Fracking, Impact on Food and Water

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a form of unconventional gas drilling. The use of the technique has been expanding in recent years. Considered an “unconventional resource,” and also sometimes called “extreme energy,” shale gas is thought to be abundant in North America, China, Australia, India, the European Union, Algeria, and [Page 664]Indonesia. As of March 2013, North America remained the sole region where large-scale production is under way. Little research has been conducted regarding the safety and long-term effects of fracking, and concerns have been raised over possible contamination of the water and food supply as a result of the shale gas extraction process.

Accidents and serious risks to the public, such as earthquakes and water and livestock contamination, have been reported as shale gas production ...