Where now for the fracking debate?

ETHICAL

Ryan Smith, head of corporate governance and SRI at Kames Capital, analyses the environmental impact as shale gas production becomes big business.

Shale gas is becoming one of the biggest environmental issues of our time. It is already a big issue in the US and it is set to become one of the major environmental issues here in the UK as the government looks to meet the country’s energy needs. Later this year, the British Geological Survey is expected to publish an estimate of the UK’s shale gas resources. So far, a few exploratory wells have been sunk near Blackpool, but drilling had stopped until recently following two minor earth tremors. Approval for development of these reserves has been a source of controversy. Chancellor Ge...