Falling through the cracks, Local experiences and activism in the gas extraction region.

Abstract

In January 2018, the second heaviest earthquake induced by gas extraction led to a surge of protests in Groningen, where the nearly 30 percent of the population is affected by mining damage. In this resource conflict, local resistance has been an important drive for change. The aim of this research was to gain insight in the process of solidarity forming in the gas extraction area of Groningen, The Netherlands. Furthermore, gaining insight in local understandings and experiences of the issues are necessary to understand why this process is successful or unsuccessful. This research, based on three months of qualitative fieldwork, shows that the consequences of the gas extraction are a divided population in which people experience constant uncertainty and a sense of mistrust. Furthermore, different understandings of the problem further complicate collective action. Despite that, small solidarity groups form and fight against the large-scale social and environmental injustice taking place. A shared feeling of place-attachment contributes to the unity of such local groups.