Blogs
Costa Rica - Analize Climate Change
Fracking in Algeria
The Algerian government introduced hydraulic fracking in Ayn Saleh, Algeria. The purpose was to extract shale gas from these deserts. Mohad Gasmi led the demonstration against fracking. Soon, all provinces near the fracking site organised protests. 5 months of continuous protests carried on, and in result, fracking operations has been suspended in Ayn Saleh.
What is Fracking?
Fracking is the process of forcing fresh drinkable water, chemicals and sand at high pressure into rock deposits underground. This process causes the rock to break and allows recovery of shale gas and shale oil, otherwise known as "tight oil", that was trapped in the rock. The problem of fracking is that as the pressure breaks through the rock, it can pollute existing underground water pockets. The drilling method requires 15-20 million liters of water for each fracturing, which is equivalent to the daily amount consumed by 40 000 people.
"Chemicals"
Though the composition of most fracking chemicals remains protected from disclosure through various "trade secret" exemptions under state or federal law, scientists analyzing fracked fluid have identified volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene - all of which pose significant dangers to human health and welfare. An estimated of 70 billion dollars are being invested on these fracking projects at the north east of Africa.
Who benefits?
European corporations that consume the shale gas that Algeria extracts are the ones to benefit. The extraction is also a safeguard for the Algerian economy because oil and gas are a big portion (about 60%) of all the Algerian income and almost all (92%) of export earnings. And since the oil and gas prices dropped 3 years ago the country was at a “state of crisis”.
Proposals
Instead of making up a crazy solution, i'll just say its way too hard in this position. The economy on these countries (Northern Africa) depend too much on the production of oil. In the case of Algeria, i believe they are in a very hard situation. The country economy depends on this process, but also the people may be seriously affected by it.
Post comment
1 Comment(s)
Brilliantly written Juan, the case in Algeria is an excellent example of environmental colonialism. Gratefully, all these issues are coming to limelight as people can more informed and positive changes are taking place. And at our own level, as we get more informed, we can also get more involved in the fight to preserve our planet and its finite and vulnerable resources. It is our collective responsibility to speak out.
The negative impacts of fracking can not be overestimated. One of its most serious threats is the contamination of underground water formation which is the source of domestic water for many rural communities. Also the amount of water used in fracking operation is massive, However, there are recent talks around efficient recycling of waste water from fracking process, but it is heavily dependent on cost, recent technological advancement is however bringing down the cost of waste water recycle. VOCs like you clearly pointed out are also extremely hazardous both to humans and the environment but, government regulations around fracking operations are also becoming more stringent and effective which is great.
The issue of who benefits is sensitive because resource extraction is suppose to bring job creation, employment and economic development to the resource owners and benefit the extractors as well, but this has not been the case. Resource rich countries have on average done poorly in managing their resources but progress is still possible if they get economic and political support.
On the issue of proposal, you are right, the solution is difficult to arrive at, however, if these countries begin to pursue sustainable growth strategies and reinvesting their resource wealth into productive investments in their countries, they will begin to make progress.
Great insights Juan! You surely have a strong sense of the issues being explored.
Keep up the green initiatives....:)
Sandra Ukaigwe
Oct 24, 2017