Synopses & Reviews
The decision by multinational Shell not to dispose of the Brent Spar oil facility in the North Atlantic was taken after several occupations of the structure by Greenpeace, and as a result of large scale pro-Greenpeace protest in the UK, Germany and other countries. This case is often cited to show the power of single-issue groups to force big business to rethink the importance of environmental issues. However, research shows Shell changed its mind on the Brent Spar issue because of the corporate structure of the company and reluctance to bear the bad publicity. Grant Jordan considers the role of scientific advice in shaping governmental decisions on matters such as BSE, genetically modified foods, and global warming.
Synopsis
Preface Introduction: the Brent Spar Background Three Styles of Decision-making De-commissioning Decisions: Unsuccessful Consultation? The Battle to Define the Problem Direct Action and Indirect Consequences Science and Decision-making The Spar and OSPAR: Linking the Decisions General Conclusions The Implications for Democracy: Single Issue Politics versus Corporate Power Index
About the Author
Grant Jordan is Professor of Politics, University of Aberdeen.
Table of Contents
Introduction * Three Styles of Decision-making: Elections, Group Conflict, Group/Governmental Consultation * De-commissioning Decisions: Unsuccessful Consultation? * Direct Action on the Brent Spar: The Battle to Define the Problem * Greenpeace's "Lies"? * Science and Decision-making: Let the Experts Decide? * The Spar and Ospar: Linking the Decisions * General Conclusions * The Implications for Democracy: Single Issue Politics versus Corporate Power Introduction * Three Styles of Decision-making: Elections, Group Conflict, Group/Governmental Consultation * De-commissioning Decisions: Unsuccessful Consultation? * Direct Action on the Brent Spar: The Battle to Define the Problem * Greenpeace's "Lies"? * Science and Decision-making: Let the Experts Decide? * The Spar and Ospar: Linking the Decisions * General Conclusions * The Implications for Democracy: Single Issue Politics versus Corporate Power