Has the UK Stopped Fracking: A Political Cynicism or Environmental Concern?
The United Kingdom has been at the center of a contentious debate regarding hydraulic fracturing (fracking), a procedure used to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs. While England and Wales are proposing to go ahead with some fracking activities, Scotland has already strictly banned the practice within its borders. This disparity in policies across different regions raises questions about the true intentions behind the shifting stance on fracking.
Recent Developments and Expectations
Recently, a fracking scheme in one region received a limited time extension, and the results so far have not met expectations. This suggests that the government is unlikely to grant any further licenses for fracking. Onshore fracking, while not entirely banned, has been plagued by stringent conditions, particularly seismic limits, which have effectively made it unfeasible for companies to pursue. Offshore fracking, however, still remains a viable option.
Political Motivations and Election Tactics
The current government has employed a tactic of appearing to ban fracking to fool the electorate. This strategy is reminiscent of a monitorium rather than a permanent ban. Some political analysts suggest that this could be a cynical ploy to win votes in the upcoming election, as the winning Conservatives could quietly reverse the policy if they secure a majority. Alternatively, there is a small chance that Boris Johnson, the current Prime Minister, could be acting in the best interest of the people and the environment.
Lack of Public Understanding and Media Influence
Public understanding of hydraulic fracturing in the UK is notably lacking, as evidenced by widespread protests and public outcry without proper knowledge. In contrast, in Alberta, Canada, where hydraulic fracturing has been a common practice since the 1950s, the technique has been widely accepted and has not encountered major issues. Hundreds of thousands of oil and gas wells have been fracked in Canada with no significant problems. Fracking is indeed a standard procedure used to enhance oil and gas production.
American Success and Global Recognition
The United States has achieved record-breaking oil production in recent years and is now the world's largest oil producer, surpassing even countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia. Most of the oil and gas in the US is produced using hydraulic fracturing. This example showcases the benefits and effectiveness of fracking, yet in the UK, the technique is viewed through a highly negative lens by uninformed segments of the population.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over fracking in the UK highlights the complex interplay between political motives and genuine environmental concerns. Whether the current policy is a cynical election tactic or a genuine shift towards greater environmental protection remains to be seen, as the industry closely watches the results of the upcoming election.