Political Science

When could one say that there is an energy crisis a term used to describe a huge decrease in energy supply or its resources At present, our world is now confronting a growing demand for electricity, exceeding more than what it can supply or produce.It was estimated by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that energy consumption would rise by 50 in the year 2030 compared to today s utilization (as cited in ElBaradeil, 2008). Hence, one could say that we are experiencing an energy crisis now.

Among the energy resources, petroleum or oil has the largest share at 40. With its consumption expected to increase, it has caused an impending threat of energy shortage (Kohl, 2008). Despite the additional investments made to alleviate the situation, big oil companies find it difficult to increase their production. In effect, petroleum has become too costly that it bears a constant threat of complete exhaustion.

The main cause of the energy crisis is our depleting oil reserves. Oil is the most widely consumed energy resource that supplies the needed electricity to light millions of homes, propel engines, and power numerous industries around the world. However, such resource is not renewable and is nearing the verge of scarcity that not even major oil companies can sustain its availability (Kohl, 2008). Thus, this crisis is posing detrimental effects on the economy, affecting mass production of goods as well as government or private operations.

A primary indicator of this energy crisis is the much-felt doubling in oil process. If one owns a car, then surely he or she can attest to soaring gas prices.As consumers, the public has certainly noticed how rates for basic commodities have so far gone up instead of down. In addition, blackouts and power cuts have been reported not just in poor or developing countries but also in wealthy or key areas (Esparza, 2009).  All of these effects result from our diminishing oil resources. What is more alarming is the fact that, a quarter of the world s population still do not have access to electricity and already much of our oil reserves have been used up. (ElBaradeil, 2008) . Yes, this is a crisis that needs to be addressed the soonest.

Yet, in spite of all these evidences presented, some people still consider it a myth. That should not be the case every one of us must realize that the danger of energy shortage is much too clear and present to be ignored. It can be a condition that can spread and worsen if left untreated.

Given this present ordeal in energy, does the possibility of supporting more generations to come exist It is not just the present that is at stake but also our future. Are we reaping the seeds of what we sow Is nature getting back at us for taking its richness for granted These are questions arising from the circumstance on hand.

Energy Crisis in Venezuela and Brazil
To corroborate the existence of an energy crisis, series of power cuts or blackouts were reported  in major countries, hitting hard in parts of Latin or South America such as Venezuela. (Esparza, 2009) The worsening energy shortage in Venezuela was confirmed by a decree proclaimed by Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, placing the country in a state of energy emergency. It mandated energy rationing to aid in relieving its electricity shortage. The decree imposed fines on households and business establishments unable to reduce energy consumption by the required percentage while a credit for reduction (Toothaker, 2010).

As the proclamation stays in effect, the government has laid out power cuts or blackouts throughout the country and ordered reduction of electricity supply in shopping joints and shutting off of states that operate aluminum and steel plants. To further support the cause, the president announced shorter working hours (8 am to 1 pm) with the exception of public offices (Sanchez, 2009).

Global warming or the EL Nio Phenomenon was pointed out as the cause for the country s state of energy emergency. Less or little rain has visited Venezuela and even caused drought in some of its areas. As a result, water level from the Guri Dam fell to a critical height. This dam supplies electricity to most parts of the country (Sanchez, 2009). The huge drop in the dam s water level will bring serious implications to the country s economy and stability. Therefore, the government had to step in and implement the energy rationing scheme that dictated even distribution and optimal use of the diminishing electric supply in Venezuela (Toothaker, 2010).

However, critics argue that Venezuela s energy crisis cannot be attributed to nature s wrath alone as it could also be a product of poor planning or administration. They made allegations concerning the government s lack of investment in preparing and addressing a national issue like, energy shortage (Toothaker, 2010).

Earlier on, Brazil, another Latin American country, has gone through the same energy crisis. An Energy Crisis Coordinating Committee was set up by the Brazilian government to come up with measures in response to its depleting energy supply. There is not much difference in the practices undertaken by the Brazilians compared to the Venezuelans. Its state required dimmed lights in streets, beaches, parks and tunnels, change of work shift to six hours, cancellation of games, concerts and activities and shutting off of service stations between 10 pm to 6 am. Obviously, these actions are focused on minimizing energy consumption on a larger scale (Rother, 2001).

Similarly, a scheme to have power supply cut off for six days for households who failed to meet targets for electric conversation and cash rewards for those who managed to save 20 percent more than the others was observed. (Rother, 2001)Hence, it operated based on the principle lessen electricity consumption lest pay a penalty .

The Brazilians themselves got firsthand experience in dealing with the gravity of their existing electricity shortage. As the current crisis takes its toll, its citizens have resorted to energy conservation methods such as the use of fluorescent of incandescent bulbs, electric fans instead of air conditioning, and unplugging of electrical appliances when not in use (Rother, 2001).

Brazilians more than shared the same energy crisis  as Venezuelans, they too, raised the inadequate planning and preparation factor critical in averting depletion of its energy reserves. (Rother, 2001)Energy Crisis on Public Administration and Globalization

Evidently, energy crisis is present and much prominent these days given the rising prices in oil, frequent blackouts, or power cuts across countries (ElBaradeil, 2008 ). However, can such condition be really attributed to poor administration or globalization

Insufficient and unsatisfactory planning from the government s end has been cited as contributing agents twice for countries suffering similar energy shortages. Thus, it is not just the critics who made the same allegation but the citizens themselves (Rother, 2001). Isn t it true that only on the precipice do people act on issues that threaten their safety, well being or survival Is it correct to say that we panic when there is a cause for alarm Needless to say, the answers to those questions are a reflection of how the littlest to the biggest of concerns are taken in by most.

Governments should have long anticipated the rise of energy crisis and developed procedures that could prevent if not ease its impact on their country, people, and economy. The lack in sound policies left an image of an administration that does not have control over the situation, spreading frustration and uncertainty amidst its sovereignty. (Rother, 2001) Their failure to think ahead and prepare may have caused irreparable damages. Thorough planning and preparation could have helped save enough energy reserves to consume during these crucial times. However, instead we feed off on what is left while trying to make it suffice, knowing that it will not.

Now, what is globalization s take on this issue Globalization is a process developed for purposes of trade and investment with the aid of technology. Undeniably however, it is mainly concentrated only on those two aspects, making matters on energy an exception. Sure enough, we have the World Health Organization (WHO) for food and Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for oil producers (ElBaradeil, 2008), but why not put a strong body that will monitor and pass mandates on the current energy crisis, such being a national concern

Currently, the Energy Treaty representing only 51 participating countries is restricted to deliberation on energy trade, transport, and dispute resolution. In the same way, the UN-Energy council only serves as an avenue for discussion and information dissemination, lacking neither funds nor discretion on the subject. It stressed the need for a global organization that would complement and not take the place of existing groups in dealing matters on energy. It listed functions that this body can do to carry out its aims and responsibilities assess energy supply and demand provide objective advice and share energy technology to poor countries design a global method to ensure energy supply during critical times and assist other countries in running their energy reserves (ElBaradeil, 2008).
Our present dilemma only shows how little notice and focus were placed on energy as a resource despite knowing its tendency to eventually run out. The facts given above demonstrate the flaw in our recent system of administration. Meticulous preparation could have been the key in sustaining our battle against energy crisis. Nonetheless, the call for energy conservation concerns everyone and not just those in power.

The implications of energy crisis can become too great to handle unless due attention and appropriate actions are formulated and implemented to provide solutions. At this point, alternative sources of energy are being looked into to help curb this national threat. These sources are renewable (e.g., solar, wind, water) and do not run out (Kohl, 2008). Then again, the successful development and use of alternative energy lies heavily on people for proper administration. If not, then let us prepare for a worldwide blackout.