FRACKING
Pros
- Provides jobs - Reduces dependency on foreign countries - Cheap - Clean Natural Gas (CNG) - Safer for miners Cons - Contaminates soil/groundwater - Short term solution - Makes surrounding citizens sick/die - Other countries may invade - No push for alternatives |
Fracking is the process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside. Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which allows the gas to flow out to the head of the well. (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14432401). It is a very controversial topic because of its many pros and cons. While it is a cheaper, cleaner source of natural gas, it does not change the fact that it contaminates the entire surrounding area. The people/animals living in these areas are becoming ill due to the strong release of benzene and other harmful gases from the process. In addition to this, fracking contaminates the soil and groundwater, thus making it unsafe for agriculture/consumption/everyday use. Fracking is a short term solution that may seem good now, but will eventually bite us in the butt in the future.
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Reflection
I find it very sad how the people living in smaller, more rural areas have no say in where the companies frack. Not only do they get no say in the location, but they are forced to breathe in toxic gases from the process. The people are forced to go out of their way to get usable water, because their once clean water wells have been contaminated. Big gas companies need to look ahead, because not only will they run out of gas to frack for, but they will be responsible for the poor health of thousands of people who tried to stand up to them, but were shot down. We need to find an alternative before it's too late.
I find it very sad how the people living in smaller, more rural areas have no say in where the companies frack. Not only do they get no say in the location, but they are forced to breathe in toxic gases from the process. The people are forced to go out of their way to get usable water, because their once clean water wells have been contaminated. Big gas companies need to look ahead, because not only will they run out of gas to frack for, but they will be responsible for the poor health of thousands of people who tried to stand up to them, but were shot down. We need to find an alternative before it's too late.