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Women linked to fall in support for UK shale gas extraction Women linked to fall in support for UK shale gas extraction
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Support for extracting shale gas in the UK has fallen to its lowest level as women find out more about the controversial process, according to a long-running survey.Support for extracting shale gas in the UK has fallen to its lowest level as women find out more about the controversial process, according to a long-running survey.
The University of Nottingham and YouGov polling comes as the government promises to fast track bids and with North Yorkshire council poised to make a decision on a fracking application next month.The University of Nottingham and YouGov polling comes as the government promises to fast track bids and with North Yorkshire council poised to make a decision on a fracking application next month.
Related: Anti-fracking Nanas: 'The government is all out for shale – we're all out to stop it'
The percentage of those in favour of allowing extraction in the UK was at 46.5% in September, weeks after the energy secretary, Amber Rudd, told local authorities to stop delaying decisions on exploratory fracking. In June 2012, when the question was first asked, 52.6% were in favour.The percentage of those in favour of allowing extraction in the UK was at 46.5% in September, weeks after the energy secretary, Amber Rudd, told local authorities to stop delaying decisions on exploratory fracking. In June 2012, when the question was first asked, 52.6% were in favour.
Opposition has hardened too, with 36.1% now against allowing the extraction of shale gas by pumping high volumes of water underwater with sand and chemicals to fracture rock and releasing gas trapped within.Opposition has hardened too, with 36.1% now against allowing the extraction of shale gas by pumping high volumes of water underwater with sand and chemicals to fracture rock and releasing gas trapped within.
But there is a sharp gender divide, with 31.5% of women in favour of extraction versus 58% of men.But there is a sharp gender divide, with 31.5% of women in favour of extraction versus 58% of men.
“Men are still very largely in favour, by and large. It [men’s support] has been slightly higher in the past but hasn’t taken much of a knocking. This whole change has been driven by the way women are perceiving shale gas,” said Sarah O’Hara, pro vice-chancellor and professor of geography at the University of Nottingham.“Men are still very largely in favour, by and large. It [men’s support] has been slightly higher in the past but hasn’t taken much of a knocking. This whole change has been driven by the way women are perceiving shale gas,” said Sarah O’Hara, pro vice-chancellor and professor of geography at the University of Nottingham.
The survey found 48% of people associating shale gas with water contamination, the highest percentage so far. Water companies say that while there are potential risks to water and wastewater services from shale exploration, these can be managed.The survey found 48% of people associating shale gas with water contamination, the highest percentage so far. Water companies say that while there are potential risks to water and wastewater services from shale exploration, these can be managed.
O’Hara said the fears over water contamination explained the gender split. “I think it’s to do with the environmental impacts, and the real concern about the potential contamination of water. This really has resonance with women.”O’Hara said the fears over water contamination explained the gender split. “I think it’s to do with the environmental impacts, and the real concern about the potential contamination of water. This really has resonance with women.”
Three quarters of people correctly identified shale gas from a list of real and imaginary fossil fuels, showing the issue was “deep inside people’s thought processes,” Prof O’Hara said.Three quarters of people correctly identified shale gas from a list of real and imaginary fossil fuels, showing the issue was “deep inside people’s thought processes,” Prof O’Hara said.
But most people still think shale gas will bring economic benefits to the UK, with just under 61% saying it would be a benefit versus just under 20% who did not.But most people still think shale gas will bring economic benefits to the UK, with just under 61% saying it would be a benefit versus just under 20% who did not.
Numerous surveys have shown much higher support for renewable energy such as solar and wind – at around two-thirds of the British public or more – than shale gas. The government has announced a series of cuts to wind and solar subsidies since being elected in May.Numerous surveys have shown much higher support for renewable energy such as solar and wind – at around two-thirds of the British public or more – than shale gas. The government has announced a series of cuts to wind and solar subsidies since being elected in May.
David Cameron has said he is “going out all out for shale” and Rudd has promised “to deliver shale”, despite setbacks such as Lancashire council rejecting a fracking application in June on noise and visual grounds. The company involved, Cuadrilla, is appealing the decision.David Cameron has said he is “going out all out for shale” and Rudd has promised “to deliver shale”, despite setbacks such as Lancashire council rejecting a fracking application in June on noise and visual grounds. The company involved, Cuadrilla, is appealing the decision.
Last week a district council in North Yorkshire voted for a five-year ban on fracking for shale gas although it does not have powers to decide on a recent fracking application in the area – that is expected to be made by the county council by mid-November.Last week a district council in North Yorkshire voted for a five-year ban on fracking for shale gas although it does not have powers to decide on a recent fracking application in the area – that is expected to be made by the county council by mid-November.
Some 6,742 people took part in the latest survey, which was conducted by YouGov for the University of Nottingham.Some 6,742 people took part in the latest survey, which was conducted by YouGov for the University of Nottingham.