Territorial Politics and Health Policy - Assignment Example

Territorial Politics and Health Policy Introduction The energy industry plays a major role in the development and growth of the United Kingdom economy. The industry contends with a great amount of risk and uncertainty, but the companies that work with this company there is a focus on the future to ensure that there is financial and operational success. The energy industry necessitates long lead for new products, new products, as well as, how much capital they are going to invest in the market. However, there is a current global struggle because of the world’s growing population that has necessitated the introduction of new projects to increase energy not only in the United Kingdom, but globally. As much as there is the introduction of new projects in the markets, and new products energy companies have considered the regulatory, environmental concerns to ensure that the products they are releasing to the world is safe. Therefore, in order to balance the increased need for fuel the energy industry has sought to use other alternative energy sources such as the unconventional sources of energy, renewable energies, biofuels and ways that will improve energy proficiency. Industrialization and globalization have increased pollution in the environment due to the source of energy that companies have turned to because they are cheap (Potter & Biukovic, 2011. P.24). Therefore, creating a need to take measures to ensure that the environment that citizens are living in is clean and conducive. This is because there has been increased complaints about how expensive energy has become on the citizens, as well as, how it has caused adverse side effects on them. For that reason, the energy ministry should the relevant measures to ensure, affordability and conduciveness of the energy and energy products that they give to the public. Energy Politics The United Kingdom politics have been held to be incapable of governing energy. This is because there have been freezing electricity prices that indicated that the energy policy in the UK was in crises. The crises in the energy policy were held to be required fix that should be done on the dysfunctional energy system. The political arena has not managed to deliver the core objectives that have been set under the energy policies; hence, making it a part of the crisis in the United Kingdom energy policy. This is because slow measures have been taken to mitigate the climate and change, energy security, as well as, affordability. This has in turn led to increasingly full and complex tensions between addressing the price issues, important investments, delivering renewables and security supply. It has been established that there are three different perspectives on energy and how it should be governed have informed the changes. First, there is the security supply perspective, the pro-market perspective, and the climate change perspective. Therefore, it is clear that the energy policies in the United Kingdom have been faced with full internal tensions. Additionally, political elites have held the belief that they should not interfere with the energy issues and for that reason, they have been unable or unwilling to mitigate the climate change and secure affordable energy supply. The Department of Energy and Climate change although having specific objectives have been unable to meet these objectives because they are under-resourced and have low ideas on ways to create a sustainable and low carbon transition (Bernier, 2006, P. 1023). Additionally, privatization of the energy sector has been a major issue on the part of the government because there is a low capacity interference on the decisions on the part of the politicians. Energy economics Consumption and production of energy resources are very important in for not only the United Kingdom, but also the global economy. The economic activities in most parts of the country require energy sources whether it is the manufacturing of goods, providing transportation or running computers or other machines. Therefore, the demand for energy is high, which has led to the increased privatization of the energy industry and the formation of retail energy markets. Fuel poverty has been a major problem facing the United Kingdom, as well as, energy efficiency that has raised the bills. However, the government and the private sector does not have the capacity or the capability to supply energy to the country (Seligson & Passé-Smith, 2008. P. 26). This has in turn reduced productivity that has played a major in lowering the economy of the value. Social influences of energy Many changes have not been experienced socially in the sense that, the changes in the climate and the use of non-renewable energy have caused the illness and death of many people. This is because of the emissions of harmful gasses in the environment that have caused damage to the respiratory system of children. However, despite the negative impact on the environment there has been positive impacts such as increased productivity in the industries, which has led to reduced poverty. People have access of energy sources that do not cause harm to the environment as the government has agreed to use renewable energy for the benefit of the global world. Technology in the energy industry Technological advancement have increased in the United Kingdom in relation to energy. This technology advancement have been increased by the energy Technologies Institute that was created in 2007 for accelerating the development, demonstration and commercial deployment of a focused portfolio of energy technologies (Great Britain, 2010. 34). Additionally, the technologies have increased the efficiency in energy, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and they have helped in the achievement of energy despite the climate changes. The major intention for the technologies was to reduce emissions and preserve the environment by promoting energy conservation and implementing the low-carbon technologies that have been in existence. Environmental and legal issues in energy The environmental and legal issues have been very adamant in the energy industry. Where the government has been blamed for being reluctant in the implementation of policies that will ensure that there is adequate provision of energy and protection of the environment. The energy industry has affected negatively on the environment because of the emissions of greenhouse gasses that have caused adverse effects on the health of the people of the United Kingdom. This has in turn lead to raising of legal issues that have been brought by conservatism in the effort of ensuring that the government takes measures and creates policies that benefit the environment and people who live in in it, as well as, the global world by providing energy sources that are not bad for the environment. Changes in energy policies The energy policy in the United Kingdom as set under the Energy White paper of May 2007 and the Low Carbon Transition plan of July 2009. The main aim of the policy was to put the United Kingdom on the way to cut down carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by about 2050 and the real progress was to be seen by 2020 (Wrigley, 2010,P. 89). Secondly, it intended to maintain reliable energy supplies, promote competitive markets not only in the United Kingdom, but beyond; thus, helping in raising the rate of sustainable economic growth and improve productivity. Lastly, the policy intended to ensure that every home is affordable and affordably heated. The range of energy policy includes the distribution and production of electricity, means of heating, especially natural gas and transport fuel usage. Policies acknowledged that energy is essential in every aspect of individual's lives, as well as, the success of the economy. However, although the government has tried to make energy changes and policies to allow affordability of energy. There are various challenges that have been experienced in the implementation of the policy. These challenges include tackling the climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions with the United Kingdom and abroad. Secondly, there has been a challenge in ensuring that the government that there is secure, clean and affordable energy becomes the country has become increasingly dependent in import fuel. The policy has recognized that it needs about 30-35GW of the new electricity that is been produced over the next two decades. This is because many of the United Kingdom’s current nuclear power stations and coal that were built in the 60’s and 70’s near the end of their lives, therefore, have been set to close. Other policy’s that have been created in the energy sector to deal with the growing demand of energy in the United Kingdom was an Energy Review that was conducted in 2006 that reintroduced the outlook of new nuclear power stations. Greenpeace requested a judicial review on the energy review that was conducted in 2006 where they indicated that the 2006 Energy Review was flawed and was not only inadequate, but also misleading. This made the plans for the new generation of nuclear power plants to be ruled illegal. The response given by the government on the consultations in January 2008 concluded state” set against the challenges of climate change and security supply, the evidence in support if new nuclear power stations is compelling. In January 2008, the government updated the Energy Bill, which reflected on the legislative framework to reflect on their current policy towards the energy market, as well as, the challenges that were faced on security of supply and climate change. The Energy bill addresses carbon capture, storage, nuclear, renewables, offshore gas, and oil. Additionally, a framework to hearten investment in nuclear power within the new regulatory environment was also published in the Nuclear White Paper of January 2008. The Government in October 2008 created the Department of Energy and Climate change that was meant to bring together the energy policy and climate mitigation policy. Evolution of energy in 10 years The introduction of new policies in the energy industry will lead to the evolution of the industry where there will be increased use of renewable energy in the next 10 years. This will work well for the organizations, as there will be increased productivity hence good job production as the sources of energy will be cheap. EDF energy The EDF Energy is an incorporated energy company that is located in the United Kingdom. The company has operation that spanning in electricity generation, selling of electricity and gas to businesses and homes throughout the United Kingdom. The Company has 13,158 employees and handles a minimum of 5.7 million consumer accounts. The EDF energy customers is owned by the French and was formed after the mergers and acquisition of SEEBOARD Plc, London Electricity Plc, SWEB Energy Plc and two coal-fired command stations and a joint cycle gas turbine command station. The EDF Energy in 2009 took control of the United Kingdom British energy, nuclear generator and bought share investment from the management making the company one of the largest generators and distributors in the United Kingdom (Kieselbach & Triomphe, 2010, P.56). The energy company has made progress in the development and provided adequate energy supply to their consumers. Therefore, having a position in this organization would mean a lot to my career as it offers a good learning ground for an individual as the company is involved in many activities when it comes to the production of energy. Key employers The key employees of the energy company are the company CEO and its directors who have the role of determining the person they are going to hire and the ones to fire. The CEO and the directors of the organization have the right to create and implement new policies in the organization ensuring that is strategic management. This strategy helps the organization in achieving their goals and objectives that are set each year by the company. Secondly, through the help of the managers they oversee the issue that govern the workplace ensuring that there is both customer and employee satisfaction. Thirdly, the CEO ensures that the organization is well funded in the sense that there are adequate finances in the organization to ensure that everything especially the demands of the customers are taken care of in the organization. Lastly, when it comes to employment, the CEOs goes through the candidate credentials establishing the areas in which the candidate may be of help to the organization. By so doing, the CEO ensures that he employee’s people who work diligently with care and having the interest of the clients in minds. Roles of interest in the company The roles that the organization have that are of interest to me are the system manager role where I will be working with other production managers to ensure that the company satisfies the energy demands of the people. Additionally, the role requires that I am conversant with energy issues that will protect the environment. Meaning that I will be working with other engineers and scientists in making the systems of the organization run efficiently without causing environmental impacts. This is because as a system manager in the organization I will get the opportunity to carry out research and promote technology in the industry, which is my area of expertise (Mobbs, 2005, P. 78). The company provides a good ground for exposure to innovative technologies and approaches and hands-on experience since it is a big organization that has all the facilities required for growth. Therefore, getting a job as a system manager will contribute not only to my growth technologically, but that of the organization. Linking the roles with my current degree The roles in the company link to my degree in the sense that, I am doing bachelors that relates to Oil, Gas and Energy Management and for that reason, I am a conversant with all the relevant issues facing the energy industry. Additionally, the roles link to my current degree because they deal with creating innovative technologies that will help the organization in running its business without causing any harm to the environment. Lastly, the roles link to my degree because they require that I understand the policies that affect the energy industry. This is an important issue for the organization as they must comply with all the rules and regulations required in the implementation of a clean and safe energy in the United Kingdom. Requirements to obtain a role in the company To obtain a role one of the companies, it is required that one should have a bachelor’s degree in Oil, Gas and Management a field that is related with energy. A person need to be licensed to work as system engineers in the country to ensure that they competent in their work. Although sometimes depending on the employee, a person needs to have experience on the field for a period of 3-5 years. However, in some cases the employer may select a person who seems to be conversant with current issues in relation to a career (Midttun, 2001, P.90). Therefore, on experience it depends with the employer. The individuals needs to have computer skills this is because every company has gone digital, and they are feeding their information in computers meaning that a person needs to have computers skills. Lastly, a person must be willing to take continuing education class because the energy industry is evolving each, and it is important for a person to stay updated. Consideration and planning to develop current skills To develop the required skills I will get an internship with a company not only to get experience on the work but also to learn how the industry goes about energy in practice. This will help me in understanding whether what I learnt in theory is similar to what is there in practice. Additionally, I will conduct research on the relevant company to ensure that vi have a clear understanding of their policies and other related issues that will help me in developing current skills. References Bernier, N. F. (2006). Territorial Politics and Health Policy--U.K. Policy in Comparative Perspective. Journal of Health Politics Policy and Law, 31(5), p. 1020-1024. doi:10.1215/03616878-2006-016 Great Britain. (2010). Fuel poverty: fifth report of session 2009-10. Vol. 2, Vol. 2. London, Stationery Office. Kieselbach, T., & Triomphe, C. E. (2010). Health in Restructuring (HIRES) Recommendations, National Responses and Policy Issues in the EU. Mering, Rainer Hampp Verlag. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0154-97838661859835. Midttun, A. (2001). European energy industry business strategies. Amsterdam, Elsevier. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&A N=210023. Mobbs, P. (2005). Energy beyond oil. Leicester, UK, Troubador. Potter, P. B., & Biukovic, L. (2011). Globalization and local adaptation in international trade law. Vancouver, UBC Press. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10459081. Seligson, M. A., & Passé-Smith, J. T. (2008). Development and underdevelopment: the political economy of global inequality. Boulder, Lynne Rienner Publishers. Wrigley, E. A. (2010). Energy and the English Industrial Revolution. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Read More