3. Energy Crisis
Case Study 1: Global Energy Crisis and Geopolitical Tensions
Principles of Energy Crisis:
- Resource Scarcity and Economic Development (Malthus, 1798) – Limited availability of energy resources affects growth.
- Geopolitical Influence on Energy Markets (O'Sullivan, 2013) – Political conflicts shape global energy supply.
- Sustainable Energy Transition (UNEP, 1992–Present) – Strategies for reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Theorists Behind the Principles:
- Thomas Malthus (1798) – Resource scarcity and population growth.
- Meghan O'Sullivan (2013) – Geopolitical energy security.
- UNEP (1992–Present) – Sustainable energy governance.
Models/Theories/Laws:
- Energy Security Model – Strategies for ensuring stable energy supply.
- Renewable Energy Transition Framework – Shift from fossil fuels to clean energy.
- Systems Analysis Approach – Evaluating energy crisis trends through multiple indicators.
Recent Data:
- Global Energy Demand: Projected to rise by 2.5% in 2024, driven by industrial growth.
- Geopolitical Impact: Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East tensions affecting oil and gas supply.
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Over 560 GW of clean energy capacity added globally in 2023.
Spatial Variation:
- Europe: High energy vulnerability due to reliance on Russian gas.
- Asia: Moderate impact with diversified energy sources.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Energy crises observed since 1970s oil shocks.
- Future Projections: Expected acceleration of renewable energy investments.
Source:
- World Energy Outlook 2024
Insight:
Global energy crisis trends validate geopolitical energy security models, emphasizing the need for diversified energy sources.
Case Study 2: Energy Price Volatility and Economic Consequences
Principles of Energy Crisis:
- Resource Scarcity and Economic Development (Malthus, 1798) – Limited availability of energy resources affects growth.
- Geopolitical Influence on Energy Markets (O'Sullivan, 2013) – Political conflicts shape global energy supply.
- Sustainable Energy Transition (UNEP, 1992–Present) – Strategies for reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Theorists Behind the Principles:
- Thomas Malthus (1798) – Resource scarcity and population growth.
- Meghan O'Sullivan (2013) – Geopolitical energy security.
- UNEP (1992–Present) – Sustainable energy governance.
Models/Theories/Laws:
- Energy Price Volatility Model – Impact of supply disruptions on global markets.
- Economic Growth and Energy Dependency Framework – Relationship between energy costs and GDP.
- Systems Analysis Approach – Evaluating energy crisis trends through multiple indicators.
Recent Data:
- Oil and Gas Prices: Projected surplus in LNG supply leading to price fluctuations.
- Economic Impact: High energy costs contributing to inflation and slowing growth.
- Policy Responses: Governments implementing subsidies and price controls to stabilize markets.
Spatial Variation:
- Developed Nations: Moderate energy price fluctuations due to policy interventions.
- Emerging Markets: High vulnerability to price shocks.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Energy price volatility observed since 2008 financial crisis.
- Future Projections: Expected stabilization with increased renewable adoption.
Source:
- Global Energy Crisis – IEA
Insight:
Energy price volatility validates economic dependency models, emphasizing the role of policy interventions in stabilizing markets.
Tag:case studies, Case Study, Case Study Mains 2025, economic geography, Economic geography case study, energy crisis, energy geopolitics, Geography Case Study, Geography Optional, geography optional case study, global energy crisis, malthus, models theories laws and perspective in geography, o'sullivan, unep