Risk Society and Anti-Politics in the Fracking Debate

Abstract

Fracking in the United Kingdom has yet to reach full industrial development, but it is still subject to significant opposition. This study uses Beck's risk society theory and anti-politics to examine the views voiced by opponents to fracking in Yorkshire, England. A qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured interviews with protesters and local newspaper reports were evaluated to provide a thematic analysis. The study drew upon discourse analysis and framing literature to reveal discourses within the interviews. Although there are signs of post-materialist concerns with the environment, these issues did not dominate the discussion. Scientists were not held responsible for the risks involved in fracking. Instead, the economic greediness of politicians and austerity measures were perceived as putting the environment and human health at risk. Interviewees thought fossil fuel energy production was economically advantaged over more sustainable energy and jobs in the low carbon economy. Protesters' trust in politicians had been eroded, but faith in democracy remained. It is argued that the consensual post-politics of risk society have not led to a reinvigoration of democratic debate. Instead anti-politics have taken place, due to the frustration of citizens. Protesters wanted a citizen-led deliberative approach to the concerns raised. Such a process would have to go beyond the consensual, and recognise the inherently agonistic process of democracy if it is to succeed.

The Serious Accidents Punishment Act of South Korea and Its Impact on the Shipping Industry: Toward Sustainability

“…People may continue to face the risk of major fatal accidents because of a lack of safety awareness and institutional inadequacy [59] (p. 222). In particular, there have been demands for legislation that can impose civil and criminal liability on natural persons and Second, in addition to adding safety and health provisions, domestic and foreign ship owners should stipulate and request specific provisions for securing and maintaining seaworthiness to the ship management company, which is a consignee under the ship management agreement.…”

“…People may continue to face the risk of major fatal accidents because of a lack of safety awareness and institutional inadequacy [59] (p. 222). In particular, there have been demands for legislation that can impose civil and criminal liability on natural persons and corporations in case of intention or negligence.…”

From post‐political to authoritarian planning in England, a crisis of legitimacy

“…A leaked letter in 2014 from the former Chancellor asked ministers to ensure that regulators “have the necessary skills and resources in place to publicly defend the robustness and safety of the regulatory regime” (Osborne quoted in Carrington, 2015). However, this appeal to the authority of experts failed to depoliticise contestations over fracking between local communities, environmental groups, local and central governments, and the industry 4 (Drake, 2018; Williams et al, 2017). In response to the failure of post‐political approaches, more authoritarian modus operandi were invoked in the second and third phases.…”

Emerging developments in organizational risk

“…Although fracking has existed for decades, new technologies of fracking are associated with additional risks for which the industry is still developing mitigation techniques. Oil and gas operations by their nature involve environmental risks, which are normally well managed, but new fracking operations, with intensive use of water resources, are causing much debate (Drake, 2018). The challenges are an amalgamation of dynamics where nature can initiate technological disasters and technology can intensify natural instabilities.…”