Experts in the News

The Army Corps of Engineers is revisiting the possibility of a massive underground storm tunnel system to help alleviate flooding in Houston. The Baker Institute's Jim Blackburn has discussed the feasibility of the multi-billion dollar plan.

As news organizations look to balance costly business deals with journalistic integrity in Beijing, nonresident scholar Aynne Kokas said “some criticism” of China is expected to accompany the Olympics as a “global moment.” If, however, there is “coverage that is perceived as very critical, or something that amounts to some kind of embarrassment for China, then there could be something like the asymmetric responses we have seen before.” 

The United Arab Emirates is working to adapt its economy to renewable energy while still dependent on the oil market, said energy fellow Mark Finley in a recent interview.

Energy fellow Jim Krane said that oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is the “wrong target” for opponents of fossil fuels, since it’s less carbon intense than oil produced onshore through fracking. He suggests a carbon tax instead.

“The move indicates ... deepening ties between Doha and Washington,” said Middle East fellow Kristian Coates Ulrichsen. "The Qataris are looking to showcase that they behave in ways that strengthen U.S. interests."