In France, the development of modern wind turbines is concentrated in two (formerly) industrial regions, Hauts-de-France and Grand Est, and more specifically in rural areas far from large cities and marked by an overrepresentation of the working classes (workers and employees). However, these two regions remain little investigated by academic research, unlike others that are more touristic or have a demographic revival due to the various amenities they provide (Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions, Atlantic coasts). Moreover, the multiple ways in which the working classes perceive these projects and mobilize themselves remain largely unknown. Based on a survey by interview and direct observation in the departments of the Ardennes, the Meuse, the Haute-Marne and the Vosges, this communication proposes to investigate the environmental and landscape commitments of the popular-rural classes. These are clearly distinguished from traditional environmental actors by the defense of “ordinary landscapes”, common species and localized socio-ecological relationships. The importance of health, economic and real estate issues is another aspect of these disputes which is better understood in the light of the social positions of the actors involved (working conditions, residential trajectory, centrality of the home, uses of space, etc). Ultimately, by carefully examining these protesting popular ecologies, this approach by social classes renews the understanding of the conflicts surrounding “energy transition” infrastructures and questions the social dimension of energy-climate policies, burning at the start of the 21st century.

Jimmy Grimault, Mark Bailoni
Université de Lorraine (France)

 
ID Abstract: 354