Conflicts over resources throughout the world

1. Conflicts over resources throughout the world Rachel, Robert, Martha, Amy and Katherine (Scotland), Mariann (Estonia), Helene (Norway), Bettina (Hungary), Otto (Iceland), Karen (Belgium), Valentin (Germany)

2. Oil conflicts World Oil Reserves by Region • In 1941 the USA decided to limit oil exports to Japan, who were heavily reliant on the Americans for oil. This played a part in the Japanese attacking Pearl Harbour. • The Delta region of Nigeria holds large amounts of oil; however the people remain in poverty. This has caused violence from the people of the surrounding area, taking foreign workers captive for ransom. The oil being taken from them is not increasing their wealth yet it is increasing the violence of the area. It is believed that Saudi Arabia owns 13% of the world’s oil supply. This has caused many conflicts between America and Saudi Arabia.

3. Gas conflicts • There have been many gas conflicts between Russia and Ukraine. Russia supplies the EU with nearly 80% of gas used. Many of the pipes to transport gas from Russia to the other European countries go through Ukraine. In 2005 The Russian government accused the Ukrainian government for not paying for gas, and taking it illegally out of the gas pipes which travel through their country. This was first denied but later admitted to be true. • On the 1st January 2006 Russia cut off all gas supplies that travelled through Ukraine but on the 4th the supplies were restored. • Between 2006 and 2008 there were disputed over unpaid gas depts. Then, in 2009 it was reported that over 18 European countries were receiving little or no gas from the Russian suppliers.

4. Fracking Fracking(Hydraulic Fracturing) is the process used to subtract gas, petroleum and uranium-bearing solutions from below the surface of the earth. It is believed that fracking is impacting the environment as it can possibly cause contamination of things such as water supplies. It has been discussed that the Government has censored the information being released to the public about the hidden problems gas drilling can cause. This has caused conflicts between environmentalists and the government as the latter is denying all accusations. Researchers are campaigning for a ban on all hydraulic fracturing fluids. They want to begin testing on animals residing near fracking sites to have a greater insight on the harm caused. They also want to have a closer monitoring system of the environmental samples. Many believe there is a need for more research into the environmental and health impacts of this technique.

5. The Cod Wars (Thorskastridin)

7. European Union

8. Diamonds! • Conflict Diamonds • Where?

9. Gold! • Gold conflicts • Where?

10. Why do people want land? • Land tends to be one of the major factors in war for many reasons. • 1. Land is indestructible. You can bomb it and shell it and blow it up and it is still there. • 2. Land is the source of food and natural resources. Oil continues to be a major political factor in the world economy. • 3. Access to key waterways and trade routes. The ability to control commerce allows one to tax and wield power. • 4. More is better! The more land a person or country controls, the more powerful they appear to be. And since they are backed by the resources, this tends to be true.

11. Falklands War • Falklands War (1982) • Britain vs. Falklands • In 1982 the Argentine Military invaded the British settlements in the Falklands as they wanted it for their own use. • There is a lot of oil. That’s the main reason why Britain want it. There is no other reason why. • In 2013 there was a referendum about control of the Falklands – 99.9% wanted Britain. • The Falklands have been occupied by many countries – France, Spain, UK, Argentina and more.

12. War in South Sudan • War in South Sudan (right now) • They are fighting over farmland and pasture for animals. Many also want to make use of the oil. • This fighting over land will displace many people. • The refugees settle somewhere new and begin looking for farmland and pastures. This puts them at odds with the locals, who have probably already claimed all the good ground. • China is assisting as they want to make use of the oil. They offer them by helping to make buildings, hospitals and a better infrastructure. • Also problems in Chad and Central African Republic. The United Nations helps to resolve conflict. • Many hope that the rain will put people off fighting.

13. Paraguay land wars • War over land in Paraguay in 2012 • Political fights and struggles for justice in Paraguay is a conflict over access to land; land is power and money for the elites, survival and dignity for the poor, and has been at the centre of major political and social battles in Paraguay for decades. • They want land. The fight for water resources too.

14. Conflicts Over Water • Water as a resource is very comparable to oil; it is essential to all daily human activities. Water has very rarely been the cause of international conflicts, however it is often part of the problem due to its economic importance.

15. Potential Reasons of Conflict Conflicts can be caused by water use which include: • Military • Industrial • Agricultural • Domestic • Political uses

16. The Jordan River Israel use a lot of water from the river for agricultural reasons. This decreases the sea level in the Dead Sea. This decrease averages at about 1 meter per year. This causes conflict between Israel and Jordan as the river originates from Jordan.

17. Bibliography • Wikipedia • BBC News • UN • Diamond Facts • Mr Harley and Mr Oyvind