New shale gas estimates send shockwaves through the north of England3 July 2013
There could be a lot more UK shale gas than we expected - says new report. But shale gas extraction is a false solution warns Friends of the Earth.
The British Geological Survey estimates there could be 1,300 trillion cubic feet of shale gas extending under Blackpool to Scarborough and down to Loughborough.
Maybe only 10% of this gas will be recoverable. But media reports say there's enough to provide the UK with gas for at least 40 years.
Water contamination
Fracking involves drilling thousands of metres below the Earth's surface to release shale gas from rock formations.
There are links between fracking - and water contamination and air pollution - in the US, Canada and Australia. The United Nations Environment Program has said that "fracking may result in unavoidable environmental impacts, even if [unconventional gas] is extracted properly".
Clean energy and efficiency, not fossil fuels
Friends of the Earth has warned that the Government's shale gas fixation is an unsustainable solution to the UK's energy challenges.
Exploiting shale gas reserves through fracking:
- Increases our dependency on fossil fuels.
- Is unlikely to reduce high energy bills.
Not just northern England under threat
Drilling companies are also eyeing up the South East, and could be coming to other areas soon.
Commenting on new shale gas estimates, Friends of the Earth Energy Campaigner Tony Bosworth said:
We need a 21st century energy revolution based on efficiency and renewables, not more fossil fuels that will add to climate change.
Don't let the fracking industry have an easy ride - link up with a local campaign group and stop your area being fracked.
© JustinWoolford
