| ID | 128013 |
| Title Proper | Local community opinions regarding the socio-environmental aspects of lignite surface mining |
| Other Title Information | experiences from central Poland |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Badera, Jaros?aw ; Koco?, Pawe? |
| Publication | 2014. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Surface lignite mining covers large areas and usually generates social conflicts which pose one of several energy security threats to certain states. Therefore, defining the social conditions determines the success of a mining project. Two communes were chosen for a public opinion study: Kleszczów, where the Be?chatów mine is located, and Z?oczew, where a lignite deposit will soon be developed. The analysis shows, as opposed to other areas in Poland that have been projected for development, that both local communities are characterised by a high level of acceptance for lignite mining. In both cases, awareness about the profits was stronger than anxiety about the investment's negative effects. However, most inhabitants could not assess the mining company's diligence concerning its responsibility for mining damages as well as the diligence of external experts assessing the environmental impacts of excavation. Most respondents also could not assess if the legal regulations of public participation in the decision process were sufficient, but the negative opinions outweighed the positive ones. From the perspective of the energy policy, dialogue-type social communication is needed for every case of a new energy-mining project. Research on local public opinion should be the first step to opening up a social debate. |
| `In' analytical Note | Energy Policy Vol.66, No. ; March 2014: p.507-516 |
| Journal Source | Energy Policy Vol.66, No. ; March 2014: p.507-516 |
| Key Words | Surface Mining ; Lignite ; Public Opinion ; Energy Policy ; Poland ; Central Poland ; Polish Energy Policy ; Socio-Environmental Aspects ; Lignite Surface Mining ; Environmental Security ; Climate Change ; Global Warming ; Public Debate |