Fracking could help to reduce climate change

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has released a report that says fracking for natural gas could be beneficial. Fracking is a process that involves blasting water into rocks in order to create cracks and release natural shale gas. This gas can then be used as an alternative to coal as it releases less carbon dioxide emissions, helping to reduce air pollution.

Fracking doesn't have the best reputation and many environmentalists claim that it can cause major earthquakes by opening fault-lines. However recent studies have shown that if any earthquakes do occur they will be minimal and not felt by humans. Professor Richard Davies, of Durham University Energy Institute, said: "We have concluded that hydraulic fracturing is not a significant mechanism for inducing felt earthquakes. It is extremely unlikely that any of us will ever be able to feel an earthquake caused by fracking."

Another fear is that fracking will cause water contamination. Professor Davies discounted this, as gas will not leak far enough underground in order to pollute the aquifers. However, he went on to say that the wells could leak over time; meaning that groundwater could become contaminated.

With these possibilities in mind, the CCC has said that fracking could help towards the fight against climate change. David Kennedy, chief executive of the committee, said: "UK shale gas may play a useful role substituting for imported gas in meeting demand for heat, and for gas-fired generation to balance the system." Shale gas will have a lower emission rate than imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), but only if tighter regulations are in place to ensure that methane leaks are stopped.

It was, however, emphasised that shale gas will not be a substitute for renewable energy - offshore wind farms, solar power and nuclear - and so investment in these energy types should continue. Kennedy said: "It is not a game changer and we should not suddenly stop investing in low carbon technologies and have a dash for gas."