Public risk perceptions of shale gas development: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Shale gas has been described as a game changer due to its potential role in addressing global climate change, protecting national security, and revitalizing local economies. However, the extraction of shale gas can result in negative impacts that may influence public discourse and decisions about its development. This study presents a comprehensive review of the risks posed by shale gas development as perceived by the public, the factors affecting these risk perceptions, and the influence of these risk perceptions on public attitudes and behaviors in response to shale gas development, based on a review of 132 peer-reviewed articles published between 2009 and 2021. On balance, perceived risks of shale gas development span several domains, including general, environmental, social, economic, health, and safety risks. The level of public concern about these risks varies greatly. Risk perceptions were found to be associated with contextual factors, such as the stage of shale gas development, and individual-level factors, such as age, gender, and personal experience. Risk perceptions were also a strong predictor of public support for/opposition to shale gas development across studies. Further research is needed to understand the nuances in public risk perceptions in different geographical contexts and to explore the influence of risk perceptions on a variety of downstream outcomes such as protective behaviors or policy support.