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Discovery: Fracking for Shale Gas

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Views of the Cuadrilla Fracking Site At Balcombe

30/09/2013 GMT

Fracking for Shale Gas

BBC World Service - Discovery, Fracking for Shale GasSearch BBC

What does fracking involve and what impact does it have on the environment?

Fracking for gas is said to contaminate water courses and cause earthquakes, and yet it provides a cheap source of energy. Gaia Vince explores the pros and cons.

Fracking for gas is highly controversial in the US and the UK as it has been accused of contaminating water courses and causing earthquakes. Yet it provides a cheap source of energy. Beneath England there are thought to be considerable amounts of shale gas and the UK government is considering whether to allow fracking in these areas. Already there is opposition from residents, concerned about pollution and earth tremors. Gaia Vince talks to scientists to find out what fracking involves and what impact it has on the environment, and she discovers what other countries can learn from the pioneers of the technology, the United States.

(Image: Views of the Cuadrilla Fracking Site at Balcombe. Credit: WPA Pool, Getty)

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