Shale Gas – Ecologically and Economically Unsustainable
Shale gas is
booming in the US and Canada and according to some sources is bound to become to most important source of primary
energy. There are however some real concerns, concerning both its ecological and economical viability. Behind the overly optimistic assumptions, some insiders reveal worrying figures about rapidly falling
production in many wells and claim inefficient investment decisions in what is essentially another high-
risk bubble for investors.. And the most serious problems could still emerge. Contrary to claims by the industry, there has been at least one case where water sources have been severely tainted. Many other cases cannot be studies by independent researchers because the industry has sealed all details from the public when it bought off landowner in the settlement of
lawsuits.
Noteworthy! As long as the industry hides details about chemical used as well as of the issues in numerous lawsuits, one can just speculate about the reasons for this strategy. I think it is perfectly logic to assume that if there was nothing behind environmental concerns, the industry could easily be transparent about all this and instantly stop criticism. Given the environmental record of the industry, there is definitely a huge public interest in tightly controlling oil and gas production. The question is just for what interests do our politicians stand for: for the oil industry or for the people? Everybody has to answer that question and to act / vote accordingly.
Sources: Economist, Courrier International
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