Northumbria University has been
awarded a share of more than £460,000 to lead the first UK study of its kind
into the social and economic impact of hydraulic fracturing on communities.
Hydraulic fracturing, also
known as fracking, is a controversial technology that enables the extraction of
gas from shale. Hydraulic fracturing is widely used in North America but is in
a much earlier stage of development in the UK. Anti-fracking groups believe it
represents a serious risk to public health and the natural environment and a backwards
step towards fossil fuels.
While there has been
significant media coverage about the impact of hydraulic fracturing on the
natural environment, there has been less research into the socio-economic
impact on communities.
New research funded by the
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Economic and Social
Research Council (ESRC) and led by Professor Paul Stretesky from the department of Social Science at Northumbria
University, aims to do just that through a project exploring the ‘social
construction’ of unconventional gas extraction.
Stretesky will work in
collaboration with Anna Szolucha, a postdoctoral research scholar at Northumbria,
Damien Short, a human rights scholar from University London and Laurence Stamford
an engineer from the University of Manchester.
Speaking after the
announcement, Professor Stretesky said: “We are thrilled to receive this
funding from NERC and ESRC because it will allow us to better understand the
social, economic and environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing –something
that has not been adequately studied in the UK, but also the social meanings
and interpretations of the ‘fracking’ process.”
Professor Stretesky and his
team plan to investigate the impact from both the technical process of hydraulic
fracturing as well as its social interpretations. They aim to answer a number
of key questions and generate findings, which will stimulate a more informed
and thoughtful debate, among communities, statutory bodies and policy-makers
about the benefits and burdens of hydraulic fracturing.
Professor Stretesky’s new
project is one of seven research consortia funded under the ‘Unconventional Hydrocarbons in the UK Energy System: Environmental & socio-economic impacts & processes’ research programme. This £8m programme aims
to provide an independent scientific evidence base to understand potential
environmental and socio-economic impacts of unconventional hydrocarbon
extraction.
NERC is the driving force of
investment in environmental science in the UK, advancing the frontier of
environmental science by commissioning new research, infrastructure and
training that delivers valuable scientific breakthroughs. ESRC is the UK's largest funder of
research on the social and economic questions facing us today. Their research
shapes public policy and contributes to making the economy more competitive, as
well as giving people a better understanding of 21st century society.
NERC and ESRC are parts of
UK Research & Innovation, a new organisation that brings together the UK's
seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England, to maximise the
contribution of each council and create the best environment for research and
innovation to flourish. The vision is to ensure the UK maintains its
world-leading position in research and innovation.
Dr Beth House, NERC Head of
Research for Earth and Energy said: “Meeting future energy demand for the UK
will require new approaches and technologies. These may include making use of
the Earth's subsurface including the unconventional extraction of hydrocarbons.
“The purpose of the research
programme is to provide current independent scientific evidence to understand the
potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of the unconventional
extraction of hydrocarbons.
“This research is required
to provide new scientific knowledge and impartial evidence to inform future decisions
in policy and approach.”
Social Sciences at
Northumbria is a community that equips students to make a positive social
change, become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and to challenge what they think,
see and hear. Northumbria’s academics are researching in partnership with
communities and global organisations, voluntary sector bodies and people who
are changing the society in which we work. Their research feeds into their
teaching, allowing students to focus on developing the skills, tools,
techniques, and knowledge to embark upon a career that makes a difference.
Northumbria’s research in
Social Sciences sits within our multidisciplinary Centre for Environmental and Global
Justice theme, giving students the opportunity to work with academics in their
focus on justice for people, the planet, and agendas for development that take
account of current and future generations.
Northumbria offers a range
of course in Social Sciences. To find out more about studying at Northumbria
come to one of our upcoming Open Days or go to: www.northumbria.ac.uk
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