Environmental and Energy Security Narratives around Liquefied Natural Gas in Dutch Written News Media

Abstract: Media plays an important role in shaping public perceptions of technologies around the energy transition. We analyse Dutch written media reporting around LNG from 1991 to March 2025, focussing in particular on how its environmental impact is portrayed. We also examine which experts are most cited in Dutch written news media about LNG and their affiliations.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Dutch media coverage of LNG has greatly increased, and narratives around LNG's positive impact on energy security and energy independence have grown. However, LNG as a shipping fuel has been reported on for several years prior to that. In LNG reporting in general, but particularly in reporting mentioning it as a shipping fuel, the narratives positive about its environmental impact outweigh those critical of its environmental impact. In recent years, narratives critical of LNG's environmental impact have become more prevalent. 

There are a few prominent experts who are cited in reporting on LNG much more than others. Experts from an organisation active in lobbying or public affairs are cited more than those from an environmental organisation, and experts currently or formerly affiliated with a fossil-fuel-funded think-tank are cited more than any other organisation.

Funding: This research received funding from Equal Routes. See www.equalroutes.ca