I interviewed Richard, an expert in the field of fracking and a professor of environmental law.
Question 1:
Why do companies engage in fracking?
Answer 1:
Essentially it’s all about profit. Natural gas is a very profitable resource. Big natural gas companies can afford to go to relatively poor communities, buy cheap land at a slight premium, and turn a huge profit.
Question 2:
What are the key issues when it comes to fracking?
Answer 2:
Well there are several. First and foremost is water usage. Fracking uses incredible amounts of water. In areas like Texas, where water is more scarce, it puts a strain on the whole water system. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being put towards researching the issue of water in Texas and fracking and oil drilling account for almost half of the water usage that research is attempting to solve. Second is leaks. Leaking methane is horrible for the environment and is a major contributor to global climate change. There are others as well like ground water pollution, emissions due to transportation, habitat loss from development and infrastructure. The list really goes on.
Question 3:
Why did we start fracking to begin with?
Answer 3:
Putting profit aside, natural gas was original seen as a potential bridge fuel between non-renewable and renewable energy. It burns relatively cleanly with minimal emissions. The main issue is that these pockets of natural gas, shales, are hidden deep underground in rock formations. You essentially need to blast them apart to even get to the gas. Fracking was the most effective method, but it comes at an unsustainable cost to both the local and global environments.
Question 4:
Do you think a ban on fracking would ever be possible?
Answer 4:
I think the transition away from fossil fuels is inevitable, but in the short term? Not likely. There’s too much money in the oil and gas industry and millions of people rely on jobs in those industries.