Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, our energy consumption has been on a relentless rise. Fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, have been the primary sources meeting this demand. Recently, a contentious method of extracting natural gas, known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking, has garnered significant attention.
Hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as fracking, is a technique used to extract natural gas from deep underground layers. This process involves fracturing porous rock formations using a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals to release the trapped natural gas. Although the technique has been around since the 1940s, it has only gained widespread use in the last decade, particularly in the United States. This surge, often called the “fracking boom,” is largely due to the depletion of conventional natural gas sources in both America and Europe, leading to rising fuel prices and making more complex extraction methods like fracking economically viable.
The fracking process begins with drilling a vertical shaft several hundred meters into the earth, followed by a horizontal extension into the gas-bearing rock layer. High-performance pumps then inject fracking fluid into the ground. This fluid typically consists of around 8 million liters of water, equivalent to the daily consumption of 65,000 people, along with several thousand tons of sand and approximately 200,000 liters of chemicals. The fluid creates numerous tiny fractures in the rock, with sand particles preventing these cracks from closing. The chemicals serve various functions, such as condensing water, eliminating bacteria, and dissolving minerals. Once the majority of the fracking fluid is extracted, natural gas can be recovered. After the gas source is depleted, the drill hole is sealed, and the remaining fracking fluid is often pumped back into deep underground layers.
Despite its potential benefits, fracking poses significant environmental risks, primarily the contamination of drinking water sources. The process not only consumes vast amounts of fresh water but also renders it highly toxic, making it impossible to treat in conventional water treatment plants. Although the risks are known and theoretically manageable, instances of water contamination due to negligence have already occurred in the United States. The long-term behavior of the enclosed water remains uncertain, as there are no comprehensive long-term studies available.
The chemicals used in fracking range from hazardous to extremely toxic and carcinogenic substances, such as benzene and formic acid. While companies involved in fracking do not disclose the exact chemical compositions, it is known that around 700 different chemical agents can be utilized in the process.
Another environmental concern is the release of greenhouse gases. The natural gas extracted through fracking is primarily methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Although burning natural gas is less harmful than coal, the overall negative impact of fracking on the climate is significant. The process requires substantial energy consumption, and the rapid depletion of drill holes necessitates frequent drilling. Additionally, approximately 3% of the extracted gas escapes into the atmosphere during the process.
When weighing the benefits against the drawbacks, fracking presents a short to medium-term solution for meeting energy demands at a lower cost. However, the long-term consequences remain unpredictable, and the potential risks to drinking water should not be underestimated. As the debate continues, it is crucial to carefully assess the environmental and health implications of this controversial energy extraction method.
You’ll be divided into two groups: one supporting fracking as a necessary energy extraction method and the other opposing it due to environmental concerns. You’ll research your position and present arguments, followed by a class discussion to explore the complexities of the issue.
You’ll conduct a classroom experiment simulating the fracking process using a sponge, water, and sand. You’ll observe how the mixture creates fractures in the sponge, representing rock formations, and discuss the implications of this process on the environment.
You’ll research different environmental impacts of fracking, such as water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and land use. You’ll then present your findings in a report or presentation, highlighting potential solutions to mitigate these impacts.
You’ll participate in a role-playing activity where you’ll represent various stakeholders in a community affected by fracking, such as local residents, environmentalists, government officials, and energy company representatives. You’ll conduct a mock meeting to discuss the pros and cons of allowing fracking in the area.
You’ll use online resources to explore interactive maps showing fracking sites and their proximity to water sources and communities. You’ll analyze the data to understand the geographical distribution of fracking and its potential impact on different regions.
Fracking – A method of extracting natural gas or oil from deep underground by injecting liquid at high pressure to fracture the surrounding rock. – Fracking has been a controversial topic due to its potential impact on local water supplies and seismic activity.
Natural Gas – A fossil fuel in the form of a gas, primarily composed of methane, used as a source of energy for heating, electricity generation, and as industrial feedstock. – The increased use of natural gas has been promoted as a cleaner alternative to coal for power generation.
Water – A transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, essential for all known forms of life and a critical component in environmental systems. – Protecting water resources is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting human populations.
Chemicals – Substances with distinct molecular compositions that are produced by or used in chemical processes. – The use of certain chemicals in agriculture has raised concerns about their long-term effects on soil health and water quality.
Contamination – The presence of a harmful or unwanted substance in the environment, often as a result of human activity. – Industrial waste can lead to the contamination of nearby rivers, affecting both wildlife and human communities.
Greenhouse Gases – Gases in Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. – Carbon dioxide and methane are two of the most significant greenhouse gases impacting climate change.
Energy – The capacity to do work, which can be derived from various sources such as fossil fuels, wind, solar, and nuclear power. – Transitioning to renewable energy sources is essential for reducing our carbon footprint and combating climate change.
Risks – The potential for adverse effects or outcomes resulting from a particular action or event, often assessed in environmental studies to determine the impact of human activities. – The risks associated with deforestation include loss of biodiversity and increased carbon emissions.
Environment – The natural world, including the air, water, land, and ecosystems, in which living organisms exist and interact. – Conservation efforts aim to protect the environment from the detrimental effects of pollution and over-exploitation.
Extraction – The process of removing natural resources from the environment for human use, often involving mining, drilling, or other methods. – The extraction of minerals can lead to habitat destruction and pollution if not managed sustainably.
