RE:New oilfield in African wilderness threatens 130000 elephantSo this is interesting because Botswana especially does have a ton of Elephants. I'm going to use Global Warming Predictions as an argument as to exactly why the Oil should come out.
There are already drouts in Nambibia and pressure on water resources. Under the climate models this is irreversible. So according to the Climatologists the Elephants are already "Dead Meat" so to speak. In fact you will see that Nambia has allowed hunting, and has sold elephants to various countries and individuals.
Nambibias best opportunities is responsibly harvesting their countries suddenly vast wealth and investing in Desalinization, Running Water Pipelines and drilling wells, and responsibly managing their resources.
The Elephants are marked for death under both the climate as well as the Oil Drilling Scenario. Given the relatively small population and vast wealth Nambibia could theoretically terraform their land. They have the Natural Resources to Dune Up.
I really like Elephants and I can't commit to global warming completely as a scientific absolute because it doesn't factor in Volcanology and Renewable doesn't remotely equal Green. I could go on and on. However, nor do I deny the recent weather trends. Everyone on both sides seems to leave crucial aspects out of the conversation out. Items that border on being intellectually dishonest to leave out.
The Elephants are an Issue for Botswana not as much Nambibia. Nambibia's Resident Elephant population has increased past where they can manage them which has led to auctions etc. The migratory impact is likely to be lied about by both sides which is really a shame.
If this article ends up related to RECONAFRICA it is one of the few desparate last gasps that leaves the 5% chance of their being a Naked Short seem plausible. The best way for these green groups to get the $$$ they need is simply to invest in ReconAfrica. They would lose this round but they could win others!