Examining the evidence
Authors: Gwen Harrison, Stuart Parkinson and Gary McFarlane
Published: July 2014
Pages: 16
Price (for printed copy): £2.50 (£1.50 to SGR members)
Publishers: Scientists for Global Responsibility and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
This report reviews current evidence across a number of issues associated with shale gas extraction by hydraulic fracturing (fracking). These include environmental and public health aspects, and socio-economic considerations.
Importantly, the report is an independent assessment which draws heavily on academic research. It highlights:
- major shortcomings in regulatory oversight regarding local environmental and public health risks.
- the large potential for UK shale gas exploitation to undermine national and international efforts to tackle climate change.
- the water-intensive nature of the fracking process which could cause water shortages in many areas.
- the complete lack of evidence behind claims that shale gas exploitation will bring down UK energy bills, and concerns that it will impact negatively on UK energy security.
