Comments on: Gazprom Crisis Engulfs Europe

By: Abigail Doan

Abigail Doan — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:19:48 +0000

Dear ” cheehai”

Thanks for writing. I am very aware of the issues related to the transit of gas between Russia and the Ukraine, and again, this article was not one of finger-pointing but of providing an opportunity to discuss how to avoid this sort of crisis in the future. You need not critique Inhabitat about “getting it right”, as all of our writers dig deep (beyond mainstream media) to find factual information for our stories and posts.

Sadly, this is not an issue that it just going to go away with improvements in “transit” or economic patches. This will be a problem of supply in the future and one of haves and have-nots.

Best wishes,

Abigail

By: cheehai

cheehai — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:51:34 +0000

You do realize that when Russia pumped gas trough the pipeline after the draft on EU observers at pumping stations was signed that Ukraine blocked Gas flow. And it was Ukraine who cut off gas delivery to europe, bailing on its transit contract.

Its not a problem of supply, but a problem of Transit and its really bellow this site to not get its facts straight and rely on mainstream media…

Russia didn’t stop delivering, Ukraine stopped transit and its about time you guys get it right.

If Russia did not stop delivery to Ukraine then Eastern Europe would still not get any gas…

By: PaTrond

PaTrond — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:58:15 +0000

UK imports more or less all their gas from Norway. So does Netherland, Belgium and parts of France and Germany too.

But norwegian habitants uses only a microscopic part from their gas and oil production because they import nuclear power from Sweden(and opposite in summer or other seasons where there have been raining enough) when there is not enough water in waterfalls and lakes to produce power from that. 70%+ of Norway’s power comes from own production by wind or water energy.

Unfortunately the government is stupid enough to adore the gass produced in Norway. They’ve made two new gas-powerplants since 2000.

By: Abigail Doan

Abigail Doan — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:44:44 +0000

Thanks everyone for your concern and input. Again, my goal overall was the desire to highlight the need for self-sufficiency and sustainable energy plans for all nations – however wishful this may seem right now.

As a mother of two babies who are 15 months of age, it has also been an eye-opener to read/hear first hand accounts of local families, particularly those with small infants, trying to combat the cold.

Just a reminder that we still have so far to go in terms of making the planet a better, more ’secure’ home/land for the next generation: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5484939.ece

By: treythefarmer

treythefarmer — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:37:06 +0000

Abigail, I agree completely. If this really highlights the “homeland defense” arguments for a self sufficient energy system in the US. Regardless of the global warming debate (just watch some Lou Dobbs videos on youtube if you want to get really frustrated), living in total dependance on China and the Middle East is pretty scary. Thanks for the article.

By: bamboobuddha

bamboobuddha — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:13:36 +0000

amedia,

its not about who stole what gas or who did what, its about people suffering in the harsh cold.. think about all those families!!

By: Abigail Doan

Abigail Doan — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:21:31 +0000

Dear “amedia”:

The post itself is not intended to be a political one or a side-taking stance between Russia and the Ukraine. My intention was primarily to highlight the current crisis and the future issues at hand.

By: amedia

amedia — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:42:18 +0000

Gazprom didn’t just turn the gas off, Ukraine stole a whole bunch of delivery first. If you say something political, be at least correct.