On 6 July, SAS team members Aileen Jackson and Rachel Connor gave an interview to an independent researcher who is undertaking academic research into the the social, environmental and political impacts of renewable energy projects on areas, communities and people located near renewable energy sites. This work is for a forthcoming academic publication for De Gruyter.
The anticipated duration of the interview was 30-60 mins but it last 2 hrs 15 mins as Aileen and Rachel had a lot to say! The interview was recorded and a transcription will be provided at a later date. In the meantime, here is a list of the questions asked.
Aileen Jackson and Rachel Connor – (Scotland Against Spin)
Interview questions
Organisation
Question 1
Could you discuss the work of your organisation and its campaign goals?
Protest and Campaign Activities
Question 2
Can you discuss what type(s) of protest activity or strategy has your organisations has engaged in, in its opposition campaign to this wind turbine project?
Question 3
Critics claim that organisations like yours are simply engaged in NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard)? How do you respond to such claims?
Networking
Question 4
Has your campaign linked in with other similar campaigns at a local, regional, national or international level?
Renewable Energy
Question 5
Critics of local actions groups who campaign against wind energy such as yours would suggest that the wider importance of these wind energy projects needs to be taken into consideration, that these projects should be considered for their national importance vs their localised impacts. How do you respond to such claims?
Wind Energy Company
Question 6
What has been the reaction from the wind energy companies to your campaign and concerns?
Question 7
Do you view the wind energy company as an environmentally responsible corporate citizen?
Government
Question 8
What has been the reaction from the government to your campaign?
Question 9
What do you think is the relationship between the company and the state?
Question 10
Do you feel the government’s decision making process or development plans have your communities best interests?
Land & Environment
Question 11
What are the projected environmental impacts from these wind energy projects?
Frontline Community
Question 12
Is there any local resistance to your campaigns within the community? If so, why do you think this exists?
Degrowth
Question 13
Some people suggest that we need to radically dematerialise our society, to radically reduce our consumption of energy and materials to mitigate against climate change. That we cannot continue to extract, consume or produce on a finite planet. What would be your thoughts on these ideas?
Final Question
Question 14
What policies and practices do you think are required to ensure communities are key drivers in developing policies for a renewable energy future that tackles climate change and improves societal well being?
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