Engines, Sentinels and Objects: Animals as the Ghosts in Energy Development

• In Event: 374 - Regular Session. Human-Animal Interaction

Abstract

Throughout human history, energy security has been a prominent concern. Before large-scale operations, animals were often used as energy “providers” and as companions in mining operations. While animals are seldom used for these purposes today (at least not in the Western World), this legacy of “use” has far reaching consequences for how we think about the impacts of energy development on domestic animals and wildlife. I will answer three key questions: Where do animals fit in energy development, historically and today? Why should we consider animals in energy production? What research needs to be done to address the place of animals in energy development? And, what policies and practices need to be developed to speak to a coupled human and natural systems framework that addresses the needs of all actors, both human and non-human? Specifically, I explore the history and significance of animals: 1) as energy providers; 2) as sentinels; and 3) as bearers of significant impacts from energy development. In the last section I specifically address the impact of conventional development (traditional drilling and mining practices); green energy development (solar, wind, etc.); and unconventional energy development (horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing) for animal populations. For each sector I discuss research on the impacts to animals (wild and domestic), cross-species importance, and what policies and practices have been implemented or should be instituted to address real and perceived issues.

Author

• Cameron Thomas Whitley, Michigan State University