Environmental Histories and Futures of the North-East

The North-East has played a pivotal role in the formation of the British energy economy, from its long mining history to its contemporary role in the green energy transition. The goal of this project is to reflect on the North-East’s environmental heritage and future from 1850 to 2050, tracing the legacies of key energy transitions in the region. The project will take a socio-ecological approach to the question, looking especially to the ways that energy economies have shaped livelihoods and wellbeing of communities in the North-East, and conversely how the interests and cultural practices of the area’s residents have shaped its environments. The project will integrate issues of environmental justice, economic inequality, and environmental health in the region during this period.

Environmental Histories and Futures of the North-East is led by Dr Emily Webster(Durham University), Dr Simona Capisani (Durham University), Dr Coreen McGuire (Durham University) and Dr Jessi Lehman (Durham University).