The question of the compatibility of the world´s economic efficiency and the distribution of material and social goods can - in times of globalization - no longer be discussed in a national economic framework. A quarter of the world's population produces and distributes four-fifths of the world production of goods and the rest of the world, three quarters, must get along with what remains. What doesn't seem to work very well: every year more than 10 million children die from malnutrition and disease, over a billion people living in extreme poverty. Is the wealth of the rich directly related to the poverty of the poor? Is there a connection between the economic efficiency of the global economy and the disaster of social distribution? In fact this connection can today no longer be denied. Even the World Bank concedes that unfavorable factors have led some countries to an uninterrupted downward trajectory. One of those countries is without doupt Nigeria! Especially the Niger Delta has become a hot topic among human rights activists, environementalists and fair trade supporters around the world. For some of them, the recent crises is caused by the Western ignorance and its willingness to degrade the popultion of the developing world to fill its own perceived energy needs. However causes and accountability for this ongoing environmental disaster are not conclusively . This paper will identify the extend to which oil companies profit of the oil resources coming from the Niger Delta while the local population still suffers from poverty. By doing that its of a great importance to identify and analyse both parties – the local nigerian people on the one hand and the international oil companies on the other hand – in order to confront their arguments. Of particular interest is the objective of Royal Dutch Shell as a multinational petroleum company dealing with the enormous pressure of the global competition and the blame to act unsustainable while the end of „hunger“ for energy amoung the industrialized world is not in sight.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Shell in Nigeria: What are the issues?
- Pollution and environmental damage in the Niger Delta
- The human rights impacts of oil pollution
- An approach from the “Shell perspective” as a global player
- The companies efforts to minimize destruction of livelihoods
- The global pressure on the industry that fuels the American dream
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to investigate the extent to which oil companies, specifically Royal Dutch Shell, profit from oil resources extracted from the Niger Delta while the local population endures poverty. It analyzes the arguments of both the Nigerian people and international oil companies to understand the multifaceted dilemma created by the actions of international oil companies, the Nigerian government, and militant groups. The paper also explores Shell's perspective as a multinational corporation facing global competition and accusations of unsustainable practices.
- The environmental impact of oil extraction in the Niger Delta.
- The human rights implications of oil pollution and its effect on local communities.
- The role and responsibility of multinational corporations like Shell in developing regions.
- The interplay between international oil companies, the Nigerian government, and local populations.
- The challenges of balancing economic efficiency with social justice in a globalized world.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Shell in Nigeria: What are the issues?: This chapter introduces the context of Shell's operations in the Niger Delta, highlighting the significant oil reserves and the stark contrast between the substantial revenues generated and the pervasive poverty among the local population. It points to the accusations against the oil industry of resource theft and destruction of livelihoods, framing the situation as a complex issue involving international oil companies, the Nigerian government, and militant groups, all contributing to pollution, corruption, and neglect. The chapter emphasizes the multi-dimensional nature of the problem, setting the stage for a deeper examination of the environmental and human rights consequences.
An approach from the Shell perspective as a global player: This chapter shifts the focus to Shell's perspective, examining the company's efforts in corporate social responsibility and its response to criticisms. It explores the evolving understanding of corporate responsibilities to communities and the limitations of international law in governing the behavior of multinational corporations. Shell's arguments regarding its contributions to the Nigerian economy through tax revenue and employment are presented, contrasting with the accusations of environmental damage and human rights violations. The chapter highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between corporate profit, national development, and the well-being of local populations, suggesting a complex interplay of responsibilities and accountability.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Royal Dutch Shell, Niger Delta, oil extraction, environmental damage, human rights, poverty, corporate social responsibility, multinational corporations, global competition, sustainable development, Nigeria, pollution, oil spills, gas flaring.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shell's Operations in the Niger Delta
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Royal Dutch Shell's operations in the Niger Delta, focusing on the environmental and human rights impacts of oil extraction. It examines the conflicting perspectives of Shell, the Nigerian government, local populations, and international actors, exploring the complex interplay of economic interests, social justice, and corporate responsibility.
What are the key issues discussed regarding Shell's operations in the Niger Delta?
Key issues include widespread pollution and environmental damage, the devastating human rights impacts of oil pollution on local communities, the accusations of resource theft and the destruction of livelihoods, and the challenges of balancing economic efficiency with social justice in a globalized world. The document also explores Shell's perspective as a global player, its corporate social responsibility efforts, and the limitations of international law in governing multinational corporations.
What are the objectives of this document?
The document aims to investigate the extent to which Shell profits from oil resources while the local population endures poverty. It analyzes arguments from both sides to understand the multifaceted dilemma involving Shell, the Nigerian government, and militant groups. It also explores Shell's perspective as a multinational corporation facing global competition and accusations of unsustainable practices.
What are the key themes explored?
Key themes include the environmental impact of oil extraction, human rights implications of oil pollution, the role and responsibility of multinational corporations in developing regions, the interplay between Shell, the Nigerian government, and local populations, and the challenges of balancing economic efficiency with social justice.
What are the chapter summaries?
The first chapter introduces the context of Shell's operations in the Niger Delta, highlighting the contrast between substantial revenues and widespread poverty. It points to accusations of resource theft and destruction of livelihoods. The second chapter shifts the focus to Shell's perspective, examining its CSR efforts and responses to criticism, presenting Shell's arguments alongside accusations of environmental damage and human rights violations.
What are the key words associated with this document?
Key words include Royal Dutch Shell, Niger Delta, oil extraction, environmental damage, human rights, poverty, corporate social responsibility, multinational corporations, global competition, sustainable development, Nigeria, pollution, oil spills, and gas flaring.
What is the overall conclusion implied by the document?
While not explicitly stated as a conclusion, the document strongly implies the existence of a complex and multifaceted problem involving environmental devastation, human rights abuses, and a significant power imbalance between a multinational corporation, the Nigerian government, and the local population. The document lays out the competing narratives and the challenges of achieving a just and sustainable solution.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anne Leuschner (Autor:in), 2010, Royal Dutch Shell & The Nigeria Delta, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/161179
