Influence of shale gas development in Europe on gas market trends

Download Influence of shale gas development in Europe on gas market trends PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : GRIN Verlag
ISBN 13 : 365663534X
Total Pages : 25 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (566 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Influence of shale gas development in Europe on gas market trends by : Stefanie Elzholz

Download or read book Influence of shale gas development in Europe on gas market trends written by Stefanie Elzholz and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2014-04-11 with total page 25 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2011 im Fachbereich Energiewissenschaften, Note: 1,9, Universität Leipzig (Institut für Infrastruktur und Ressourcenmanagement), Veranstaltung: Energy System Modelling, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: In Europe, a “new” unconventional energy resource begins to be explored. The so called shale gas isn’t a new discovery, but its production has been too complex and expensive for a long time. Since rough quantities of shale gas have been exploited in North America, the global gas markets are changing. The European gas market is also affected by these changes which are characterized by an increasing gas supply and declining prices. Since Europe also has shale gas resources, the production of this unconventional gas might be attractive now. The present report investigates and evaluates the shale gas potentials in Europe. Against the background of energy policy targets like supply security and carbon emissions reduction, the option of shale gas as solution approach for these targets has to be evaluated. Although the production is meanwhile mostly profitable, active exploitation in Europe is not yet carried out because environmental concerns and the “green” lobby are countering. Nonetheless, shale gas is most likely to take a significant share of the future energy mix.

The Global Impact of Unconventional Shale Gas Development

Download The Global Impact of Unconventional Shale Gas Development PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 331931680X
Total Pages : 252 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (193 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Global Impact of Unconventional Shale Gas Development by : Yongsheng Wang

Download or read book The Global Impact of Unconventional Shale Gas Development written by Yongsheng Wang and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-07-15 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book discusses the economic, political, and environmental issues surrounding the international exploration and exploitation of conventional and unconventional natural gas. Shale gas development in recent years has changed the energy discussion in the US as existing reserves of natural gas coupled with horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing make exploitation of these reserves economically feasible; the discussion is quickly becoming international in scope. The potential expansion of natural gas development impacts many regions of the globe and spans multiple perspectives. In a volatile international climate, one of intense geopolitical conflict between Russia and the West, economic slowdowns in Europe and China, military conflicts in the Middle East and northern Africa, and widening income disparity in the U.S., a relatively inexpensive and plentiful energy source like shale gas could play a key role in mitigating such conflicts. In an energy interdependent global community, however, multiple factors such as oil prices, differing rates of exploration, environmental concerns, strategic initiatives, institutional changes, legal and regulatory issues, and actions of the nations involved all have the potential to influence future outcomes. This book discusses each of these in turn, detailing the issues most prevalent in each geographical area. The first volume to provide a comprehensive global view of the impacts of shale gas development, this book fills a gap in the current research literature, providing vital information for the scholarly community and the public alike. This book will be of interest to researchers and students of economics, energy policy, public administration, and international relations as well as policy makers and residents of the regions that are experiencing shale gas development.

Shale Gas Interest Representation in the Eu

Download Shale Gas Interest Representation in the Eu PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : GRIN Verlag
ISBN 13 : 3656183775
Total Pages : 69 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (561 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Shale Gas Interest Representation in the Eu by : Katrin Schwede

Download or read book Shale Gas Interest Representation in the Eu written by Katrin Schwede and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2012-05 with total page 69 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Master's Thesis from the year 2012 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: European Union, grade: A, Brunel University, course: Public Affairs & Lobbying, language: English, abstract: The European oil & gas industry is concerned about the growing uproar and opposition against shale gas. Despite shale gas's importance and viability in North America, the potential for the development and recovery of shale gas in Europe is limited due to stricter regulation, legislation, and higher population density. There is going to be significant legal and regulatory developments relating to unconventional gas all expected in the coming years, including a possible challenge being raised against hydraulic fracturing. This case study sets out to investigate the strategic considerations and lobbying activities undertaken by the shale gas industry, and to examine opportunities and challenges for the shale gas industry to influence EU policy‐decisions. Previous attempts to lobby national and EU institutions have been rather sporadic, but there is great potential and willingness to streamline and channel expertise and information, which are critical resources for acquiring access to the EU policy process. This paper looks at the theoretical framework of strategies of EU interest representation, more specifically at the way corporate and organisational factors influence the political strategies of shale gas interest groups, and how firms' lobbying strategies need to be adapted to the complexity of the EU policy process. Resulting from this analysis, it is argued that the shale gas industry needs to form ad-‐hoc coalitions, which would allow to operate with the flexibility required in the dynamic, multi‐level and technical EU energy sector.

The Geopolitics of Shale Gas

Download The Geopolitics of Shale Gas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
ISBN 13 : 9491040898
Total Pages : 227 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Geopolitics of Shale Gas by : Sijbren de Jong

Download or read book The Geopolitics of Shale Gas written by Sijbren de Jong and published by The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies. This book was released on 2014-02-11 with total page 227 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The US’ shale gas revolution could in the long term destabilize traditional oil- and gas exporters in the European Union (EU) neighborhood: A combination of substitution effects and greater energy efficiency, could put pressure on the price of oil, leading to fiscal difficulties in traditional hydrocarbon exporting countries.

Shale Gas Interest Representation in the EU

Download Shale Gas Interest Representation in the EU PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : GRIN Verlag
ISBN 13 : 3656181764
Total Pages : 36 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (561 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Shale Gas Interest Representation in the EU by : Katrin Schwede

Download or read book Shale Gas Interest Representation in the EU written by Katrin Schwede and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2012-05-02 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Master's Thesis from the year 2012 in the subject Politics - Topic: European Union, grade: A, Brunel University, course: Public Affairs & Lobbying, language: English, abstract: The European oil & gas industry is concerned about the growing uproar and opposition against shale gas. Despite shale gas’s importance and viability in North America, the potential for the development and recovery of shale gas in Europe is limited due to stricter regulation, legislation, and higher population density. There is going to be significant legal and regulatory developments relating to unconventional gas all expected in the coming years, including a possible challenge being raised against hydraulic fracturing. This case study sets out to investigate the strategic considerations and lobbying activities undertaken by the shale gas industry, and to examine opportunities and challenges for the shale gas industry to influence EU policy‐decisions. Previous attempts to lobby national and EU institutions have been rather sporadic, but there is great potential and willingness to streamline and channel expertise and information, which are critical resources for acquiring access to the EU policy process. This paper looks at the theoretical framework of strategies of EU interest representation, more specifically at the way corporate and organisational factors influence the political strategies of shale gas interest groups, and how firms’ lobbying strategies need to be adapted to the complexity of the EU policy process. Resulting from this analysis, it is argued that the shale gas industry needs to form ad-‐hoc coalitions, which would allow to operate with the flexibility required in the dynamic, multi‐level and technical EU energy sector.

Shale Gas in Europe

Download Shale Gas in Europe PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN 13 : 9789491673023
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (73 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Shale Gas in Europe by : Cécile Musialski

Download or read book Shale Gas in Europe written by Cécile Musialski and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2013 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book was originally published by Claeys and Casteels, now formally part of Edward Elgar Publishing. Large-scale extraction of shale gas in North America over the last years has led to a growing attention on the potential opportunities and risks of unconventional gas extraction, including in Europe, where available sources are known to exist. The US experience shows that industry-wide extraction of shale gas may positively change the game, leading notably to increased security of supply. But the US experience also demonstrates that intensive extraction of shale gas entails environmental risks, in particular due to the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Shale gas in Europe assesses the specificities of large-scale shale gas extraction in Europe from a multidisciplinary viewpoint, that is from the point of view of engineers, economists, policy-makers, lawyers and sociologists. Each topic is discussed in the light of the US experience, with a particular focus on highlighting how Europe is different. Shale gas in Europe evaluates the potential of shale gas in the EU, including potential risks. The institutional framework in place in the EU is explained as it defines the legal and regulatory conditions under which industry-wide shale gas extraction will develop. Taking this background into consideration, the authors of Shale Gas in Europe seek to anticipate the challenges ahead of shale gas extraction on the continent. Shale Gas in Europe finally gives an account of individual stories in some EU countries, ranging from the French ban on shale gas to a wide governmental support in Poland.

Governing Shale Gas

Download Governing Shale Gas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1317267567
Total Pages : 382 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (172 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Governing Shale Gas by : John Whitton

Download or read book Governing Shale Gas written by John Whitton and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-07-27 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Shale energy development is an issue of global importance. The number of reserves globally, and their potential economic return, have increased dramatically in the past decade. Questions abound, however, about the appropriate governance systems to manage the risks of unconventional oil and gas development and the ability for citizens to engage and participate in decisions regarding these systems. Stakeholder participation is essential for the social and political legitimacy of energy extraction and production, what the industry calls a 'social license' to operate. This book attempts to bring together critical themes inherent in the energy governance literature and illustrate them through cases in multiple countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, South Africa, Germany and Poland. These themes include how multiple actors and institutions – industry, governments and regulatory bodies at all scales, communities, opposition movements, and individual landowners – have roles in developing, contesting, monitoring, and enforcing practices and regulations within unconventional oil and gas development. Overall, the book proposes a systemic, participatory, community-led approach required to achieve a form of legitimacy that allows communities to derive social priorities by a process of community visioning. This book will be of great relevance to scholars and policy-makers with an interest in shale gas development, and energy policy and governance.

Shale Gas: Ecology, Politics, Economy

Download Shale Gas: Ecology, Politics, Economy PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319502751
Total Pages : 254 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (195 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Shale Gas: Ecology, Politics, Economy by : Sergey S. Zhiltsov

Download or read book Shale Gas: Ecology, Politics, Economy written by Sergey S. Zhiltsov and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-02-21 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book highlights various aspects of shale gas production and discusses the associated problems, which have greatly influenced the current situation on the global gas market. It focuses on issues such as production technologies, environmental protection, and the impacts of shale gas production on human beings. Further, it investigates the role of shale gas in the development and implementation of foreign policy of many nations that welcomed the possibility to produce this hydrocarbon in their own countries. Taking into consideration the information published by world energy research centers, the prospects of shale gas production in different regions of the world are examined in detail. Given its coverage and scope, the book will greatly benefit specialists in the areas of hydrocarbon production, international relations and foreign policy, world economics and technologies, ecology and environmental protection.

The Politics of Shale Gas in Eastern Europe

Download The Politics of Shale Gas in Eastern Europe PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Cambridge Studies in Comparative Public Policy
ISBN 13 : 1107183944
Total Pages : 213 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (71 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Politics of Shale Gas in Eastern Europe by : Andreas Goldthau

Download or read book The Politics of Shale Gas in Eastern Europe written by Andreas Goldthau and published by Cambridge Studies in Comparative Public Policy. This book was released on 2018-03-29 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Uses a policy regime approach to conduct a comparative analysis of the public policies of shale gas in Eastern Europe.

The New Geopolitics of Natural Gas

Download The New Geopolitics of Natural Gas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Harvard University Press
ISBN 13 : 0674978102
Total Pages : 412 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (749 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The New Geopolitics of Natural Gas by : Agnia Grigas

Download or read book The New Geopolitics of Natural Gas written by Agnia Grigas and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2017-04-24 with total page 412 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We are in the midst of an energy revolution, led by the United States. As the world’s greatest producer of natural gas moves aggressively to expand its exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), America stands poised to become an energy superpower—an unanticipated development with far-reaching implications for the international order. Agnia Grigas drills deep into today’s gas markets to uncover the forces and trends transforming the geopolitics of gas. The boom in shale gas production in the United States, the growth of global LNG trade, and the buildup of gas transport infrastructure worldwide have so transformed the traditional markets that natural gas appears to be on the verge of becoming a true global commodity. Traditional suppliers like Russia, whose energy-poor neighbors were dependent upon its gas exports and pipelines, are feeling the foundations of the old order shifting beneath their feet. Grigas examines how this new reality is rewriting the conventional rules of intercontinental gas trade and realigning strategic relations among the United States, the European Union, Russia, China, and beyond. In the near term, Moscow’s political influence will erode as the Russian gas giant Gazprom loses share in its traditional markets while its efforts to pivot eastward to meet China’s voracious energy needs will largely depend on Beijing’s terms. In this new geopolitics of gas, the United States will enjoy opportunities but also face challenges in leveraging its newfound energy clout to reshape relations with both European states and rising Asian powers.

After the US Shale Gas Revolution

Download After the US Shale Gas Revolution PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Editions TECHNIP
ISBN 13 : 9782710810162
Total Pages : 186 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (11 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis After the US Shale Gas Revolution by : Thierry Bros

Download or read book After the US Shale Gas Revolution written by Thierry Bros and published by Editions TECHNIP. This book was released on 2012 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After 20 years at different positions in the gas sector, from the policy side to trading floors, the author gives an overview of the major gas issues and elaborates on the consequences of the US shale gas revolution. The first part of the book provides basic knowledge and gives needed tools to better understand this industry, that often stands, in sandwich, between upstream oil and utilities. After extensive research, publication and teaching, the author shares his insights on fundamental issues all along the gas chain and explains the price mechanisms ranging from oil-indexation to spot. The second part looks into the future of worldwide gas balance. To supply growing markets, the major resource holder, Russia, is now in direct competition with the major gas producer, the US. China has the potential not only to select the winner but also to decide the pricing principle for all Asian buyers in 2020. As China is a new and growing gas importer and has a lower price tolerance than historical Asian buyers (Japan and South Korea), it is highly possible that, against basic geography, China selects waterborne US LNG versus close Russian pipe gas, to achieve lower import price. Europe, so risk adverse that it won't be able to take any decision regarding shale gas production on this side of 2020, should see its power fading on the energy scene and would rely more on Russia. Gas geopolitics could tighten Russia stronghold on Europe, on one side, and create a flourishing North America-Asian trade... This book is accessible to ail and will particularly interest readers seeking a global gas perspective where economics and geopolitics mix. It can be read as an economic novel where billions of $ are invested to shape tomorrow energy world or as a geopolitical thriller where Russia and the US compete to impose their respective agenda, leaving China tn select the winner.

Economics of Unconventional Shale Gas Development

Download Economics of Unconventional Shale Gas Development PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319114999
Total Pages : 248 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (191 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Economics of Unconventional Shale Gas Development by : William E. Hefley

Download or read book Economics of Unconventional Shale Gas Development written by William E. Hefley and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-12-03 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines the economics and related impacts of unconventional shale gas development. While focusing on the Marcellus and Utica Shales in the Mid-Atlantic region, additional insights from other regions are included to provide a broader view of these issues. Shale gas development in recent years has changed the energy discussion in the US, as existing reserves of natural gas coupled with horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing make exploitation of these reserves economically feasible. The importance of natural gas is seen as likely to continue to expand over the coming years, and is expected to increase even further with environmental considerations, such as greenhouse gas emissions. Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing producing natural gas from deposits such as the Marcellus Shale is making the US a net producer of natural gas. Previous studies have examined the economic impact of exploration and production in the region. Other studies have addressed legal, environmental, biodiversity, and public health impacts of unconventional shale development. This is the first volume to focus solely on the economics and related financial impacts of this development. This book not only fills the research gap, but also provides information that policy makers and the public need to better understand this pressing issue.

The European Gas Markets

Download The European Gas Markets PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319558013
Total Pages : 437 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (195 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The European Gas Markets by : Manfred Hafner

Download or read book The European Gas Markets written by Manfred Hafner and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-08-16 with total page 437 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores in detail the challenges which the European gas markets currently face, and the opportunities they present. Bringing together some of the most prominent gas experts on Europe from both academia and industry, this edited volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the various economic, political and technological factors that interact in this sector. Featuring a Foreword by Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Energy Union, contributions explore a wide range of issues, such as the role of gas in decarbonizing Europe, the outlook of Europe’s gas demand, supply and pricing, and global LNG dynamics. Country specific studies include Russia, Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany, with regional studies including North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Alongside detailed analysis of this complex sector it also puts forward a set of policy recommendations for the sector’s key stakeholders. This volume will be of interest to researchers and academics, as well as practitioners and professionals within European gas markets.

The Influence of Shale Gas on U.S. Energy and Environmental Policy

Download The Influence of Shale Gas on U.S. Energy and Environmental Policy PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 19 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (775 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Influence of Shale Gas on U.S. Energy and Environmental Policy by : Henry D. Jacoby

Download or read book The Influence of Shale Gas on U.S. Energy and Environmental Policy written by Henry D. Jacoby and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 19 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The emergence of U.S. shale gas resources to economic viability affects the nation' s energy outlook and the expected role of natural gas in climate policy. Even in the face of the current shale gas boom, however, questions are raised about both the economics of this industry and the wisdom of basing future environmental policy on projections of large shale gas supplies. Analysis of the business model appropriate to the gas shales suggests that, though the shale future is uncertain, these concerns are overstated. The policy impact of the shale gas is analyzed using two scenarios of greenhouse gas control -- one mandating renewable generation and coal retirement, the other using price to achieve a 50% emissions reduction. The shale gas is shown both to benefit the national economy and to ease the task of emissions control. However, in treating the shale as a "bridge" to a low carbon future there are risks to the development of technologies, like capture and storage, needed to complete the task. Keywords: Natural gas, Shale, Climate policy, Energy policy.

Regulating Shale Gas

Download Regulating Shale Gas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1786433192
Total Pages : 189 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (864 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Regulating Shale Gas by : Leonie Reins

Download or read book Regulating Shale Gas written by Leonie Reins and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2017-04-28 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Regulating Shale Gas discusses the regulatory context of shale gas in the European Union and draws conclusions on the EU’s broader approach towards the regulation of new technologies. Providing the first dedicated examination of the overall regulatory context of shale gas in the EU, Leonie Reins reveals how the EU’s new constitutional setup after the Lisbon Treaty has complicated rather than facilitated the EU’s quest for a common energy policy.

The Shale Dilemma

Download The Shale Dilemma PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : University of Pittsburgh Press
ISBN 13 : 082298301X
Total Pages : 287 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (229 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Shale Dilemma by : Shanti Gamper-Rabindran

Download or read book The Shale Dilemma written by Shanti Gamper-Rabindran and published by University of Pittsburgh Press. This book was released on 2017-11-30 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The US shale boom and efforts by other countries to exploit their shale resources could reshape energy and environmental landscapes across the world. But how might those landscapes change? Will countries with significant physical reserves try to exploit them? Will they protect or harm local communities and the global climate? Will the benefits be shared or retained by powerful interests? And how will these decisions be made? The Shale Dilemma brings together experts working at the forefront of shale gas issues on four continents to explain how countries reach their decisions on shale development. Using a common analytical framework, the authors identify both local factors and transnational patterns in the decision-making process. Eight case studies reveal the trade-offs each country makes as it decides whether to pursue, delay, or block development. Those outcomes in turn reflect the nature of a country's political process and the power of interest groups on both sides of the issue. The contributors also ask whether the economic arguments made by the shale industry and its government supporters have overshadowed the concerns of local communities for information on the effects of shale operations, and for tax policies and regulations to ensure broad-based economic development and environmental protection. As an informative and even-handed account, The Shale Dilemma recommends practical steps to help countries reach better, more transparent, and more far-sighted decisions.

China’s Gas Development Strategies

Download China’s Gas Development Strategies PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319597345
Total Pages : 515 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (195 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis China’s Gas Development Strategies by : Shell International B.V.

Download or read book China’s Gas Development Strategies written by Shell International B.V. and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-11-23 with total page 515 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This book examines how China can increase the share of natural gas in its energy system. China’s energy strategy has global ramifications and impact, and central to this strategy is the country’s transition from coal to gas. The book presents the culmination of a two-year collaboration between the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC) and Shell. With the Chinese government’s strategic aim to increase the share of gas in the energy mix from 5.8% in 2014 to 10% and 15% in 2020 and 2030 respectively, the book outlines how China can achieve its gas targets. Providing both quantifiable metrics and policy measures for the transition, it is a much needed addition to the literature on Chinese energy policy. The research and the resulting recommendations of this study have fed directly into the Chinese government’s 13th Five-Year Plan, and provide unique insights into the Chinese government and policy-making. Due to its global impact, the book is a valuable resource for policy makers in both China and the rest of the world.