Petrochemical transition narratives: Selling fossil fuel solutions in a decarbonizing world

Tilsted, J. P., Mah, A. , Nielson, T. D., Finkill, G. and Bauer, F. (2022) Petrochemical transition narratives: Selling fossil fuel solutions in a decarbonizing world. Energy Research and Social Science, 94, 102800. (doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2022.102880)

Abstract

Being integral to the fossil-based energy order and as a key driver of multiple and intersecting ecological crises, the petrochemical industry faces increasing pressures to transform. This paper examines how major petro- chemical companies navigate these pressures. Drawing from literatures on discursive power, narratives, and neoGramscian political economy, we introduce the concept of narrative realignment as a nuanced iteration of corporate discursive power that reframes problems of and solutions to green transitions. Specifically, we identify and explore common transition-related narratives, analysing climate and sustainability communications from the largest producers in the petrochemical sector. We argue that these strategic narratives portray the petrochemical industry as key to a successful transition and fend off criticisms by reducing them to misunderstandings. This framing works to reduce pressures for deep mitigation while repositioning the industry as part of the solution. Building on these findings, we demonstrate how petrochemical transition narratives relate to but also diverge from the position of fossil fuel extractors. Despite relying on fossil feedstock and being solidly placed in the fossil economy, petrochemical majors increasingly focus on repositioning themselves proactively as transition en- ablers. The argument illustrates the work of downstream actors to legitimize the existing energy order.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The research was supported by funding from the V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation and the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (Mistra) through the "STEPS – Sustainable Plastics and Transition Pathways" programme.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mah, Professor Alice

Creator Roles

Mah, A.: Conceptualization, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Tilsted, J. P., Mah, A., Nielson, T. D., Finkill, G., and Bauer, F.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Journal Name: Energy Research and Social Science
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 2214-6326
• ISSN (Online): 2214-6296
• Published Online: 19 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Energy Research and Social Science 94:102800
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
		STEPS – Sustainable Plastics and Transition Pathways		V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation and the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (Mistra)	UNSPECIFIED