Fracking Research Essay Example

Have you ever wondered where some of the energy that you use on the daily comes from? Some of the gasses too? Well, it comes from a process called fracking! Fracking is a controversial method of retrieving gas, and has its pros and cons.

What is fracking? Fracking, or hydraulic fracking, is the process of injecting and drilling a mixture of sand, water, and other chemicals into the earth. This helps open rocks to release gasses and oils. This is done through a large machine, which can be drilled up to four miles down. According to WBO, “Fracking occurs after a well has been drilled downwards, and sometimes sideways.” (Hydraulic Fracking) Also, hydraulic fracking is opening and breaking up shale rocks that are deep into the ground by drilling. Companies must have government approval to do fracking. Finally, the fracking machine is like a well, and when the high pressure mixture is injected into the earth, the oils and gasses flow out into the machine, and can be used. (What is fracking) In conclusion, fracking is the process of opening up rocks to retrieve oils, gasses, and energy.

The process of fracking does have many benefits. Fracking can get oils and gasses that are really hard to get with other machines and methods. These can be used by big companies to create cheap and natural gas. (Hydraulic Fracking) That is only one reason why. Fracking can also help the environment in some ways. For example, the gas and oils produced from fracking can produce electricity at half of the CO2 used in coal. According to BBC, “It is estimated to have offered gas security to the US and Canada for about 100 years, and has presented an opportunity to generate electricity at half the CO2 emissions of coal.” (What is fracking) Lastly, fracking can help lower gas prices by a lot, helping out people. It can also potentially create thousands of jobs, and help with future energy needs. It has also produced seven million barrels of oil and six-hundred trillion cubic feet of natural gas. (Fracking Shale Oil) All in all, there are many reasons why fracking is a great process.

Although there are many benefits, there are also many cons. For example, fracking can cause many illnesses from being around the machine and inhaling the gas. It can cause rashes, burns, bruises, and even certain cancers. (Fracking Positive Negative) Also, gasses and other cancer causing chemicals can leak into the water and harm sea life. The chemicals used in fracking can cause pollution. Methane can also leak into ponds and lakes. Fracking can impair landscapes, threaten wildlife, and kill already rare species.  Fracking even caused a 1.2 and 1.5 magnitude earthquake in Blackpool. (What Is Fracking) As said by Discovery Education, “Leaking gas, water contamination, air pollution and destruction of natural habitats, are among the many concerns opponents of fracking have.” (Fracking Positive Negative) One more con is that fracking can make large companies “distracted” from using renewable energy. The harmful chemicals can also make workers fall ill and get hospitalized. (What is Fracking) So, fracking does have many poor effects as well. 

In conclusion, fracking, a method of retrieving gas and oils is used all over the world. It has some positive effects and impacts. But, it also has multiple negative points and parts. This has caused a worldwide call, in which there are even protests going with and against it.  The process is still used to this day.