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Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as fracking, is a technology used in different provinces around Canada. The main premise of this technology is to break down sedimentary rock with the flow of high-pressure water and chemicals through a well, to release oil and natural gas (Martinez-Espineira, Garcia-Valinas, & Matesanz, 2019). Today, fracking is a combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulically fracturing rock, which works for unconventional oil and natural gas release (Boudet, Bugden, Zanocco, & Maibach, 2016). In regard to the use of fracking in Canada, there is evidence of arguments for and against this technology. The polarization in Canadians’ views towards the topic has led to confusion on the importance of the technology’s promotion (Martinez-Espineira, Garcia-Valinas, & Matesanz, 2019). My position is against the use of this technology due to the environmental concerns imposed which have led to the issuing of moratoriums by certain provinces.

Although the disadvantages of this technology are of my utmost consideration, fracking was put into place for a reason, and therefore it is important to acknowledge the advantages surrounding it. Firstly, an advantage of fracking is that it allows access into previously unretrieved oil and gas development (Boudet, Bugden, Zanocco, & Maibach, 2016). In the past, retrieval of such materials required excessive costs and there were many technological obstacles to the extraction process (Boudet, Bugden, Zanocco, & Maibach, 2016). With this information at hand, I understand why fracking was initially promoted as it was a cheaper and effective means of extracting uncommon materials. Another advantage of fracking is that it influenced the economy. For example, there has been an urge to lift fracking moratoriums in New Brunswick as a way to increase jobs and uplift the economy (Keefe, 2016). Moreover, energy companies involved in natural gas development have been around for many years and as such, I know that they have been a great source of employment in Canada.

Despite the evidence-based advantages of fracking, I am confident that there are more cons of this technology to our society now, that significantly outweigh the pros. Environmental concerns ranging from water quality complaints to natural disasters, have particularly shaped my opinion against the use of fracking. Firstly, in terms of water complaints, the chemicals used for fracking have been associated with pollution, and thus decreased healthy drinking water (Martinez- Espineira, Garcia-Valinas, & Matesanz, 2019). This poses threats not only to individuals now, but to future generations, as access to fresh water is a basic necessity. Therefore, I do not think this method of oil and natural gas extraction is worth putting future generations at risk. Secondly, there are links between natural disasters and hydraulic fracturing operations in provinces within Canada. Particularly, many companies in British Columbia had been shut down or suspended as a result of suspected induced seismicity from fracking operations (Regulators halt fracking in northeastern B.C. for earthquake investigation, 2018). With that being said, scientists have actually determined that it is possible for fracking to cause earthquakes (Little, 2018). I find it alarming to hear that this technology has the capacity to cause immense destruction to communities, as well as the individuals living in them. A technology that has the ability to evoke natural disasters should not be a priority to use even though it reaps other benefits.

Overall, although the use of fracking was initially promoted due to understandable objectives, the environmental issues that are enhanced due to the use of this technology should be brought to the fore. Furthermore, I feel as though my argument against fracking is an accurate view of the use of this technology due to the disadvantages highlighted and their implications to individuals in today’s society.

References

Boudet, H., Bugden, D., Zanocco, C., & Maibach, E. (2016). The effect of industry activities on public support for ‘fracking’. Environmental Politics, 25(4), 593-612. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/09644016.2016.1153771.

Keefe, J. (2016, April 13). Energy industry urging government to lift fracking moratorium. Global News. Retrieved from: https://globalnews.ca/news/2636542/energy-industry-urging-government-to- lift-fracking-moratorium/.

Little, S. (2018, November 30). Fort St. John quake was ‘very likely’ cause by fracking: officials. Global News. Retrieved from: https://globalnews.ca/news/4717489/fort-st-john-fracking- earthquake/.

Martinez-Espineira, R., Garcia-Valinas, M. A., & Matesanz, D. (2019). Public attitudes towards hydraulic fracturing in western Newfoundland. Energy Economics, 84, 1-14, 104492. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2019.104492.

Regulators halt fracking in northeastern B.C. for earthquake investigation. (2018, December 7). Global News. Retrieved from: https://globalnews.ca/news/4741954/regulators-halt-fracking-in- northeastern-b-c-for-earthquake-investigation/.