Developing Sustainability During the Oil and Gas Era for When the Hydrocarbon Resource Is Exhausted: The Example of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Countries having hydrocarbon reserves (oil and/or natural gas) are considered fortunate compared with others that have to import their energy. How should this “bonanza” for these energy-rich countries be utilized so that they are not destitute when the “pot” runs dry? Approaches to long-term sustainability should be considered now and must include programs to develop sustainable energy, food, water supplies, and satisfying employment as well as to produce lucrative exports. This paper explores how countries endowed with hydrocarbons might attain a sustainable future, using as an example the energy-rich Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The approaches outlined are applicable to all countries, including the non-energy rich.

Keywords:

• agriculture
• education
• employment
• energy
• gas
• oil
• sustainability
• water

Acknowledgments

I thank all those who have discussed this problem with me, in particular to J. Papin-Ramcharan for assistance with the literature, and B. Wilson and L. P. Heeralal for helpful discussions. The CDB and the UWI Research and Publications Committee are acknowledged for support.