The Environmental and Economic Implications of Fracking

Introduction

Hydraulic fracturing popularly known as fracking has become an important technique for oil and natural gas extraction from under ground level. Proponents argue, however, that hydraulic fracturing is economic growth and energy independence while the opponents point out its possible environmental dangers and human health risks. This paper seeks to critically assess the practice of fracking with reference to its effects on environment as well as economy in order to show that its disadvantages are greater than its advantages.

Environmental Impact

One of the most significant arguments against fracking concerns its adverse impact on the environment.

Fracking is a method that entails injecting high-pressure liquid into underground rock formations to obtain trapped hydrocarbons. A process that covers large bodies of water and sometimes leads to depletion of local water resources. Moreover, the fluids used in fracking comprise water, sand and numerous chemicals that may be poisonous. Some of these substances could seep into underground waters thus posing great danger to drinking water supplies. For instance, as per an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), drinking water was contaminated in some states because of fracking operations which have raised alertness about the long-term implications of this practice.

Public Health Concerns

Equally troubling are the ramifications of fracking on public health. Neighborhoods residing close by to fracking locations have brought forth rising cases of respiratory problems, headaches and other health complications. During fracking; Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) get liberated causing air pollution that aggravates asthma and various other respiratory illnesses. In addition noise from heavy machinery used during fracking operations disrupts these neighborhoods affecting their dwellers’ well-being. Also, there is a chance that this technique could cause induced seismic action or ‘frackquakes’ dangerous for public safety. Studies show that deep well injection of waste water from hydraulic fracturing induces minor earthquakes which though small may still lead to infrastructure damages as well as panic among people.

Economic Considerations

Fracking is famed for its boom-and-bust cycle and brings instability to regions that depend on it, as reflected in this passage. The proponents of fracking assume that it generates high revenues, lowers power prices and saves on foreign crude oil. But these economic benefits come with numerous disadvantages. At times when crude oil prices drop, communities that have invested significantly in gas and oil production may face economic challenges due to the higher costs they incur. Similarly, some expenses incurred by government as they try to stop damages wrought by drilling activities could outweigh any gains made from such actions. Hidden costs associated with Fracking such as clean-up activities done afterwards, medical bills among affected individuals and depreciation of land close to extraction sites can all be blamed for the controversies surrounding this industry.

Sustainable Alternatives

Taking into account the numerous disadvantages of fracking, we must explore sustainable options to meet our energy requirements. Alternative sources of renewable energy like wind, solar power and geothermal are viable alternatives which avoid environmentally hazardous fracking diseases among others. Investing in renewable energy infrastructures not only brings economic benefits in the long run but also promotes more sustainable and reliable energy systems. Additionally, improvements in energy efficiency can lower total energy use, which decreases the need for new energy sources and diminishes the impact on the environment from producing any form of electricity at all.

Conclusion

But then again, though fracking has indeed aided economic growth and energy production, its attendant environmental and public health hazards are too great to be disregarded. There is a need for extra carefulness when considering how to extract energy since this process can lead to depletion of water resources, pollution of drinking water, air pollution and even induced seismicity. Besides, the associated economic volatility in the fracking sector undermines whatever benefits that may accrue from fracking through hidden costs such as environmental degradation or health problems. Thus moving forward it is vital that we channel our investment into renewable sources of energy which are non-harmful and more constant paths toward energy independence than other sources do. Our future well-being is predicated on prudent choices on the sort of energies we employ as these will determine our long-term survival both in terms of ecological balance and good health.

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