Exploring UK fracking emissions concerns

Hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – of shale to harness the natural gases within is a controversial topic in the UK, due to uncertainty over its effects on the environment. As the UK doesn’t have a shale fracking industry yet, how are scientists predicting potential emission levels?

Fracking has not yet begun in the UK, but many shale gas sites have already been identified, particularly in northern England. In 2015, the government awarded more than 150 licences to energy firms in the UK allowing them to explore for oil and gas, but the firms need to obtain planning permission from their local council before they can start exploratory fracking.

A planning permission application from Cuadrilla was rejected by Lancashire County Council in June 2015. The appeal hearing began on 9 February 2016, and it could be several months before the final decision is reached. It is this delay that prompted the government to warn local councils in August 2015 that it will step in if decisions on fracking applications are not reached within 16 weeks. According to a BBC News report from December 2015, the Labour party has called for a moratorium on fracking ‘until we can be sure it is safe’ and governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have all said they will oppose fracking until further research is completed into its environmental impact.

What research is being undertaken into fracking, and can we learn something from the US?