Introduction

Abstract

The introduction sets out the core research questions, argument, contribution, methodology, and structure of the book. First, it introduces the context of the global petrochemical industry as a toxic and contested yet essential and pervasive industry that society depends on, and one which faces threats to its core business from escalating global environmental and societal pressures. Next, it outlines the core argument of the book about the petrochemical planet and multiscalar battles of industrial transformation, including corporate worldviews, environmental justice perspectives, and debates about just and sustainable transformations. The multi-sited and multiscalar methodology of the book is then discussed, including questions of research design, data collection, ethics, and collaboration. Finally, the introduction examines the “wicked problem” of changing complex industrial capitalist systems.