Blue decarbonization: Exploring the marine frontiers of green energy transition

Keywords: green transition, blue economy, blue growth, ocean, offshore oil and gas, wind power, deep-sea mining, conflicts, political ecology
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 08:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 09:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 47

Abstract

As the climate crisis accelerates decarbonization initiatives, new frontiers are being opened up in maritime spaces for 'green energy' purposes. Focusing on de/recarbonization landscapes bridging the ‘blue economy’ and ‘green energy’ transitions, this paper critically analyze the enrolment of marine spaces through putative decarbonization imperatives and the resulting destruction of socionatural landscapes. Following an exploration of the tensions between decarbonization claims and the socio-environmental impacts of the electrification of offshore oil fields, offshore marine wind power, and deep-sea mining ventures. Contrasting the narratives and technologies of ‘blue decarbonization’ with the rationales and registers of resistance to de/recarbonization marine projects, this paper probes the tensions around ocean-based energy decarbonization pathways and advances a socio-environmental justice agenda opposing the carbon-justified commodification and destruction of marine ecosystems and communities.