Contrasting Perceptions of UK Experts and Publics in the Exploitation of Unconventional Gas

Abstract

UK shale gas reserves are potentially large, and shale gas extraction by hydraulic fracturing is currently being explored. A number of expert reviews and reports from learned institutions on shale gas extraction in the UK have been published. These reports conclude that any risks to public health and environment that fracking may pose are relatively minor in the regulatory context of the UK. In addition, the predicted green house gas life cycle emissions for UK unconventional gas exploitation are lower than imported conventional gas. However, public concern remains. Expert, political and media discussions tend to imply that this is due to lack of knowledge, familiarity, and understanding about the risks associated with fracking. However, technical assessments overlook factors influencing public concerns (such as issues of trust, empowerment and effective engagement). There is also considerable controversy in the UK media; the picture for the public is complex. To explore these dichotomies, we compare how the perceived risks associated with fracking differ between those with and without expertise on the subject. A bi-annual survey tracking changes in UK public attitudes towards fracking has been ongoing since March 2012. University of Nottingham researchers run the survey, weighting the results so they demographically represent the UK public. The results show rising public awareness, and changes in attitudes over the survey period in response to events, e.g. media reporting. We asked ‘experts’ (those with specialist knowledge on shale gas) to answer the same survey questions, but in our case giving reasons for their answers. The experts were recruited at UK shale gas conferences in Spring-Autumn 2014. We also explored the attitudes of ‘engaged’ members of the publics, who attended public engagement events about shale gas. Attendees were asked to complete the same survey, again giving reasons for their responses. These events lasted between 1–2hrs, and consisted of an interactive talk (by academics) followed by a discussion. The responses within and between the three cohorts of respondents show the differences in how the risks are perceived and assessed. The reasons given by experts and informed publics about their answers provide insight into how these questions are framed. The work provides a context for community engagement and for survey design to garner public opinion on complex energy issues such as unconventional gas.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90216 ©2015 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Denver, CO., May 31 - June 3, 2015