A Thematic Review on Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts in Onshore Projects

Abstract

The growth of petroleum production from onshore fields has generated both positive and negative impacts on local communities. As these projects expand, they also exert environmental pressures due to hazardous operational activities, alongside economic interests that shape organisational decision-making. To ensure that decisionmaking addresses the most relevant issues, it is essential to understand the gaps between economic and environmental considerations that influence social values. This paper aims to identify potential risks that act as critical factors across three primary value domains: Economic, Environmental, and Social. A thematic review was conducted using literature sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and Emerald databases, and analysed using ATLAS.ti 8 with established exclusion and filtering criteria. The findings first outline economic and environmental values in relation to the risks identified, followed by an examination of how these risks shape
social values. The paper then proposes prevention and mitigation strategies centred on the needs of local communities. A clearer understanding of these three value domains and their interactions equips decision-makers with a more comprehensive basis for action, supporting smoother project implementation, achievement of objectives, and increased stakeholder satisfaction. Early risk recognition is further highlighted as essential to managing project triple constraints and ensuring overall project success.