Analysis of Environmental Conflicts and their Impacts: A case study of Oil and Gas Refining in Africa

Abstract

Energy demand has been rapidly increasing over time and this has led to an increase in energy production. Subsequently, the increase in energy production has led to a rise in exploitation and refining operations of oil and gas. The increase in economic growth and energy production has been contributing to adverse environmental issues especially when they are not done sustainably as seen in many developing countries which eventually lead to conflicts among stakeholders involved. Environmental conflicts from oil and gas refining in Africa has led to various environmental impacts such as pollution (water, air, and noise), oil spillage, soil contamination and fire outbreaks because of poor management practices. By obtaining data from the Environmental Justice Atlas, political ecology as a theoretical approach and resource curse as a concept, the study aims at understanding the impacts of various stakeholders that are involved in oil and gas refining in major oil-producing countries in Africa, environmental impacts of oil and gas refining in Africa and how their activities have led to environmental conflicts. Results of findings revealed the importance of good governance by stakeholders to ensure sustainable oil and gas refining activities in Africa and help to highlight solutions to environmental challenges from oil and gas refining. It also suggests measures that can be employed to achieve environmental justice and ensure effective energy governance in Africa.