Paper long abstract:

Field research in population points close to oil fields managed by CNPC in Kazakhstan has shown that local residents are suffering from numerous environmental and social problems. Local residents to not have access to any information about the state of the environment or about environmental or social conditions related to the field. Local authorities and CNPC fail to provide it to them and this lack of transparency is the chief negative factor related to the activities of Chinese oil and gas companies in Kazakhstan. In comparison, western oil companies appear to be positive examples of social and environmental responsibility, although in reality, their engagement is also problematic. This paper will focus on these issues, providing information from site visits, engagement with local communities, and on the ground analysis.