Social Licence and the Energy Transition

As more governments, companies and individuals scan the globe for access to minerals, power, timber, food and water, pressure on places and communities grow. Conflict over environments, resources and landscapes are now a feature of contemporary life. Increasingly, these conflicts are articulated, negotiated and potentially resolved across national boundaries and complex networks of media and communications, and involve multi-national corporations and political movements. In the context of intensifying pressure for resource access, market opportunities and changing media practices in Australia and the Asian region, it is crucial to understand how competing claims are made and communicated, and how this influences public debate, policy, community wellbeing and market viability.

Our impact to date

MCCCRH Director Libby Lester has researched and published on social licence extensively in Australia and across Asia, investigating industries that include forestry, dairy, fish farming, mining and energy. This work has been supported by the Australian Research Council since 2010, and she presents findings to communities, science organisations and companies seeking to understand the origins and logics of social and political conflict over landscapes and resources.

Future focus

We are providing evidence-based analysis of conflicts over the energy transition as they emerge and develop in the Australian-Asian region.