Hydraulically fractured: Unconventional gas and anthropology (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)

Abstract

The predicted increase in unconventional gas production is set to change global energy and concomitant geopolitical relations. The scale and required infrastructure of unconventional gas extraction result in profound changes in the landscape where extraction and processing take place. Widespread public concerns about the impacts of this industry have emerged, particularly with regard to fracking, surface and subterranean water contamination, air pollution and a host of other environmental issues, as well as social impacts and health risks. This article sets out some of the emerging anthropological engagements with unconventional gas and fracking, including analyses of materiality, politics, discourses, rights, risk and knowledge.

Is ‘activist’ a dirty word? Place identity, activism and unconventional gas development across three continents

“…Such processes can lead to out-groups being regarded as a group with which association is undesirable, even if the group itself does not self-identify with the label (Turner & Giles, 1984). Local contextual factors can affect the ways in which identity is transformed, and potentially radicalised, through processes such as socio-economic stratification; relationships with place and community; and regional history (Bell and York, 2010;Spears, 2011;de Rijke, 2013;Veenstra et al, 2016;Bugden et al, 2017).…”

“…Thus far, we have reviewed data on how physical (e.g., beautiful aesthetics, productive land) and symbolic attributes (e.g., vitality, autobiographical associations) of places shaped place identities in our study communities (Bell & York, 2010;Spears, 2011;de Rijke, 2013;Veenstra et al, 2016;Bugden et al, 2017). These identities, in combination with social identity (next section), then help condition beliefs about the extent to which unconventional gas may, or may not, exist as a part of the future of that place.…”

“…In the Western Downs, the first residents to openly resist coal seam gas development lived on some small, lifestyle blocks located on poor-quality land adjacent to a gas field that was one of the first major gas expansion areas. The residents, who had settled on 'cheap land' offered for sale in the 1980s, were labelled by the farming community using the derogatory term 'blockies', seen both as 'newcomers' and 'troublemakers' of lower socio-economic status (another well-established influencer of how social identities form (Luke, 2013;de Rijke, 2013;Spears, 2011)). The first protest group, the 'Western Downs Alliance' was formed principally by the 'blockies', who conducted some isolated protest activities in 2010: 'I just sat in the road and stopped the trucks'.…”

Energy solution or future pollution? Applying an energy justice perspective to coal seam gas in New South Wales

“…Rooted in Australian 'settler' culture and echoing bushranger mythology, the Frackman documentary immortalises Pratzky's tour of marginal electoral seats in 2015, playing an active role in the NSW state election as well as receiving national and international acclaim (Tranter, Lester, and McGaurr 2017). In its political significance, Frackman echoes the impact of the 2010 Oscar-nominated U.S. documentary Gasland, which caused alarm around the world with its threatening images of unconventional gas industry pollution and combustible tap water (McManus and Connor 2013;de Rijke 2013a). Driving Frackman's narrative is the sense of injustice felt by Frackman and his allies in the face of an industry that many perceive has 'invaded' their land, made children sick and wrecked the local landscape.…”

Extreme energy, ‘fracking’ and human rights: a new field for human rights impact assessments?

“…84 A recent study by Shelley and Opsal 85 of the social and ecological impacts of energy extractive practices on local communities implies that green criminologists are starting to investigate this issue, documenting not only illegal actions but also processes and outcomes that are 'harmful' to humans, animals and the environment. In a recent paper de Rijke noted: the extraordinary expansion of the unconventional gas industry has … led to questions about social power and the rights of individuals and local communities, the role of multinational corporations in politics and rural service provision, as well as related questions regarding fundamental processes of democracy, capitalist economies and social justice 86 while the close relationship between governments and powerful multinational corporations brings to the fore questions about political influence and human rights. 87 Thus, to address these 'important conundrums', de Rijke advocated further academic research into fracking from multiple perspectives, including social impact assessments.…”