CARBON: USA fracking

Question 1

what are the social costs and benefits of the development of USA fracking?

Answer 1

costs

• pollution and depletion of groundwater supplies
• reports of ‘fraccidents’, such as mysterious animal deaths and industrial explosions
• many drill sites are needed because the gas is dispersed, causing wider environmental degradation

benefits

• increase energy security, in 2000 fracking provided 1% of gas supply but in 2015 nearly 25% of gas supply
• USA has increased influence on global oil price

Question 2

what are the implications for the carbon cycle of the development USA fracking?

Answer 2

Greater use of unconventional fossil fuel reserves increases the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The carbon footprint of shale gas (from fracking) is half that of coal and lower than liquefied natural gas.

Question 3

what are the consequences for the resilience of fragile environments of the development of USA fracking?

Answer 3

Fracking produces airborne pollutants which decrease the air quality of the local area and contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Pollution and depletion of groundwater supplies.

Risk of tremors and groundwater subsidence from altering the rock underground.