows that this committee can work out solutions that involve more strict safety standards on oil drilling expeditions for the workers on those expeditions, and establish plans so that if a problem like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurs again, or any other problem occurs, measures can be taken to ensure that problem is absolved as quickly as possible in a way which spares the lives of human beings. Safety standards can be agreed upon by this committee, and it would be up to the countries overseeing the drilling expeditions to uphold those standards. Also, Lebanon believes that this committee should discuss how the environmental impact of deep water oil drilling can be minimized.

Lebanon will agree with countries that wish to improve the safety of drilling expeditions for persons working on the expeditions. Also, countries that hope to lessen the negative impact that deep water oil drilling has on marine environments, the land nearest to the expeditions, and the birds which fly over the water.

Countries that wish to continue with the current unsafe working conditions on deep water oil expeditions and those who do not believe that lessening the impact on the natural environment is of importance are not in agreement with Lebanon on this topic.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Samantha Pollee
School: Mattawan High School

Oil drilling has recently increased exploration in the countries of Western Africa such as the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cameroon due to the increasing demand from nations around the world. The deposits in these countries are added on top of the greatest oil producers in the Middle East. The Kingdom of Morocco, however, is an exception. Even though it is located on the west coast along with Western Sahara, Morocco is responsible for nearly no petroleum drilling off of the coast. With such little exploration and drilling, the country relies on 95% of its energy to come from imports. In the 1970’s one of Morocco’s main exports, phosphate, quadrupled in price; thus, the rises in oil prices were offset by the extreme revenue. In present day, phosphate does not have as much worth, but oil is still imported in great amounts. Because Morocco wishes to rely less on imports, it has very recently decided as of December 1, 2010 to sign three oil/gas exploration deals within the next month. This comes in efforts to attract foreign companies to exploring the coasts, all in order to increase its energy supply circuit. Though the Kingdom of Morocco is not currently widely recognized for its oil production, it has large amounts of potential to rise up with the other major producers of western Africa.

Along with its fellow nearby countries, Morocco feels that strict regulations on rigs are unnecessary. Since Morocco is already incredibly dependent on imported oil, helping the country is all that matters. Morocco understands the environmental risks of oil rigs, but believes that for the benefit of the economy, it is more advantageous to build the rigs than to not at all. Issues such as spills, leaks, air pollution, and animal safety are crucial issues in the debate of drilling, but Morocco feels that they are of less importance.

As a final resolution, Morocco wishes to see rigs built on its coast. Along with this, strict regulations are not of importance. There should only be a minimum amount of input regarding the regulations of the oil rigs. Even though the consequences have potential to be extremely damaging, when the rigs are created, they should be installed with safe measures. If errors are erased in the first place, there is no need to continue a follow up. In short, Morocco wishes to increase the amount of rigs in areas that have been mapped out for potential. These rigs would help the Kingdom of Morocco rely less on foreign companies to supply their energy needs, and in turn it would help supply more exports, greatly enhancing the Moroccan economy.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Rachel Jacobi
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The Netherlands takes a strong standpoint on the issues of offshore oil and gas drilling. As part of The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR), Netherlands agreed to assess the environmental impacts of offshore oil and gas drilling. The evaluations included environmental impacts on migrating seabirds from lights and flares as well as benthic and mussel populations near the drill sight. Also included was the monitoring of oil based mud (OBM), and impacts of seismic exploration on fish. The tests showed significant impacts to flora and fauna near the drill sight, but scientists from the UK, Netherlands and Norway concluded that for more accurate results, additional studies should be done. However negative impacts on birds due to the lights and flares were recorded.

As bounteous and disastrous problems arise due to offshore drilling, the need for regulations and studies of environmental impacts on the situation has also increased. The BP oil spill was a wakeup call for many countries as oil gushed without regard of other countries maritime borders. The oil caused habitat and species loss in the entire Gulf of Mexico. Other oil catastrophes have had similar effects: bleaching coral and a collapse of fisheries. These are but a few of the major problems offshore drilling poses. However the growing need for energy has increased the demand for oil and gas, thus the need for drilling. To face this issue there needs to be strong environmental standards on this dilemma, and a review of proper safety procedures, so companies in violation will be held accountable.

The Netherlands recognizes the sovereignty of other nation states, but also urges all United Nation members to enforce safe drilling laws, because the impacts of deep water oil drilling is not just a national issue, but one of international stance. The Netherlands goes on to state that the time for fossil fuels should come to a close; the 21st century, is a time for innovation and a turn towards renewable energy resources, that will not endanger the collapse of an entire environment.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Jacklyn Snoek
School: West Ottawa High School

Norway is one of the leading countries involved in offshore drilling. As a country, Norway considers drilling a vital aspect to their economy, however, they have taken precautionary measures to make sure their oil rigs are ecofriendly. The have been under investigation since the BP oil spill last April, and have put forth many expenses to make sure their rigs are environmentally friendly while finding a source of renewable energy. By law in the North Sea, Norway’s leading Oil Company Statoil is required to install acoustic switches which can completely turn off the rig in case if there is ever an explosion. A switch costs about 372,697.13 Euros to install. Also, the Norwegian State is working to improve the oil company’s values with protective energy technology to keep away lobbyists and politicians. Although, Norway is trying to improve their methods of offshore drilling, they are not perfect just quite yet. Over the past forty years, oil near the rigs in the North Sea has built up on the sea bed into over 102 cutting piles These pile are toxic for many years and they also kill seabed life. Some other groups that Norway is involved with by sharing the North Sea is Denmark and the UK as they share the waters.

This is merely an introduction to these conflicts that Norway has with offshore drilling. There will be more presented at the meeting on the 8th of December and discussing it with other delegates to see their views on offshore drilling.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Mackenzie Morrison
School: Saline High School

Deep water oil drilling -despite it's dangers and it's enviromental imapcts- is a vital part of Pakistan's and many other countrys' economys.

Our nation's economy has not fared well in these troublng times, and paired with the increasing military problems and natural disasters, we can't afford to cease of falter in production of oil. Oil has been produced in what is now the republic of Pakistan from the early 1920's. According to Oil and Gas Journal (OGJ), Pakistan had proven oil reserves of 300 million barrels in January 2006. A number of fields were discovered in the upper Indus basin in the 1930's and 1940's. Since around 1980 a large number of hydrocarbon discoveries have been made in the central and southern parts of the country. In 1999 there were at least 70 oil and condensate fields in production, although none of them was of any great size.Pakistan export only %.77 of the Asia/Pacific oil trade amount, we rely foregn oil heavily.

Safety can be improved in some areas but we are afraid as a country, Pakistan cannot contribtue much to the cause. In the future, our nation will strive to help this issue, but for now we dont have much say.

As a nation we a reluctent to move into the usage of renewable energy. Especially in times of wars and strife, we cannot make such drastic changes to the our economy for fear of it collasping entirely. Pakistan will however support gradual movement away from crude oil and natural gases in sight of how deep water drilling greatly affects the biodiversity of the area.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Michael Zeng
School: Northville High School

The Republic of the Philippines believes that there should be less international regulation over oil rigs. Such regulation should be left to the country where the rig is located. Only international incidents such as oil spills should be regulated.

More international regulation over oil rigs could hurt oil interests in nations. By reducing international regulation the Philippines believes that we can help preserve oil interests. Allowing each nation to decide upon its own regulation policies will suffice in itself. Preserving oil interests will help reduce the country’s foreign dependence on oil and create jobs in the industry. Money gained from the industry can then accelerate development of the country. By reducing or preserving current regulation is enough at this time.

Oil spills are a completely different matter. Oil spills can be from tankers or from actual rigs. Causes of spills from tankers range from crew competency, bad weather, human error, and overloading. These problems can be solved by the home country. The home country can institute a tax on imports of oil. This tax would go to a fund for cleanup. If a spill occurs, money from the fund can be used to clean up the spill. If no money is available, international response teams can help in the clean-up operation. Oil rig spills are usually caused by design error and safety error. Rig safety should be left up to the home country and oil spills can be solved by immediate international response.

Flaring has also been mentioned as an environmental impact. At this point however, this is not the most severe issue. Flaring has been shown to account for only 0.5% of total carbon emissions. There is not a large cause of concern for flares.

Seismic operations causing whale beaching have also been mentioned. These studies have been conducted by the exploration and production sector and environmental groups, so impartiality of the information needs to be verified. Conclusions cannot be made from possibly biased research.

Decommissioning a rig is seen as an expensive operation at $10-15 million. Costs can be reduced however if explosives are planted below the seafloor. The environmental impact is small and the cost for decommissioning can be cut in half. Commercial divers using cutters can also be hired. Such an issue can be made much less harmful to the environmental and less expensive.

To conclude, it is in the Philippines’ opinion that regulation of oil rigs be left to individual countries while issues such as oil spills should be left to international regulation. While reducing environmental impact of a rig the Philippines believes that overall cost of a rig can also be lessened.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Robert Mercier
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

The Russian Federation recognizes the need to continue deep water drilling due to the vast dependence over this fossil fuel. The problem does not lie in the fact that deep water drilling occurs, but rather that deep water drilling is not safe, and that nothing is really being done to monitor this occurrence so that incidents like the recent BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will not happen for many years to come, or ever, if one is to be optimistic. This issue seems to be more of an international problem than a localized issue seeing as most of the deep water drilling that occurs is on international waters so it is Russia’s best interests that we all keep from quarreling so to achieve the goal of maintaining safety for the millions of creatures that inhabit the land together with us humans. It is very clear that nobody wants yet another oil spill to occur.

The Russian Federation has in best interest with all countries that regulations should be set forth for all oil drilling on international waters and that any drilling that occurs inside the country will be left up for the country itself to decide how to deal with it. Russia also believes that these regulations should be as strict as possible so to keep a safe and humane operation over the upcoming years. Examples of these regulations would resemble such rules like constant monitoring of how much oil discharge reaches the sea, advancements in the technology of drilling materials so as to keep it as environmentally safe, and instant attack plans in case of upcoming oil spills. Russia also believes that penalties should be made to any country that does not uphold said regulations and fines would be deliberated during specified times.

Humans found oil years upon years ago but that does not mean that we need to be frivolous with the material. Oil is dangerous to use, very flammable, and very toxic to a human being’s health. It is sad that there have been wars that went over some country fighting with another country over this very product. Alas, it will be a dark day in history when this fossil fuel inevitably runs dry.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Sydney Young
School: Northville High School

Saudi Arabia believes that the majority of international regulations on deep water oil rigs are not necessary, aside from those which would protect neighboring countries from another nation's oil spill. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in upmost support of protecting the environment, as evidenced by the existence of its General Environment Law and its Meterology and Environmental Protection Agenct (MEPA). However, Saudi Arabia feels that expending international resources to regulate most deep water oil rigs would be a waste. The only rigs that should face regulation are those that have the potential to negatively affect other countries if a spill were to occur. These regulations would include provisions such as requiring that the rigs be reviewed by organizations other than those of the nation that it belongs to; these kinds of reviews would be required before the rig is able to begin use in order to prevent disasters from occurring as soon as the rig starts up. This type of regulation comes at no cost to the original rig owner, but it allows for nearby nations to feel confident about oil drilling conducted by neighboring countries. Another type of regulation that Saudi Arabia supports involves requiring offshore oil rigs to be sealed properly, thus preventing any leaks. When an oil rig is sealed, inspection from its home nation would be sufficient for determining that it is safe to be left alone; however this kind of self-checking should be required. In summary, Saudi Arabia is in favor of minimal regulation of deep water oil drilling.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Michael Sienko
School: Williamston High School

The main issue surrounding the Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling is the safety of our pristine waters. With recent events with oil in the Atlantic Ocean, South Africa cannot trust the way we drill. We think that engineers need to develop safe new ways to drill for oil. We propose that the top engineers come together and discuss ways to drill smarter.

After the recent BP oil spill, South Africa is disgusted. The only way that we can prevent accidents like this happening is by coming together as nations and learning from mistakes in the past. Other countries with an interest in protecting the environment should support us in this proposal.

The main issue surrounding the Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling is the safety of our pristine waters. With recent events with oil in the Atlantic Ocean, South Africa cannot trust the way we drill. We think that engineers need to develop safe new ways to drill for oil. We propose that the top engineers come together and discuss ways to drill smarter.

After the recent BP oil spill, South Africa is disgusted. The only way that we can prevent accidents like this happening is by coming together as nations and learning from mistakes in the past. Other countries with an interest in protecting the environment should support us in this proposal. we think that deep oil drilling is a big deal and we would like to see something done.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Abir Azeem
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The Republic of Korea believes that countries need to regulate their deep water drilling, so the Macondo Project fiasco can be avoided, if the situation were ever to arise again. Though this may slow oil production, and the profit that is made from it, it is necessary to protect our planet’s waters. The safety of deep water drilling is essential to keeping our planet safe and clean for future generations. Our government would like to see regulations put on deep water drilling, as it has proven to be potentially unsafe. The United Nations should regulate the amount of drilling that each country can do, so the hazards that arise with drilling are limited. The Republic of Korea realizes that the income for many countries is supplanted by oil production, but the safety of the world is the foremost matter.

However, though the Republic of Korea attests that we should keep the environment safe, the United Nations should not trample on the rights of other countries in making laws. Oil is an essential source of energy and therefore it is needed in the world.

Countries that are likely to oppose this are significant oil producers and consumers, such as Saudi Arabia and the United States, as well as developing states that have oil as one of their main exports. These countries’ economies rely on these exports and would encounter a serious deficit if oil production was to slow.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Mete Odabasi
School: Roeper School

Although the Republic of Turkey supports Europe’s idea to put a ban on new deep water drilling, Turkey believes that, for the moment, it is still necessary to allow deep water drilling. In a world which needs more and more oil, deep water drilling is unavoidable. The deals which The Republic of Turkey made with the Chevron Corporation to drill in the Black Sea will not be revoked. Turkey, as a fast developing country, needs this oil to grow and prosper. The impacts on the environment should be kept as low as possible.

The Republic of Turkey believes that a haphazard UN resolution to protect the environment from the dangers of deep water drilling could be as damaging to the global economy as doing nothing. Turkey believes that a moderate resolution which balances the needs of nations seeking to develop offshore hydrocarbon resources is what is needed. Turkey is interested in tackling this situation as soon as possible. However, a poorly worded resolution would be nothing more than a global ‘own goal’ that would put many nations in an even worse position than before we started. A resolution should also include furthering the scientific and technical solutions to make deep water drilling more feasible and less likely to cause harm. In no circumstance should delegates who disagree have a blowout and spew dangerous rhetoric.

Turkey believes all the nations of the world are playing on the same team, and we must work together now that petroleum and natural gas are even more difficult to access. Turkey believes that developing and newly industrialized nations must lead the way in this venture, and we are willing to work with all nations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Annie Kidder
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Ukraine believes that there should be little or none international regulations on deep water drilling. Limiting or prohibiting this will harm many economies, including Ukraine’s own, and reduce energy resources. Furthermore, monitoring by the OSPAR shows that disturbance and contamination from drilling. Ukraine greatly supports protecting the environment, as shown in our Law on Air Protection, Water Code, and Law on Waste. However, Ukraine feels that deep water drilling can best be monitored by individual countries on the rigs in their territory.

Many countries have economies based on oil. Discouraging and regulating this could harm many of them beyond repair. Besides the negatives to implementing regulations on deep water drilling, there are positives on not. Deep water drilling brings in jobs and profit to countries, and reduces their dependency on foreign oil. Overall, it accelerates the country’s’ development and economy.

Drilling for oil, with the exception of oil spills, has little permanent effect on the environment. According to monitoring by the OSPAR, areas of contamination and biological disturbance were decreasing by the end of the study. In the Norwegian study there was significant disturbance of the benthic fauna, however, it rapidly recovered. The Dutch study showed that that there were adverse effects on the benthic community at all. There is also no data indicating that deep water drilling causes any serious long term effects on marine mammals or fish.

Individual countries setting their own regulations would be effective. Countries themselves will already be careful about oil spills, due to the negative impact. Even countries that hold less regard for the environment are likely to be cautious, as oil spills are very expensive to clean up. As the gulf oil spill brought the hazards of offshore drilling to the attention of the UN, it also brought them to the attention of individual countries. This will encourage them to be more careful about deep water drilling, and perhaps increase their own regulations, without prompting from the UN.

Ukraine believes that not only international regulations on deep water drilling are unnecessary, but also harmful to economies. Implementing regulations could cause serious damage to many countries. However, damage to marine environments caused by offshore drilling is minimal. Regulations by individual countries regarding rigs in their territory can be just as effective as international regulations, without the negative effects. For these reasons Ukraine does not support implementing international regulations on deep water drilling.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Rachel Finkelstein
School: Williamston High School

After the BP oil spill, the UK is aware of the dangers of offshore drilling. While understanding the risk the environmental risk being taken by offshore drilling, the United Kingdom is willing to drill, with caution in hopes of preparing the country for future economic stability.At this point in time there has been more onshore drilling within the UK. These new oil companies have brought a new demand for jobs in the struggling economy and a way to decrease dependence on foreign oil. At this point in time, the UK is the world’s fourteenth highest importer of oil, with offshore drilling; the number could be dramatically lowered.

The UK is part of the Oil Spill and Prevention Group, which has every part of the drilling and transporting process safer by looking at the issues at hand currently. This group looks at the issues and then works together in order to solve problems. The group also looks at the data found from other oil spills and using that information, they make the process of offshore drilling more efficient and safe.

The UK attended the OSPAR convention and helped to ratify it. At this convention, the countries were asked to give reports on effects on the water and environment. The UK has given their report and wants do as little harm as possible to disrupt the environment. The UK supports offshore drilling but believes that there is a need to monitor the platforms and continue to closely watch the effects that the rigs have on the environment.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Andrew Boland
School: Forest Hills Central High School

In light of the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico by BP, the United States feels that it is highly important that the impact and safety of deepwater drilling be reviewed by the UN environmental program. The methodology required to extract oil at extreme depths poses significant risks to the environmental, especially do to the risk of spill or other industrial accident. We strongly believe that simple changes in international policy could significantly reduce the environmental impacts and risks associated with deepwater drilling.

The United States recognizes that the business of oil extraction is a sensitive matter to most states, and that many would be hostile to the notion of any form of international involvement. So therefore we recommend that any changes be done in a way that respects the sovereignty of states and has a minimal amount of interference in the business operations of oil companies. We also recognize that many states lack the financial capability to utilize the latest, and often expensive, safety equipment. Therefore the changes we propose would strictly be voluntary. Firstly, we recommend that all states maintain contingency plans for emergency response to a spill involving a deepwater well. Secondly, we would recommend that all oil rigs or drilling vessels be registered in the state that they are drilling in as opposed to registering it under a flag of convenience. Thirdly, we recommend that states conduct annual inspections of all deepwater drilling operations within their domain. The United States strongly believes that if the above recommendations were implemented, the environmental dangers posed by deepwater drilling could be minimized.

The United States believes that are closest allies in implementing the above recommendations will be other advanced industrialized states. Advanced industrialized states have shown they are willing and able to sacrifice economic expedience for better environmental conditions. States that would also be supportive may be states that lack significant oil production. They have little to lose from supporting environmental policies.

States that will likely prove to be the opposition will be states with significant oil production as well as states that have interests vested in low energy costs. African states such as Nigeria who have atrocious environmental records when it comes to oil will likely object to any international standards because it could potentially raise production costs. India, China, and other developing states may also oppose because they find themselves in a position of needing to import more energy. They have significant interests in maintaining low energy prices so they may continue importing without paying a heavy economic cost.

Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Andrea Clinton
School: Royal Oak High School

Venezuela recognizes the strong need for increased safety measures when exploiting oil in deep waters. The BP oil spill has intensified our concern for researching new ways to increase safety measures. Being a major oil producing nation and a member of OPEC, it is extremely important that we work to produce oil in the most efficient and safe way possible. The nation of Venezuela is in support of protecting the environment, which is evidenced by our compliance with the Kyoto Protocol since 2005 and our Ministry for the Popular Power of the Environment (MINAMB).

Less affluent nations who have recently discovered large amounts of oil have a great disadvantage when it comes to drilling for oil. Because developing nations do not have the money to purchase equipment for oil exploitation or the resources to teach their people how to work on machinery, they usually turn to foreign companies who come in and drill for the oil themselves. Because many developing countries (such as ones in West Africa) have very loose regulations on the oil production, oil companies from the US, China, and other large nations can drill for oil on land or off shore without ever having to comply with a tough set of safety regulations, as they would in their own country. This can easily lead to oil spills, drilling fluid discharges, and other manmade problems which could have easily been prevented by regulation and safety technologies. Our committee could work to suggest a set of regulations and safety equipments to improve conditions in countries like these.

Venezuela believes that ultimately, developing nations should become independent of foreign oil companies, just as we have done ourselves by nationalizing our oil industry. This will allow the nations to become more developed and set a higher standard of living for its citizens. By this point in time, we will hopefully have set higher standards for safety regulations, and will have developed a good system of ensuring these regulations are followed, therefore making sure that these nations will be able to fully comply with safety standards. However, factors such as patent ownership, the inequities in the exchange of technologies, and imbalances in political economies with developments in poorer countries are inhibiting their abilities to become independent. Venezuela hopes to see this aspect of the topic discussed.