FoES Comment: Scotland’s Geology not suitable for Fracking

Commenting on the analysis by Professor John Underhill of Heriot-Watt University that the UK’s geology is unsuitable for fracking, Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said:

“Professor Underhill’s analysis of the geological complexity of the UK’s shale resources simply adds weight to the already overwhelming case against fracking in Scotland or indeed anywhere in these Isles. He is not the first geologist to point out serious flaws in the case the industry makes for pursuing shale gas, and no doubt he won’t be the last.

“FoES has long highlighted the misleading use of US shale gas economics by industry players like Ineos to make a case for fracking in Scotland. However, even if Scotland’s geology presented ideal conditions for shale gas extraction, the case against fracking is still very clear. Fracking presents a whole host of risks to people’s health and our local environment, while in the context of irreversible climate change, going after a new source of fossil fuels is quite literally the last thing we should be doing.

“Support for fracking is at an all time low. Over 60,000 people have responded to a consultation on fracking in Scotland with the vast majority calling for an all out ban. We urge the Scottish Government to put an end to this discussion by banning fracking once and for all, and focus instead on a rapid and fair transition to a zero carbon economy.”

ENDS