ENR 5211 Exam 1
Role of USEPA in EIA
It reviews EISs prepared by others. -EPA rating system
MNCs
Multinational corporations (MNC): means that they either produce or deliver their goods or services to more than one country. Headquartered in the home country and operates in host countries. - Examples of multinational corporations: o British East India Company o Shell Oil Company o Coca-Cola Company o Johnson & Johnson (Big Pharma - USA) o GlaxoSmithKline (Big Pharma - UK) o Citigroup o Rio Tinto o ADM (Archer Daniels Midland) o Chevron o Monsanto
The problem of oil in the Niger Delta & the challenge of economic development
Nigeria has been hobbled by inadequate power supply, lack of infrastructure, delays in the passage of legislative reforms, an inefficient property registration system, restrictive trade policies, an inconsistent regulatory environment, a slow and ineffective judicial system, unreliable dispute resolution mechanisms, insecurity, and pervasive corruption. Regulatory constraints and security risks have limited new investment in oil and natural gas, and Nigeria's oil production has contracted every year since 2012.
Economic overview of Nigeria - basics
Nigeria has emerged as Africa's largest economy, with 2013 GDP estimated at US$ 502 billion. Oil has been a dominant source of government revenues since the 1970s. Nigerian economy has continued to grow at a rapid 6-8% per annum (prerebasing), driven by growth in agriculture, telecommunications, and services
Official actors; unofficial actors
Official: govt bodies (3 branches) Unofficial: citizens, interest groups, think tanks
International Organizations (IOs) the Export-Import Bank of US is the USA's ECA Know that The United Nations System includes
Organizations that have international scope or membership. includes WBG, IMF, UNEP, UNDP, WHO
US: Export-Import Bank of US
independent federal agency that fills gaps in private export finance in order to bolster U.S. job growth at no cost to American taxpayers
ICSID
is an autonomous international institution established under the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States with over one hundred and forty member States. The Convention sets forth ICSID's mandate, organization and core functions. The primary purpose of ICSID is to provide facilities for conciliation and arbitration of international investment disputes
The role of the EBRD EBRD & its role in: • Fall of Soviet Union • Arab Spring • Eurozone crisis/financial crisis
largest single investor in the region.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
o The Asian Development Bank was conceived in the early 1960s as a financial institution that would be Asian in character and foster economic growth and cooperation in one of the poorest regions in the world. o ADB assists its members, and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development. o ADB is composed of 67 members, 48 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region
How do the majority of Nigerians make their living? (economic sector, %)
o agriculture: 70% o industry: 10% o services: 20% (1999 est.)
Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)
owned by multiple countries
World Bank Safeguard Policies (definition; not the list)
policies - often called "safeguards" - that serve to identify, avoid, and minimize harms to people and the environment. These policies require borrowing governments to address certain environmental and social risks in order to receive Bank support for investment projects.
Austerity & Austerity Measures
political-economic term referring to policies that aim to reduce government budget deficits through spending cuts, tax increases, or a combination of both Austerity measures refer to official actions taken by the government, during a period of adverse economic conditions, to reduce its budget deficit using a combination of spending cuts or tax rises
European integration
pooling of sovereignty of the members of the EU
Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs)
programs that the World Bank and the IMF require developing countries to implement in order to receive loans. These programs often include measures designed to move the country toward a free-market system, including increased privatization and deregulation.
Export Credit Agencies (ECAs)
public agencies that provide government-backed loans, guarantees, credits and insurance to private corporations from their home country to do business abroad, particularly in the financially and politically risky developing world
Eurozone crisis & GREXIT
sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone intensified in 2011, making it impossible for several member states to gain market financing for new sovereign debt to sustain fiscal deficits. Greece gone
Agenda; Agenda setting
the list of things that are being discussed and sometimes acted upon by an institution, the news media, or the public at large
Countries-in Transition (CITs) • What are they? • Where are they located? • What are they transitioning from? • What are they transitioning to? Eastern Europe; CSEE; CIS; ECA
transitioning from a centrally planned economy to market economy. eastern europe
The public interest
when policy advocates seek to induce the government to make policy (by taking an action or refusing to do so), proponents of the new policy will claim that the government does so in the "public interest"
Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)
work to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through financial and technical support for countries working to reduce poverty and inequality, we help improve health and education, and advance infrastructure. Our aim is to achieve development in a sustainable, climate-friendly way.
Transparency International
work together with governments, businesses and citizens to stop the abuse of power, bribery and secret deals. As a global movement with one vision, we want a world free of corruption. Through chapters in more than 100 countries and an international secretariat in Berlin, we are leading the fight against corruption to turn this vision into reality.
World Bank Group (WBG) (5)
-The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) -The International Development Association (IDA) -International Finance Corporation (IFC) -Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) -International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
Country facts for the US: -Economic & military power =Government type -name 3 impt env problems -name 4 biome types it includes
-The USA is the world's foremost economic and military power, with global interests and an unmatched global reach -govt: Constitutional federal republic -env problems: large emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels; air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and Canada -biomes: vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in Hawaii
USAID & NEPA compliance
1)Ensure that the environmental consequences of A.I.D.-financed activities are identified and considered by A.I.D. and the host country prior to a final decision to proceed an that appropriate environmental safeguards are adopted; 2)Assist developing countries to strengthen their capabilities to appreciate and effectively evaluate the potential environmental effects of proposed development strategies and projects, and to select, implement and manage effective environmental programs;
3 components of EIA
1.Legal and institutional framework -What laws and institutional arrangements exist within a country (or international organization) to protect the environment from harm? 2.The EIA process -What process (series of activities) do the people responsible for protecting the environment within a country (or international organization) follow to do their jobs? 3.The EIA outcomes -The EIA document(s) produced as part of the EIA process -The decisions make by the decision-makers What location and project design did they choose? -The environmental benefits and costs How was the environment improved, protected, or harmed because of the project's implementation?
4 strategies of NEPA
1.Stop and think 2.Power of information 3.Litigation and its role in the development of environmental impact assessment 4.Government-wide: Umbrella approach
Brief description of Afghanistan's recent history
2011 american withdrawal
Oil export earnings for Nigeria (%)
95%
Bank Information Center (BIC)
A NGO whose purpose is to keep an eye on the World Bank and the Regional Development Bank
IBRD
Established in 1944 to help Europe recover from WWII. - Original institution of the World Bank Group with a post-war reconstruction and development mission. Aims to reduce poverty in middle-income and creditworthy poorer countries by promoting sustainable development through: o loans, o guarantees, o risk management products, and o analytical and advisory services
EU "Troika": 3 members
European Commission (EC), the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
What is the EU?
A family of democratic European countries, committed to working together for peace and prosperity. - Its member states have set up common institutions to which they delegate some of their sovereignty so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level.
Alternative Development & EIA
ALP project areas located in the southern, eastern, and northern regions of Afghanistan. They also covered irrigation, power generation, value chains for agricultural processed goods, livestock and poultry production, solid waste management, and water supply and sanitation projects. The purpose of the environmental impact assessment was to provide USAID and Afghan decision makers with a full discussion of significant environmental effects of proposed action.
ECA Watch
An NGO watching the ECAs ECA Watch is a network of NGOs from around the world. We come together to campaign for ECA reform - better transparency, accountability, and respect for environmental standards and human rights.
Role of the US federal agencies in EIA
Balance of power in the United States- The three branches of government: Legislative: Wrote and passed NEPA; Has proposed amendments. Executive: The CEQ oversees and issues regulations and guidance. NEPA targets federal agencies Judicial: Interprets NEPA NEPA Enforcement There is no enforcement mechanism readily apparent in NEPA. -It was presumed that NEPA would be actively enforced by the President acting through
3 aspects of project, post-NEPA
Before federal agencies had to consider the TECHNICAL (engineering) aspects of a project and its ECONOMIC feasibility and now we add ENVIRONMENTAL considerations that often were not part of their original mandate and perhaps even a bit counterintuitive to their training and experience
INGOs
International non-profit organizations; usually what is meant when we say Non-Governmental Organizations
Bretton Woods Institutions (2)
Bretton Woods Conference History: -July 1944 -Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA -43 countries (45 countries according to IMF website) -Wanted to rebuild post-WWII economies and establish economic cooperation. Bretton Woods Institutions -The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) -International Monetary Fund (IMF) -Must be a member of IMF to be a Bank member.
Brief description of Nigeria's recent history & current events
British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy. After independence in 1960, politics were marked by coups and mostly military rule, until the death of a military head of state in 1998 allowed for a political transition. In 1999, a new constitution was adopted and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed The 2015 election is considered the most well run in Nigeria since the return to civilian rule, with the umbrella opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, defeating the long ruling People's Democratic Party that had governed since 1999.
CSOs
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) o The Red cross o Oxfam o Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation o Amnesty International o Transparency International o Bank Information Center o ECA Watch o Save the Children o WWF
Condition; Problem
Condition "A fact or situation that may be unpleasant but about which nothing can be done. For example, the weather can be thought of as a condition." Problem "A problem is a usually undesirable situation that, according to people or interest groups, can be alleviated by government action."
Conditionalities
Conditionalities are imposed by the World Bank and the IMF as part of their Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs). These often include austerity programs, resource extraction, trade liberalization, enhancing the rights of foreign investors by passing national laws, and fighting corruption
Role of the CEQ in EIA
Council has the role of providing overall coordination of the EIA process in the US
Actors in the World System
Countries, bilateral aid agencies, international orgs, NGOs, multinational corporations
"Davos": What is it and why is it important
Davos, Switzerland is a town which hosts The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the international organization for public-private cooperation.
Definition of EIA & Purpose of EIA
EIA is a systematic process to identify, predict, and evaluate the environmental effects of proposedactions (i.e., proposedprojects). This process is applied prior to major decisions and commitments being made to the project location and design plan Purpose: To provide information for decision-making on the environmental consequences of proposed actions; and to promote environmentally sound and sustainable development through the identification of appropriate enhancement and mitigation measures.
USAID's work in Afghanistan: Rebuilding infrastructure & EIA Economic development challenges Combating the illicit drug trade: opium, the "perfect crop"
Economic development challenges -Afghanistan's economy is recovering from decades of conflict. The economy has improved significantly since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 largely because of the infusion of international assistance, the recovery of the agricultural sector, and service sector growth. -Before 2014, the economy had sustained nearly a decade of strong growth, largely because of international assistance. Since 2014, however, the economy has slowed, in large part because of the withdrawal of nearly 100,000 foreign troops that had artificially inflated the country's economic growth. Opium: -World's largest producer of opium; poppy cultivation increased 7 percent, to a record 211,000 hectares in 2014 from 198,000 hectares in 2013 -roughly 11% of the population tested positive for one or more illicit drugs
How does the World Bank do EIA?
Environmental Assessment Purpose of Environmental Assessment is to improve decision making, to ensure that project options under consideration are sound and sustainable, and that potentially affected people have been properly consulted.
MIGA
Facilitates Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by providing o Political risk insurance. o Technical assistance. o Dispute mediation. An insurer, not an lender.
IDA
Focuses on the poorest countries in the world. Provides "...interest-free loans and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities and improve people's living conditions."
Types of oil theft in Nigeria
Gas siphoning
Importance of Nigeria to world oil supply
High supply of sweet crude -Clean and needs little refining
IMF
IMF is an international organization of 185 member countries. It was established to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange arrangements; to foster economic growth and high levels of employment; and to provide temporary financial assistance to countries to help ease balance of payments adjustment The IMF's primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system—the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables countries (and their citizens) to buy goods and services from each other. This is essential for sustainable economic growth and rising living standards
SEA & The SEA Directive
SEA is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed policy, plan or program initiatives in order to ensure they are fully included and appropriately addressed at the earliest appropriate stage of decision-making on par with economic and social considerations purpose of the SEA-Directive is to ensure that environmental consequences of certain plans and programs are identified and assessed during their preparation and before their adoption
International Financial Institutions (IFIs)
International Financial Institutions (IFIs) • Created by national governments. Their owners (shareholders) are national governments.
International EIA: Public policy
Policy is generally made or initiated by governments. Policy is interpreted and implemented by public and private actors. Policy is what a government intends to do. Policy is what a government chooses not to do.
IFC
Private sector investment in poor countries
NEPA as an International Model
SEPAs (State Environmental Policy Acts) or "Little NEPAs." CEQA: California Environmental Quality Act Approximately 100 countries.
The EIA Directive
The EIA Directive outlines which project categories shall be made subject to an EIA, which procedure shall be followed and the content of the assessment
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was founded in 1991 to create a new post-Cold War era in central and eastern Europe, furthering progress towards 'market-oriented economies and the promotion of private and entrepreneurial initiative The EBRD is owned by 66 countries from five continents, as well as the European Union and the European Investment Bank. The EBRD President is currently Sir Suma Chakrabarti. Each shareholder is represented on the Board of Governors, which has overall authority over the EBRD.
World Bank (WB) (2)
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) -Owned by 185 member countries The International Development Association (IDA) -Provide low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries -Education, health, infrastructure, communications, etc.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Legislation for the EIA process in the United States Model for the majority of some 100+ countries that have adopted EIA legislation
Role of citizens in enforcing NEPA
The People enforce NEPA through citizen litigation. Conservation organizations
African Development Bank (AfDB)
The overarching objective of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries (RMCs), thus contributing to poverty reduction.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The primary document to do EIA in the US Document required by NEPA (US) to describe the environmental consequences of major actions which significantly affect the quality of the human environment
Gas flaring in Nigeria
This flaring and venting produces more greenhouse-gas emissions than any other single source in Africa south of the Sahara, and many who live in Nigeria's oil-producing communities complain of chronic health and environmental problems associated with the gas flares.
USAID: What does the acronym stand for? What kind of an organization is it?
United States Agency for International Development Bilateral
The public interest & conflict
When different groups or communities define differing interests, conflict is likely to ensue
Bilateral aid agency
a government agency or nonprofit organization based in a single country while the agency provides aid, including medical aid or disaster relief, for people in other countries
Eurozone
an economic and monetary union of 19 European Union member states that have adopted the euro as their common currency.
Regional Development Banks:
another type of Multilateral Development Banks
Two fold purpose of USAID (& all its sub-parts)
furthering America's foreign policy interests in -expanding democracy and -free markets while •improving the lives of the citizens of the developing world
Alternatives, what are they and why they are impt.?
heart of the environmental impact statement. Based on the information and analysis presented in the sections on the Affected Environment (Sec. 1502.15) and the Environmental Consequences (Sec. 1502.16), it should present the environmental impacts of the proposal and the alternatives in comparative form, thus sharply defining the issues and providing a clear basis for choice among options by the decision maker and the public
USAID agricultural develop in Nigeria: why is USAID pursuing this?
the country has one of the world's lowest per capita social spending levels resulting in sixty-five percent of the 186 million citizens living in extreme poverty. These conditions breed disaffection in youth, provide an entry point for Islamic extremism, entice corruption, and promote ineffective governance.
Capacity Building
the development and strengthening of human and institutional resources
BREXIT: what is it & what are its implications for EIA & environmental protection in the UK? (see BBC article)
• Britian's exit from the European Union, felt didn't have proper representation or a voice, didn't like many of the rules • However, Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom admitted that about one third of the current environmental rules would be difficult to transpose into UK law, saying "there will be work to do to ensure we can continue to make these measures work once we leave the EU". • For instance, the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives have given much greater protection for wild birds and special areas of conservation than domestic UK legislation - but these will no longer apply in their current form in UK law even if Britain remains in the Single Market.
IGOs
• Intergovernmental organizations (this is the term used by the UN). o The European Union o The United Nations o World Trade Organization o North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) o International Monetary Fund (IMF) o Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) o United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) o Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries (OPEC)
Major env problems Nigeria
• soil degradation • rapid deforestation • urban air and water pollution • desertification • oil pollution - water, air, and soil • has suffered serious damage from oil spills • loss of arable land • rapid urbanization
6 regions where USAID assists
•Afghanistan and Pakistan; •Africa; •Asia; •Europe and Eurasia; •Latin America and the Caribbean; and •The Middle East.
