Fracking in China: Community impacts and political support of shale gas development in China
Cary Wu
Refereed Article, 2018
Sher, C., & Wu, C. (2018). Fracking in China: Community impacts and political support of shale gas development in China. Journal of Contemporary China, 27(112), 626–641.
China has recently become one of the world’s largest shale gas producers. However, little is known about how shale gas development and fracking affect local communities in China nor how local communities view this development. Drawing on fieldwork conducted during August 2015 in two villages in Sichuan province and Chongqing municipality, this article shows that while fracking leads to serious environmental and social problems there are also substantial economic and social benefits. Furthermore, this study uncovers both active and resigned support of shale gas development in rural China depending on whether local residents prioritize economics or politics.