A Case Study of Carbon Capture and Storage Development in Three Communities: Understanding the Role of Community and Sense of Place in Local Risk Perspectives

• Main Author: Boyd, Amanda Dawn
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Graduate Studies 2013
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences; Risk Communication; Energy Systems; Community; Fairview
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/prism/24642; https://prism.ucalgary.ca/handle/11023/782

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has emerged as one potential strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It refers to the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources and the long-term storage of this CO2 in stable underground reservoirs. One factor in the successful implementation of CCS is support from residents who live near proposed or operational CCS projects, as these residents will likely have a strong impact on the development and deployment of the technology. This study uses the theoretical framework of interactional field theory to examine how the factors of ‘community’ and ‘sense of place’ influence residents’ perceptions of CCS in their area. The objectives of this study are to 1) examine community views of key issues surrounding CCS; 2) investigate factors that contribute to perspectives of CCS; and 3) to ascertain how local residents view CCS or other energy developments especially in regards to community (perceptions of their place and local relationships). Data for this study was collected using in-depth individual and group interviews, participant observation and secondary data collection. One hundred and twenty residents in three Western Canadian communities were interviewed between May and November 2011. The case study communities included: 1) Priddis, Alberta where a University research project was planned but cancelled due to local opposition; 2) Weyburn, Saskatchewan which hosts one of the world’s largest and earliest demonstrations of carbon storage in an Enhanced Oil Recovery project; and 3) Fairview, Alberta where there is no proposal for CCS. The three case studies provide an opportunity to examine perceptions of CCS in areas at different stages of implementation and offer a unique comparison of the local contexts that shape the support for or opposition to energy developments. The factors that influenced community perceptions of CCS included: 1) place-based knowledge and experience; 2) demographic and community sustainability characteristics; and 3) interactions and relationships among residents. Results suggest that ‘sense of place’ and ‘community’ are important when examining how residents view energy deployments. Collective risk perceptions are influenced by the interrelationships and communication between people about a place of shared concern.