In the process of resolving disputes, it is not uncommon for parties to justify actions otherwise in breach of their obligations by invoking the need to protect some aspect of the elusive concept of public order. Until this thoroughly researched book, the criteria and factors against which international dispute bodies assess such claims have remained unclear. Now, by providing an in-depth comparative analysis of relevant jurisprudence under four distinct international dispute resolution systems – trade, investment, human rights and international commercial arbitration – the author of this invaluable book identifies common core benchmarks for the application of the public order exception. To achieve the broadest possible scope for her analysis, the author examines the public order exception’s function, role and application within the following international dispute resolution systems: relevant World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements as enforced by the organization’s Dispute Settlement Body and Appellate Body; international investment agreements as enforced by competent Arbitral Tribunals and Annulment Committees under the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes; provisions under the Inter-American Convention of Human Rights and the European Convention of Human Rights as enforced by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights, respectively; and the New York Convention as enforced by national tribunals across the world. Controversies, tensions and pitfalls inherent in invoking the public order exception are elucidated, along with clear guidelines on how arguments may be crafted in order to enhance prospects of success. Throughout, tables and graphs systematize key aspects of the relevant jurisprudence under each of the dispute resolution systems analysed. As an immediate practical resource for lawyers on any side of a dispute who wish to invoke or strengthen a public order exception claim, the book’s systematic analysis will be welcomed by lawyers active in WTO disputes, international investment arbitration, human rights law or enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. Academics and policymakers will find a signal contribution to the ongoing debate on the existence, legal basis, content and functions of the transnational public order.

The Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Oil and Gas Law provides a comprehensive overview of the engineering and geological aspects of oil and gas activities, placed within their legal context, as well as legal aspects of these activities. It focuses on exploration for and production of oil and gas, incorporating experience-based knowledge and the application of the law to technical issues.

This book explores the myriad issues that play out in the upstream petroleum industry of Ghana from a legal perspective. Focusing on Ghana as an emerging petroleum country, Thomas Kojo Stephens begins by examining whether the existing constitutional framework will be effective in governing the expanding oil and gas sector. Drawing on various approaches proffered by other experts in the field, Stephens looks at possible institutional structures that could be put in place and juxtaposes these ideas with the experience of Ghana to test the efficacy of these proposals. He also explores the types of contractual frameworks currently implemented in Ghana for comparison with other emerging petroleum economies, examining the barriers to effectiveness, novel provisions that must be incorporated, and lessons learned from other regions. Finally, the book highlights how vital it is for the Ghanaian State to monitor the use of petroleum revenue and make ethical investment decisions that prioritize the interests of Ghanaian citizens. Upstream Oil and Gas in Ghana will be of great interest to students and scholars of energy law and policy, oil and gas management, and African Studies more broadly, as well as those working in the upstream petroleum industry.

The emergence of unconventional oil and gas extraction, known as the "shale revolution", since 2008 has fundamentally reshaped the global energy sector. This revolution, driven by technological advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, has unlocked vast reserves of oil and gas previously deemed inaccessible. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuating oil prices, and growing environmental concerns, unconventional resources continue to play a pivotal role in shaping energy policies worldwide. This book delves deeply into the transformative impact of unconventional resources on international energy markets and policies, providing a comprehensive analysis of their significance. Written by over 20 experts in oil and gas law, the book offers a rich, multidisciplinary perspective. It covers topics that are "horizontal" and cut across various jurisdictions, providing a comparative approach that spans 11 different countries, including the USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the UK, Algeria, Libya, China, and Germany. This extensive analysis ensures a broad understanding of the global landscape of unconventional resources. Main themes include: · Global Impact: Unconventional resources have not only transformed the United States into a leading oil and gas producer but have also significantly influenced energy strategies worldwide. Countries across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia have adopted various strategies to harness these resources, reshaping the global energy market. · Policy Considerations: Key policy issues addressed in the book include the environmental and social impacts of unconventional resource extraction. Topics such as water management, the coexistence of drilling operations with other land uses, and the social implications of resource extraction are thoroughly examined. · Legal Framework: The book explores the complex legal landscape governing unconventional operations, delves into stakeholder dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and the intricacies of legal provisions that vary from one jurisdiction to another. · Geographical Analysis: In its second part, the book provides an in-depth analysis of specific country regulations. This section offers comparative insights into the regulatory approaches of eleven countries, highlighting both common challenges and unique strategies. The book concludes by exploring lessons learned and future perspectives within the framework of the energy trilemma—balancing energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic affordability. It emphasizes the transformative impact of unconventional resources on energy independence and security, while also addressing the contentious environmental considerations that accompany such developments. Overall, this book aims to equip readers with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding unconventional oil and gas resources. By examining global experiences and diverse regulatory frameworks, it seeks to inform decision-making processes and promote sustainable development in the unconventional energy sector. The book benefits from critical analyses and comparative descriptive reviews of each country's unique approach, making it an invaluable resource for policymakers, industry professionals, and scholars alike.

This book focuses on renegotiating extractive contracts to align with the net-zero goals. It delves into extractive contract negotiations in four ways which collectively represent a major research gap in literature. It focuses on extractive contract provisions and examines their alignment with net zero goals, suggesting how these provisions could be re-negotiated to ensure an effective energy transition. Consequently, the book assesses how contractual provisions are responding to, or reflecting energy transition scenarios, and highlights areas to be included or strengthened that will be beneficial for all energy stakeholders. This book goes on to discuss the energy transition global landscape. Through the presentation of case studies from different countries, the book assesses the transition risks in extractive contracts, and it uniquely provides the negotiation tools and strategies to address these transition risks.

The grave concern of governments for the negative impact on the world climate caused by the release into the atmosphere of CO2 resulting from human activity, and under human control, such as the burning and combustion of oil products from the refinery, of natural gas and coal (the fossil fuels) made it possible for the international community to agree to and establish a global climate agreement, viz. The Paris Agreement of 1915. In order to meet the objectives of this Agreement, governments will try (among other measures) to curb the consumption of fossil fuels. This will not be easy since, in particular in less advanced economies, fossil fuels are for the coming decades indispensable. In more advanced economies, there are alternatives available, but as long as a possible switching to nuclear fission energy meets with public opposition, even the more advanced economies will remain dependent on fossil fuels for the coming decades. In its deeply informed discussion of the involvement of industry and governments with the production and use of petroleum, the prodigious scope of the coverage encompasses the following and much more: technical and environmental aspects of the production of oil and natural gas; position and function of petroleum and natural gas in the economy; government policies and attitudes towards fossil fuels, particularly with respect to climate change; national and international regulation of onshore or offshore petroleum operations; how oil and natural gas markets work; old and new forms and manifestations of political risk; distinction between licence-based and contract-based petroleum legislation; production sharing agreements; and petroleum taxation. The author draws on laws, contracts, government policy documents, trade journals, and statistical data available from international organizations and institutes and international oil companies. Underlying much of the review and discussion are governmental concerns with the prospects for economic alternatives and control of CO2 emissions. The often conflicting policy options open to governments and the consequences, if any, for both oil and natural gas and the petroleum industry are reviewed and discussed. All statistics and projections regarding reserves, production and consumption of oil and natural gas have been updated. Because so much continues to happen in the realm covered by this book, all who depend on its previous editions will need this updated and significantly rewritten edition. An indispensable resource for petroleum policymakers at every level, this book is of special importance and interest to petroleum venture managers, as well as for lawyers, independent consultants, and other professionals who are required to give advice with respect to the economic, regulatory, and cooperative aspects of petroleum operations.

This open access book provides a topical overview of the key sustainability issues in Qatar, focusing on environmental sustainability from a socio-political perspective. The transition to a sustainable Qatar requires engagement with diverse areas of social-political, human, and environmental development. On the environmental aspects, the contributors address climate change, food security, water reuse and desalination, energy, and biodiversity. The socio-political section examines state strategy and regulation, the place of environmental law and geopolitics and sustainability innovators and catalysts. The human section considers economics, sustainability education, the knowledge economy, and waste management. In doing so, the book demarcates the ways in which the country encounters and grapples with significant challenges and delves into the range of options for future pathways to sustainability in Qatar. Relevant to policymakers and scholars in energy and environment, urban and developmental studies, as well as the arenas of politics, climate change and policy, this book is a landmark collection on environmental policy in the Gulf and beyond.