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Shale Gas
Article

Shale Gas

Rich rewards and tough regulations could sway doubters

GIS, 2012

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Well Structured
  • For Beginners

Recommendation

The debate over hydro-fracking gained momentum after the 2010 release of the movie Gasland, an exposé of the environmental hazards of fracking. According to Frank Umbach, a consultant on international energy security and security policies, original studies supported the views of the film. However, recent research casts doubt on the earlier findings, and many independent experts are quick to point out the economic and environmental advantages of extracting natural gas. For those interested in learning more about the pros and cons of shale gas extraction, getAbstract suggests this timely, brief article, although the arguments presented are biased.

Summary

New research addresses some concerns about fracking, a technique to extract natural gas from shale. Certain countries, including Germany, France and the Czech Republic, suspended use of fracking due to uncertainty about its safety. Using shale gas could greatly reduce a country’s dependence on imported fuel. However, nations first must resolve concerns over potential environmental problems, including water contamination, increased carbon footprint and fracking-caused tremors.

In EU countries and in some US states, government regulations require companies that extract...

About the Author

Dr. Frank Umbach a senior associate and head of the International Energy Security program at the Centre for European Security Strategies.


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