Greenhouse gas emissions from the production and use of
shale gas would be comparable to conventional natural gas, but the
controversial energy source actually faired better than renewables on some
environmental impacts, according to new research.
The UK holds enough shale gas to supply its entire gas
demand for 470 years, promising to solve the country’s energy crisis and end
its reliance on fossil-fuel imports from unstable markets. But for many,
including climate scientists and environmental groups, shale gas exploitation
is viewed as environmentally dangerous and would result in the UK reneging on
its greenhouse gas reduction obligations under the Climate Change Act.