Gas Gospels: Un/Sustainable Development and Environmental Risk in Mozambique

This project proposes a research agenda concerning the intersection of sustainable development strategies vis-à-vis economic growth, offering an in-depth empirical study of the issue of environmental sustainability and the challenges motivated by extractive industry in Mozambique.

In recent years, Mozambique has experienced several climate related environmental disasters, including the dramatic cyclone flooding in the central and northern regions of the country.

In response, the government set up a Post Cyclone Idai and Kenneth Reconstruction Office to oversee reconstruction in areas affected by the two powerful cyclones.But, having recently adopted the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals, Mozambique is identified as an emerging economy, with high potential in what concerns extractivist industry, in particular liquefied natural gas and hydrocarbons.

In this project we will explore how these opposing movements and strategies are being perceived and addressed at the local level, studying how different stakeholders (governmental, aid and development agencies, activist and civic mobilizations) are participating in the discussion.

We will conduct on-site case studies in regions of the country (Center, North) where the intersection of environmental disaster and extractivist project are most visible.