Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing, also called fracking, is a contentious way of extracting natural oil and gas from deep beneath the ground. Groundwater contamination is one of the main worries linked with fracking. In the process, chemicals dissolved in water are pumped into the ground with high pressure, and there is a chance that the harmful substances seep into aquifers and contaminate drinking water sources. In addition, fracking is also linked with increased seismic activity, including slight earthquakes, in regions that were hitherto not experiencing any of these activities.
Third, the process is a major contributor to environmental degradation and unsustainable resource consumption. Intense utilization of non-renewable resources depletes the resource faster, highlighting that the activities are not environmentally sustainable (Marten, 2001). Not only does fracking drain finite fossil fuels, but it also harms the ecosystem associated with extracting them.
Fracking also conflicts with the principles of sustainable development. It harms ecosystems, adds to air pollution, and disproportionately impacts poor communities near drilling areas. A healthy society prioritizes equal concern for ecological sustainability, economic development, and social justice since they are interdependent (Yu et al., 2024). If any of these components are neglected, the system is negatively affected, as seen in areas with fracking.
Based on the environmental, health, and social issues, the United States should seriously consider banning fracking or introducing tougher federal regulations to counteract its adverse impacts. Various nations, like France and Germany, have already banned fracking due to the same environmental degradation and public health concerns. Furthermore, shifting to green energy sources like wind and solar offers a cleaner, long-term avenue.
Renewable energy investments cut down greenhouse gas emissions and generate more jobs for every unit of electricity compared to fossil fuels (Holechek et al., 2022). For the U.S. to stand by the principles of sustainable development, ecological integrity, and social justice, it should start phasing out hydraulic fracturing in favor of greener, long-term energy methods.
References
Holechek, J. L., Geli, H. M. E., Sawalhah, M. N., & Valdez, R. (2022). A global assessment: Can renewable energy replace fossil fuels by 2050? Sustainability, 14(8), 4792. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084792
Marten, G. G. (2001). Human Ecology: Basic Concepts for Sustainable Development. Earthscan Publications Ltd.
Yu, H., Zahidi, I., Fai, C. M., Liang, D., & Madsen, D. Ø. (2024). Elevating community well-being in mining areas: The proposal of the mining area sustainability index (MASI). Environmental Sciences Europe, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-024-00895-9
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Question 
| Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is not widespread outside of North America. Some entire countries have banned the practice overseas.
What are some of the concerns associated with fracking, and in your opinion, should the United States also ban this practice? Client’s Notes:
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Hydraulic Fracturing
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