The Controversy of Fracking: Risks and Impacts - StoryTime

fracking or hydraulic fracturing is a method used to extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations especially Shale the process involves drilling a well and injecting a high pressure mixture of water sand and chemicals to create fractures in the Rock allowing the trapped oil or gas to flow to the surface # environmental and health concerns fracking has sparked controversy due to its potential environmental and health impacts one major concern is water contamination the chemicals used in fracking can potentially leak into groundwater supplies polluting drinking water sources Additionally the process requires large amounts of water which can deplete local Water Supplies especially in drought prone areas the use of toxic chemicals in the fracking fluid raises further concerns if these chemicals leak into the environment they can pose risk to human and animal health moreover the disposal of Wastewater from fracking can lead to increased seismic activity causing minor earthquakes # #h a pollution and climate impact fracking also contributes to air pollution operations can release harmful pollutants including volatile organic compounds voc's and methane a potent greenhouse gas methane leaks during fracking are particularly concerning because methane is far more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide exacerbating climate change community and biodiversity effects the process can significantly impact local communities increasing industrial activity noise and traffic in Rural and Suburban areas disrupting residents quality of life the infrastructure required for fracking such as roads and pipelines can also fragment habitats harming wildlife and biodiversity accidents such as chemical spills pose additional risks to ecosystems # conclusion while fracking has been credited with boosting the economy increasing energy Independence and providing a cheaper energy source the Environmental Health and Social costs have made it a highly controversial practice the potential for water contamination air pollution increased seismic activity and its contribution to climate change have led many to argue that the risks outweigh the benefits this has resulted in calls for stricter regulations or a transition towards renewable energy sources [Music]