To the editor,
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a process used to extract natural gas and oil from shale rock formations deep beneath the earth’s surface. While fracking has been touted as a way to increase energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign oil, it is also widely considered to be an environmental disaster with far-reaching consequences.
One of the most significant concerns regarding fracking is the potential for groundwater contamination. Fracking requires vast amounts of water, which is mixed with chemicals and sand and injected into the shale rock formations to release the trapped natural gas and oil. This mixture can contain toxic chemicals, which can contaminate nearby water sources. The fracking process also generates large amounts of wastewater, which can also contain these toxic chemicals and must be disposed of properly to avoid further environmental damage.
Fracking can also have negative impacts on wildlife and their habitats. The construction of roads, pipelines, and drilling pads can disrupt and fragment natural landscapes, leading to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity.
Finally, there is also the issue of climate change to consider. While ‘natural’ gas is often touted as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, the process of fracking and the associated emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases can offset any potential benefits.
In conclusion, fracking is an environmental disaster with a range of negative impacts on the environment and public health. From groundwater contamination to air pollution, habitat loss to climate change, the risks associated with fracking far outweigh any potential benefits. It is important that we take action to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy to protect our environment.
We have everything we need to make the transition off fossil fuels except the political will.
Vic Brice, Nanaimo
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