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Articles on Fracking

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Drilling for water in the Karoo where one major concern from fracking is that groundwater will be affected in the shale gas extraction process. Danita Hohne

Groundwater maps could help South Africa prepare for safer fracking

A vulnerability map could help assess the risks associated with fracking and groundwater which around 300 towns depend on in South Africa’s Karoo.
A wastewater injection well in Coyle, Oklahoma. Increases in wastewater injection at the underground can destabilise pre-existing faults, setting off earthquakes. J. Berry Harrison III / News 9 Oklahoma

Earthquakes caused by industrial activities: what are the risks and how can they be reduced?

As global demand for energy and mineral supplies increases worldwide, the number of man‑made earthquakes is expected to rise. That increases the importance of understanding connection between the two.
Fracking has led to an increase in truck traffic, one of the reasons for worsening trends on air quality in areas with oil and gas drilling. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

How has the US fracking boom affected air pollution in shale areas?

The fracking boom has led to a large increase of hydrocarbon emissions in rural areas, reversing some regional air toxics trends.
There are indications shale gas may be present in South Africa’s Karoo. Reuters/Mike Hutchings

Shale gas in South Africa: game-changer or damp squib?

South Africa’s Karoo region potentially holds shale gas that could transform the energy economy of the country. But given the uncertainties around exploration what’s the next logical step?
Sand for use in hydraulic fracturing operations at a processing plant in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin in 2011. AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)

The world is facing a global sand crisis

Overuse of sand for construction and industry is harming the environment and fueling violence around the world. Scientists explain why we need international rules to regulate sand mining and use.
Six million people in Pennsylvania and neighboring states get their drinking water from the Susquehanna River. Major pollution sources include agriculture, urban development and industry. Nicholas A. Tonelli

Is your drinking water safe? Here’s how you can find out

America’s drinking water infrastructure is aging and needs billions of dollars in upgrades. Two extension educators urge consumers to monitor their water and have it tested if they suspect problems.
The surge in U.S. oil and natural gas production has transformed the energy picture in the country, but the influence is muted globally. Pixabay

Is energy ‘dominance’ the right goal for US policy?

The Trump administration has set a new national policy: energy dominance. But can the US really dominate other countries through fossil fuel exports?
Shell’s drilling rig destined for waters off Alaska met with problems in the Arctic and protesters in Seattle. AP Photo/Elaine Thompson

Trump’s offshore oil drilling push: Five essential reads

The industry has wanted access to offshore oil for decades, but the Arctic remains challenging. Consumers, meanwhile, seem conflicted on expanded offshore drilling.
Protesters rally against coal seam gas in Melbourne, February 2016. AAP Image/Caroline Zielinski

Australian gas: between a fracked rock and a socially hard place

The federal government seems keen to usher in a new boom in onshore gas production. But gas firms will need to tread carefully, as past experience in Queensland’s fracking heartland shows.
Devastation in Sichuan province after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, thought to be induced by industrial activity at a nearby reservoir. dominiqueb/flickr

Earthquakes triggered by humans pose growing risk

A new project tracks earthquakes accidentally induced by human activity. It suggests the problem is bigger than some scientists thought.
Trump’s energy plan will be fossil fuels on steroids combined with efforts to roll back limits on greenhouse gases. AP Photo/Eric Gay

What President Trump means for the future of energy and climate

President-elect Trump’s objective on energy and climate is clear: Undo Obama’s legacy of environmental regulations and massively expand fossil fuel production.

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