In the UK, particularly, the concept and process of Fracking (Hydraulic Fracturing) is presently, very much in the news, with activists and local residents (of affected areas) telling the frackers to sling their hook! (Old Naval expression, meaning to go somewhere else!).
Firstly, what actually is "Fracking"?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fracking
OK: naturally, the proponents of Fracking insist it is wholly safe, environmentally friendly and has no major hazards to man nor beast.
Hmmm. Well, they would, really, wouldn't they, since they are oil and gas companies, who are not noted for either their milk of human kindness or environmental concerns.
Nope Sirree! They are, naturally, noted for their venality and greed.
So, does fracking pose problems for humankind (and animals and wildlife, generally) and more particularly, people living in the immediate vicinity?
Clearly#1: The Western World is addicted to over-consumption of energy: whatever the source.
Clearly#2: The most abundant source since circa the early 1800s, has been naturally occurring hydro-carbons: Crude Oil, Natural and Petroleum Gas and Coal and Coal family products, such as Anthracite, Tar, Bitumen etc.
Clearly#3: The World is rapidly running out of these once abundant resources.
Question#1: What are the REAL downsides, environmentally?
Question#2:Are the protestors merely trying to selfishly protect their backyards and locale and suffering from NIMBY Syndrome? (NIMBY: = Not In My Back Yard).
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...h-8774189.html
(N.B. It has to be realised, unlike, say, Canada, the UK is an over-populated and small island and potential downside impacts are likely to affect many people living in close proximity.)
A resource to get started:
http://scienceblogs.com/significantf...s-groundwater/
http://www.pacinst.org/publication/h...m-the-fiction/
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/u...ment/p1/a27935
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=cr#...ed+by+fracking
Firstly, what actually is "Fracking"?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fracking
OK: naturally, the proponents of Fracking insist it is wholly safe, environmentally friendly and has no major hazards to man nor beast.
Hmmm. Well, they would, really, wouldn't they, since they are oil and gas companies, who are not noted for either their milk of human kindness or environmental concerns.
Nope Sirree! They are, naturally, noted for their venality and greed.
So, does fracking pose problems for humankind (and animals and wildlife, generally) and more particularly, people living in the immediate vicinity?
Clearly#1: The Western World is addicted to over-consumption of energy: whatever the source.
Clearly#2: The most abundant source since circa the early 1800s, has been naturally occurring hydro-carbons: Crude Oil, Natural and Petroleum Gas and Coal and Coal family products, such as Anthracite, Tar, Bitumen etc.
Clearly#3: The World is rapidly running out of these once abundant resources.
Question#1: What are the REAL downsides, environmentally?
Question#2:Are the protestors merely trying to selfishly protect their backyards and locale and suffering from NIMBY Syndrome? (NIMBY: = Not In My Back Yard).
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...h-8774189.html
(N.B. It has to be realised, unlike, say, Canada, the UK is an over-populated and small island and potential downside impacts are likely to affect many people living in close proximity.)
A resource to get started:
http://scienceblogs.com/significantf...s-groundwater/
http://www.pacinst.org/publication/h...m-the-fiction/
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/u...ment/p1/a27935
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=cr#...ed+by+fracking
