Fractions in a coal dependent region: how business people in the Hunter are responding to climate change

This study explores the responses of business and industry to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme through interviews with representatives of a number of stakeholder industries in the Hunter Region. Situating climate change as a mega-hazard (Beck 1995b: 1), it examines the formation of fractions amongst the business community in the Region. It finds that support for the CPRS can almost be mapped along a continuum in relation to occupational proximity to carbon intensive industries. It argues, however, that this is not simply a case of economic determinism – participants’ values and attitudes are likely to be shaped by knowledge gained in their occupational positions. It concludes with some remarks on the relevance of the study for those who hope to prevent dangerous climate change.