Fracking
Fracking is an issue around the world that must stop because it puts air quality at risk, puts water quality at risk, and requires lots of water. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, refers to the process of injecting liquid at high pressure into subterranean rocks, boreholes, etc., so as to force open existing fissures and extract oil or gas. Fracking can put air quality at risk. Scientist Miriam Rotkin-Ellman has stated that “The health risks from fracking are not limited to what’s in our drinking water—oil and gas operations are also poisoning the air we breathe,” (“Major Health Threats From Fracking”). There are many reasons for how it can. One of those is the increased traffic from trucks driving to the fracking site, increasing
…show more content…
This can happen when fracking fluid seeps to the surface. There it can contaminate canals, rivers, water wells, and other bodies of water.
Fracking also requires a very large amount of water. The American Chemical Society has reported that fracking companies have “consumed nearly 250 billion gallons of water between 2005 and 2014 for hydraulic fracturing.” (“How much water do U.S. fracking operations really use”). This is water that could be used for drinking or farming, things that are necessary to human life.
There is a reason, however, for why some people support fracking. According to what-is-fracking.com, the fracking industry “supports 9.8 million jobs or 5.6 percent of total U.S. employment,” (“What is Fracking?”). It is an alternative to other oil extraction methods. Another reason why fracking supporters support fracking is because they believe that it will boost the economy. These are some of the reasons why some people support