Gasland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gasland - Essay Example This film has created a new awareness in the public concerning the devastating environmental effects of hydraulic fracturing, which is one of the means through which natural gas is extracted in the mainland United States. This means of gas extraction, also known as fracking, is done through the injection of chemicals and massive quantities of water at high pressures with the intention of cracking open the rocks deep beneath the surface and as a result releasing the natural gas. This method has helped in the emergence of the natural gas boom across the United States, but as the film shows, there has developed proof that this method of gas extraction is leading to the contamination of water as well as leaking into homes. The film works towards the establishment of means through which these issues concerning the conservation of the American environment can be discussed and viable solutions for the environmental problems caused by these activities by oil and gas companies can be found. I t can further be said that this film deals with the preservation, the development, and the return of the American natural environment to the state in which it was previously. ... In the film, it is stated that previously, the main method that was used for the extraction of natural gas was through the drilling into the ground until a pocket of gas was hit and this gas was captured as it rose. The director states that one of the reasons why he started making the film is because he started to wonder how it was that all of a sudden his family and their neighbours were in a gas drilling area when prior to this, their area had never had any kind of industrial development. In the film, the fact that the fracking method is causing environmental damage is worrisome and disturbing and it is because of the use of these methods by the various gas companies that the beautiful, scenic and amazing landscape of the United States is being destroyed. The director of the film, who also serves as the narrator, states that at least fifty percent the state of New York as well as sixty percent the state of Pennsylvania is being leased to gas companies for the purpose of drilling fo r gas using the fracking method. Throughout the film, it is seen that the land in the United States is being handed over to gas prospecting companies at an alarming rate with many of the individuals doing so, mostly farmers, not realising that doing so is resulting in the destruction of their natural environment (Fox). One would say that the film is mostly made up of a series of interviews and it can be considered to be one which shows profound respect for the people from different places across the United States that are interviewed. It can further be said that because of the respect that is displayed by the film’s director that the individuals who are interviewed are so forthcoming with the information that they have to give concerning the

Improving Corporate Governance in Saudi Arabia Essay

Improving Corporate Governance in Saudi Arabia - Essay Example The key theme in cooperate governance is the nature and the extent of accountability of individuals in the banking sector, and the tactics they use to suppress principal-agent problem2. Background Information Saudi Arabia is the 2nd largest state in the western Asia in relation to the area. It is also the second largest Arab world after Algeria3. The state has a large economy in reference to other nations in the region with a GDP of over US$450 billion. It has the capability to maintain its economy, with sustained economy4. Saudi’s banks are among the leading banks in the GCC banking sector. Their average annual return is between 14% and 31%. This is as a result of a favorable banking environment prevailing in the region. In the recent years, banks analysts in the regions propose the use of Basel II as it will impact the growth and development of the industry. However, the banking sector has different challenges regarding to governance and transparency. This calls for amendmen ts of the structure of banking governance of the banking sector as this will impact on the growth, and development of the banking industry5. Research question The proposal gives possible solution in Saudi’s banking system, as it has reluctant corporate banking principles. The sector is deteriorating, as a result of reluctance on the part of the law bodies, leading to neglect of some key principles in banking world. This is evident from the fact that board members are engaging in activities, which compromise their role. Shareholders have not been playing their roles because they have been taken up by the management. This calls for change to enhance growth in the sector. Research Objectives The proposal aims at giving suggestions, which will improve corporate banking in Saudi Arabia. This will impact the growth and development of the sector as it will attract investors both locally and internationally. The changes will motivate shareholder as they will trust the board members a nd the management at large. Methodology Corporate governance is an international issue; it calls for ideas from all areas of study. The proposal recommends the incorporation of both qualitative and qualitative research methodologies to enhance the reliability of the results. Detailed research is also significant. Empirical studies will also enhance in designing the most appropriate model of dealing with banking corporate governance in Saudi. Such research includes debates on the same issues in different nations, changes adopted by other nations, as well as, suggestions from bank analysts. Below are some of the areas targets, in the process of changing corporate banking governance. 1. Principles of banking corporate governance It is advisable for the banking sector to adopt the suggestion put forward in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002-2003 in USA, Cadbury Report of 1992 in UK, and the principles of Corporate Governance of 1998-2004 (OECD). 2. Corporate governance guidance in reference to Asian Policy Brief These are important guidelines put across to ensure that banking in Asia get to another level. It entails different suggestions which will impact on changing corporate governance in Saudi Arabia. 3. Banks’ board and management should perform their duty in relation to their fiduciary duty This entails the duty of care. The board together with the management should ensure that they respect that duty. They should be keen on ensuring