Question

Module 8 - Discussion

Hydraulic fracturing or fracking has recently become a controversial issue. Please watch this video Fracking explained: opportunity or danger (Links to an external site.) 
Minimize Video that explains fracking in a nutshell. According to Boudet et. al (2014), we can observe highly polarized public opinion towards fracking. The Economic benefits of fracking (Links to an external site.) are set against The Costs of Fracking (Links to an external site.). Analysis conducted by Yale Climate Connections (Links to an external site.) nicely summarizes pros and cons of fracking in regards to five key issues.

What do you think about this technology? In your opinion, should we try to stop fracking or incentivize its further development? (take into account the alternatives presented in the reading assigned for this week) Can you think of any middle ground policy solutions to deal with it? Do you think we have reliable data on costs and benefits of fracking? Has any particular source of information influenced your perception of fracking?

Feel free to provide additional sources dealing with this issue.

5 months ago

Answer