Topic: Offshore Drilling
Country: Romania
Delegate Name: Rachel Hartman
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Romania position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
In recent decades the demand for oil has grown immensely, creating a greater need for offshore drilling. Romania is aware of the impact this industry may have on the environment, but we believe that the benefits offshore drilling can bring to the world may be worth the risk. Romania fully recognizes the problem at hand and is willing to look towards other solutions to the global demand for energy. As a developing nation on the coast of the Black Sea, we have begun to explore offshore drilling as a new industry poised to help bring stability and prosperity to our economy. Romania believes that all nations around the world should be able to explore offshore drilling and reap its possible benefits.
Romania is more than happy to take advantage of offshore drilling, as oil and gas production is the fastest growing industry in the world today. This new booming industry would allow Romanian companies to become part of the process of oil production. Also, international companies have begun to show interest in the Black Sea and drilling has already shown to be a positive for our economy. Romania is willing to, along with other countries, explore new areas of the world in which to expand offshore drilling, such as the Arctic Ocean. Although Romania stands to gain much from offshore drilling, we have not overlooked the consequences this industry may have on the environment.
Romania recognizes the growing problem of environmental pollution and also the role offshore drilling may play in the scenario. We believe that the health of the environment is of the utmost importance and are willing to work towards that end. Nations everywhere should take many precautions in order to ensure that this new industry does not harm our environment. The United Nations should take steps to regulate offshore drilling and impose sanctions on nations who do not comply with environmental policies put in place. The only way to help solve the pollution that comes with producing energy is to create rules and regulations to govern those who do so.
There are many nations around the world who cannot afford to both create industry, such as offshore drilling, and make that industry environmentally friendly. To ensure that there nations can build their economy and infrastructure without harming the environment, the United Nations should put policies in place that can assist developing nations create industries that do not pollute the environment. For example, environmental standards for these countries could be less severe than those for more developed countries, allowing developing nations to build up their industry without having to worry about sanctions. Developed nations could also form partnerships with less developed countries, allowing both nations to benefit form offshore drilling and ensure that the environment is not harmed. We cannot reach any goal until all nations understand the possible consequences of offshore drilling and any limitations developing countries may have.
