Topic: Offshore Drilling
Country: France
Delegate Name: David Odom
School: Flint Central Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All France position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
The French Republic is of the firm belief that alternative energy sources are key to combating global warming. France has managed great triumphs over our own dependence in oil as well as our greenhouse gas emissions. This is evidenced by the fact that over thirty-nine percent of French energy needs are fulfilled through nuclear power. However, the world is still very dependent on oil as means for powering automobiles, airplanes, and ships. Until we are able to overcome our oil dependency, the world still must satiate its never ending hunger for it.
France is largely in favor of offshore drilling for many reasons, the first of which being the need for oil independence. There is always the danger that regional conflicts or civil war may strain oil output in some of the top oil producing nations. The process of offshore drilling also creates a great many jobs, from discovering the oil, to building the rig, and to the workers on the rig. We would like to see that special care is given to prevent as much pollution of the water as possible, as well as government or UN inspection of oil transport vessels so as to prevent oil spills from occurring.
Once oil has reached land, it should be used in the most efficient and environmentally friendly manner. For example, the majority of automobile owners in France are in possession of cars with diesel engines. These engines are capable of attaining mileage rates upwards of thirty percent higher than engines which run on unleaded fuel. An ideal resolution would not only encourage the nations of the world to support offshore drilling, but also include encouragement for the smart, responsible use of this oil once it reaches the end consumer.
