23, May 2016
This week, councillors in North Yorkshire approved an application for extraction of shale gas near Kirby Misperton in Ryedale. With a 7-4 vote, debate has sparked across the country, with many concerned about the impact of opening up new fossil fuel extraction when the UK needs to focus on bringing our emissions down.
What is Fracking?
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a method of extracting natural gas stored deep underground by drilling into the earth and pumping high-pressure chemicals and liquid into rocks to break them apart and release gas.
Despite the controversy surrounding fracking, the government has continued to back it as a way of bringing down the UK’s reliance on other countries for our energy needs. However, at a time in which renewable energy support has been reduced, many have argued that fracking isn’t the answer - with many unknown impacts on local environments, as well as having a negative impact on commitments to achieving the 1.5 degree target agreed in Paris last year, it certainly isn't the greenest option.
What Could This Mean For Our future?
Last year, a planning application for fracking was rejected by Lancashire county council. This was considered to be a major win for the climate justice movement, however, this week’s decision has once again raised concerns about our climate change commitments.
Climate activists fear what this decision could mean for future exploration. Since this is the first application to have been approved since the ban on fracking was lifted in 2012, campaigners are concerned that more sites in England will be opened up.
Let’s Stay Positive
Only time will tell whether or not this week’s approval will kick-start the opening of further fracking sites, however we’re staying positive and keeping our fingers crossed that this won’t be the case! Join us and thousands of others around the world in campaigning for a cleaner future by signing the Avaaz petition below and showing your support for a 100% renewable future.
Join the Climate Movement!
Join Avaaz, Ben & Jerry’s and millions of citizens from around the world who are calling on leaders of the developed nations and the United Nations to tackle climate change at the upcoming summit in Paris. Our goal is for international leaders to work towards 100% Clean Energy by 2050. This ambitious goal is in line with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC’s) stated need for the elimination of all carbon pollution within the next 85 years. Learn more about the petition.
