This BBC Horizon documentary presented by Britains favourite geologist, Dr Iain Stewart, is a great place to start for the fracking novice. This is a thought provoking and well shot piece that explores the recent fracking boom, particularly concentrating on Southern USA.
Stewart eloquently describes the complex interplay of geology, politics and economics that confound the fracking debate. I have begun to realise that there is no simple answer to the obvious question- 'Should fracking be taking place?'
The economic gains are in fact undeniable. The shale formations in the USA are believed to contain more natural gas than there is oil in Saudi Arabia. In Layman's terms.... that is a lot of gas. Stewart touches upon the 'energy renaissance' in America, where this explosive new industry has led to cheap, abundant and most importantly home-grown energy. Currently, the UK imports over half of its natural gas from foreign countries including Qatar, Russia and parts of Africa. This leaves us lacking in 'energy security' and vulnerable to changes in the global market.
So, with gas prices a third cheaper in the USA than in the UK, the huge economic boost and ample employment opportunities- shouldn't Britain also get a slice of the proverbial pie?
Ultimately, this documentary will leave you with more questions about the possible consequences of fracking than answers. To touch upon a few-
Should we be investing in another carbon based energy source?
Does fracking cause ground water contamination?
Can it cause increased seismic activity?
I hope to explore these themes in the coming weeks.
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