Fracking is viewed as a means to aid the transition from the present day reliance on coal and other fossil fuels to a low-carbon, energy efficient future. It is not without its detractors, however, who claim that leakages of methane gas are entering Earth's atmosphere, thereby contributing towards global climate change. Methane gas is known for its global warming potential; a position that is at odds with agreements to reduce carbon emissions as part of a green agenda. The study was conducted by researchers in Germany and published today in Nature Communications.
Fracking is viewed as a means to aid the transition from the present day reliance on coal and other fossil fuels to a low-carbon, energy efficient future. It is not without its detractors, however, who claim that leakages of methane gas are entering Earth's atmosphere, thereby contributing towards global climate change. Methane gas is known for its global warming potential; a position that is at odds with agreements to reduce carbon emissions as part of a green agenda. The problem with fracking is that it relies upon methane as a bridging fuel between fossil fuels and renewable energy sources; however, it will only benefit the environment if leaks from pipework and drilling are no greater than 2 or 3%.