The Ethics of Fracking

Gr 9 Up—Drilling for natural gas has been around for 60 years, but in the last decade new methods have been used. One of these is fracking, in which the injection of a high-pressure solution underground forces the release of natural gas. There are many environmental problems associated with this form of energy extraction, and these include water, air, and noise pollution. There are social costs as well, and engineers, politicians, theologians (Jewish and Christian), and physicians discuss the moral and ethical issues raised. Arguments on both sides are presented while key questions regarding fracking are answered—what are the major concerns, what are the political ethics, is it safe, how should we proceed while creating national standards, and finally, would God frack? A highlight is the use of newspaper and periodical headlines and stories to illustrate how the gas industry has promoted fracking to the public. The film concludes with the admonition that "we are all in this together" and through this inter-connectedness we need to protect the Earth and each other. Science classes as well as environmental studies, social studies, and communications classes can utilize this film to stimulate discussion and research.—Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mt. Carmel, IL