The Cd isotope composition of atmospheric aerosols from the Tropical Atlantic Ocean

Stable isotope compositions can potentially be used to trace atmospheric Cd inputs to the surface ocean and anthropogenic Cd emissions to the atmosphere. Both of these applications may provide valuable insights into the effects of anthropogenic activities on the cycling of Cd in the environment. However, a lack of constraints for the Cd isotope compositions of atmospheric aerosols is currently hindering such studies. Here we present stable Cd isotope data for aerosols collected over the Tropical Atlantic Ocean. The samples feature variable proportions of mineral dust-derived and anthropogenic Cd, yet exhibit similar isotope compositions, thus negating the distinction of these Cd sources by using isotopic signatures in this region. Isotopic variability between these two atmospheric Cd sources may be identified in other areas, and thus warrants further investigation. Regardless, these data provide important initial constraints on the isotope composition of atmospheric Cd inputs to the ocean

Kenya – An African oil upstart in transition: OIES paper: WPM 53

In 2012, Kenya became the latest East African country to enter the oil and gas scene. The discovery of oil resources in the Turkana County provided an extra boost to Kenya’s already growing and diverse economy. But significant political, social, and security challenges remain. This paper analyses the opportunities and risks facing Kenya’s oil industry and its role as a regional oil transport hub. Based on current discoveries, Kenya may very well become only a small African oil producer. Kenya’s role as a regional hub for East African crude oil and petroleum products may be more significant. But as Kenya’s oil industry moves from exploration to development and potential production, risk incentives among the involved oil companies will decline profoundly in what remains a shifting political and security landscape. Despite lofty regional infrastructure plans, a piecemeal approach – beginning with a basic export pipeline from Uganda and port terminal on Kenya’s coast – may need to be adopted.</p

Kenya – An African oil upstart in transition

In 2012, Kenya became the latest East African country to enter the oil and gas scene. The discovery of oil resources in the Turkana County provided an extra boost to Kenya’s already growing and diverse economy. But significant political, social, and security challenges remain. This paper analyses the opportunities and risks facing Kenya’s oil industry and its role as a regional oil transport hub. Based on current discoveries, Kenya may very well become only a small African oil producer. Kenya’s role as a regional hub for East African crude oil and petroleum products may be more significant. But as Kenya’s oil industry moves from exploration to development and potential production, risk incentives among the involved oil companies will decline profoundly in what remains a shifting political and security landscape. Despite lofty regional infrastructure plans, a piecemeal approach – beginning with a basic export pipeline from Uganda and port terminal on Kenya’s coast – may need to be adopted.</p

A belated boom: Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and prospects and risks for oil in East Africa

East Africa has followed a long road of highs and lows in developing its oil resources. On the back of high global oil prices between 2004 and 2014, a rush of new exploration put the region on the map as a new frontier for African oil. But it did not take long for the momentum of East Africa’s oil rush to lose steam. Long regulatory delays, security risks, and the fall of global oil prices, all served to deflate expectations for the region’s potential. This paper examines the development, potential, and main risks facing oil industries in Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan, as well as plans for regional pipelines in East Africa. It finds that beyond the impact of domestic political and security conditions, what defines the emergence of East Africa as a new African energy centre is the growing influence of regional politics

Understanding multinational corporations in war-torn societies : Sudan in focus

Luke A. Pate

A complex reality : the strategic behaviour of multinational oil corporations and the new wars in Sudan

Luke A. Pate

Oil development in Africa: Lessons for Sudan after the comprehensive peace agreement

Luke A. Pate