This video aired on CBS's 60 Minutes on November 14, 2010. While the last video I shared illuminated the safety risks, this video took a more unbiased look at both sides of the story. While it also cites safety risks, it shares the potential for economic stimulation as well. Furthermore, it does a great job showing how the drilling process works. Definitely worth watching.
Embedding of this video has been disabled, so watch it here at CBSnews.com, or here on YouTube.
It leaves me wondering what is more important to people -- wealth, or even financial stability, or the sustained health of the planet?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Investigating the US Gas Drilling Boom -- video
I just came across this fascinating video at theecologist.org. It is a comprehensive look at the potential ill effects of fracking in our area. It portrays an idyllic north east destroyed by toxic contaminants. Along with the myriad of chemicals that are realeased into the ground, the process actually releases radon and radium (a carcinogen). These are both naturally found in Marcellus Shale, and the fracking process releases them.
The video is shocking. Watch a man light his drinking water on fire; listen to another describe the destruction of his pond and death of his fish and turtles. "They told us not to drink [the water] or bathe in it." Could you imagine, not being able to bathe in the water that comes through your pipes?
What is most frightening is that all these ill-effects are not going to show themselves immediately. Rather, they will build up until they are irrevocable, and then it will be too late.
Given our nation's current economic crisis, it seems likely that the continuation of fracking is inevitable. It provides jobs, and it claims to be a solution to an aparrent gas crisis. Landowners are compensated big time. Therefore, people are bound to support it.
But is it worth the risk? People need to educate themselves.
The video is shocking. Watch a man light his drinking water on fire; listen to another describe the destruction of his pond and death of his fish and turtles. "They told us not to drink [the water] or bathe in it." Could you imagine, not being able to bathe in the water that comes through your pipes?
What is most frightening is that all these ill-effects are not going to show themselves immediately. Rather, they will build up until they are irrevocable, and then it will be too late.
Given our nation's current economic crisis, it seems likely that the continuation of fracking is inevitable. It provides jobs, and it claims to be a solution to an aparrent gas crisis. Landowners are compensated big time. Therefore, people are bound to support it.
But is it worth the risk? People need to educate themselves.
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