Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
Globalization has largely been seen in the context of the outsourcing of information technologies. But the larger outsourcing that globalization is leading to is the outsourcing of pollution and the energy-intensive production of goods.
Why has there been such a massive grassroots backlash against fracking? In this chapter, we’ll look at the evidence for fracking’s impacts on water, air, land, and climate. Reader warning: it ain’t pretty.
•Shale miracle is surprisingly unprofitable •France’s Fracking Ban ‘Absolute’ After Court Upholds Law •Duke Study: Fracking Is Leaving Radioactive Pollution In Pennsylvania Rivers •Montana Towns Struggle With Oil Boom Cost as Dollars Flee
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico briefly focused attention on how the oil and gas industry exploits public resources with little or no accountability.
“I don’t believe for one minute that all Albertans believe that oil and gas is the only way to live in this province,” says Ronalie Campbell. “Alberta wasn’t built on oil and gas,” says Shawn, “Alberta was built on agriculture. Alberta was started with a plow, and horseback, and cattle.
•Boulder County activists concerned about flooded oil, gas wells •U-M technical reports examine hydraulic fracturing in Michigan •Shale Energy No Quick Solution •Never-Released Energy Department Report Predicts Increasing Domestic Conflicts over Water, Energy
•Pennsylvania Fracking Study Preliminary Results Released •Democrats will soon have a big, fat fight over fracking •The Darker Shades Of Shale •Ukraine region rejects shale gas project •Estonia becomes self-sufficient on shale gas boom
A weekly review including: Oil and the Global Economy, The Middle East & North Africa, China, Quote of the Week, The Briefs
This conversation with reporters covering fracking in California and in the US highlights the dangers and potential of the natural gas bonanza.
•Fracking Tied to Pennsylvania Water Woes by EPA Official •Industry Pressure Shuts Down EPA Fracking Investigations •EDF to exit US nuclear power over impact of shale gas •US shale threatens Saudi funding crisis and demise of OPEC •Fracking can take place in ‘desolate’ north-east England, Tory peer says •Bakken shale natural gas flaring tops $100 million each month
•China’s Bad Earth •Pesticides, fungicides harming bee colonies, UM study says •Can Agriculture Reverse Climate Change?
By focusing on developing the economy for decades, politicians and business leaders have done little to account for the environmental costs of growing industry. Now, economies worldwide are struggling to cover the increasing expenses of pollution and health care – But who is going to pay?
