Community resistance and the role of justice in shale gas development in the United Kingdom

Bibliographic Data

ID5696201
AuthorsMeg Sherval (0000-0003-0740-3542, University of Newcastle Australia, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume61
Issue2
Pages222-233
Publication date2023-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGeographical Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1745-5863 • E-ISSN: 1745-5871
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1745-5871.12575
OpenAlexW4310207268
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited45

Global energy policies embracing a transition to unconventional oil and gas development are hallmarks of many developed nations. Among these, the United Kingdom has framed the development of shale gas as one means to transition from high-carbon fossil-fuel consumption to low-carbon alternatives. Yet the introduction of this industry and recent legislation associated with it have not been without controversy. Communities throughout the United Kingdom are engaged in sustained debates concerning climate change, health, the scale of extraction footprints, securitisation, and governance. Places such as Kirby Misperton, the focus of this article, are representative of many villages where questions abound about the role of justice at all stages and scales of governmental decision-making. Using a legal geographic lens, this article examines narratives among local residents who are actively resisting the arrival of unconventional gas. I consider how the relationships between and among energy transition, policy, and justice have been interpreted by communities and argue for inequity and risk to be addressed in more transparent ways. I contend that highlighting counter-narratives remains essential if powerful arguments by governments and others are to be negated. Fundamentally, true justice can only prevail when all stakeholders are considered legitimate and their opinions valid

Corporate governance · Economic Justice · Economics · Environmental justice · Geography · Legislation · Narrative · Political economy · Political science · Sociology · Atmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics · Environmental Justice and Health Disparities · Law · Mining and Resource Management

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