The Human and Environmental Impact of Fracking - How Fracturing Shale for Gas Affects Us and Our World

Fracking for gas trapped in shale could be a game changer in the quest to find alternatives to dirty fossil fuels, but it also has potential for harm. This book provides "one-stop shopping" for everyone who wants to know more about the issues.
Oil and gas account for a large percentage of the world's energy consumption, and the search for new ways to extract both from the earth is a global quest. Fracking is viewed as an energy game-changer but is a controversial topic about which there is much misunderstanding. This unbiased work was written to bring clarity to the issues. Under the guidance of an internationally recognized public health expert, this book provides a comprehensive look at unconventional natural gas development from many different perspectives.

Written for the layperson, the book dispels myths surrounding fracking, corrects misconceptions, and offers impartial, scientifically based information on both benefits and challenges. Readers will learn about the effects fracking has on the environment-our water, air, and climate-as well as on human and animal health. The contributors also look at the economics of fracking and at its socioeconomic impact on local communities and nations. They discuss legal and ethical issues related to the practice and, in keeping with the intent to provide a fair and balanced overview, share the industry perspective as well.

About the author

Madelon L. Finkel, PhD, is professor of health care policy and research and director of the Office of Global Health Education at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Product details

• Authors: Madelon Finkel, Madelon L. Finkel
• Assisted by: Madelon L. Finkel (Editor), Finkel Madelon L. (Editor)
• Publisher: Greenwood Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 28.02.2015
• EAN: 9781440832598
• ISBN: 978-1-4408-3259-8
• No. of pages: 265
• Series: Public Health Issues and Developments
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Technology > Miscellaneous; Social sciences, law, business > Business > Individual industrial sectors, branches; NATURE / Natural Resources, Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Environmental Economics, Environmental Economics, Pollution & threats to the environment, Pollution and threats to the environment, Energy resources, Current Events and Issues: Environment; Environment