With the U.S. economy still the driver of global demand (and retaining its hegemonic dollar position), consumer retrenchment in the U.S. could pose a serious threat to global stability
The experimental containment dome was successfully positioned over the leaking riser pipe last night, but then had to be removed after a large volume of ice-like methane hydrate crystals accumulated inside of the structure. These crystal hydrates blocked the flow of oil and threatened to lift the dome off the sea floor.