The invisible movement: the response of the Newfoundland environmental movement to the offshore oil industry

Fusco, Leah (2007) The invisible movement: the response of the Newfoundland environmental movement to the offshore oil industry. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The aim of this research is to explain how the environmental movement in Newfoundland has responded to the offshore oil industry in this province. It is based on the observation that while environmental groups in other parts of the country have undertaken issues regarding the environmental impacts of the offshore oil industry, groups in Newfoundland, for the most part, have not. In order to explore what factors have contributed to such a response, or lack of response, this research used theories of frames, political opportunities, and resource mobilization. Thirty-seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of environmental groups, government, industry, and the private sector, as well as unaffiliated individuals. These interviews provided information about the key factors that contributed to or hindered action against the offshore oil industry. The main findings suggest that resources, opportunities, and frames all played a part in whether action took place and if so, in what form. Both resources and opportunities were important for groups to act, as were their perceptions about these resources and opportunities, i.e. the likelihood that using them would lead to change.

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