How the Dodo Bird Went Extinct

Abstract

My thesis looks at the energy crisis as a direct consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It considers Russia’s political ambitions and its use of its natural resources to support them. In particular, it considers the impact on the European continent and its energy markets. Indeed, the European market is somewhat unique given its breadth despite any real sources of naturally occurring energy, at least in the form of oil and gas. If Europe can find a better way to handle its energy needs as a result of this crisis, perhaps there is a lesson for the rest of the world to follow. The Dodo went extinct as his environment was suddenly changed in the late 1600s. It often feels that we humans may be on the same precipitous edge, as we consume non renewable energy sources with ever greater voracity. The hope is that Europe could represent a Dodo that sees the proverbial cliff, avoids it, and shows others how to avoid said cliff. If this is indeed the case, this thesis should provide new insight as to how we should continue to respond to the problems posed by our current global energy infrastructure.